In his very first Australian show, Oregon native Max McNown brought a sold-out crowd at Brisbane's The Tivoli to its feet with a heartfelt, genre-blending performance that was equal parts polished and personal.
First to hit the stage (6 May) was the incredible Austin Mackay, a rising talent hailing from Newcastle. From the moment he walked out under the lights, alone with his guitar, he brought a warmth and grounded presence that instantly won over the early crowd.With a voice that blended grit and grace, Austin's set was full of reflective lyricism and honest storytelling. A highlight came when he introduced his latest single, 'All My Friends' with a deeply personal moment.
"Growing up, my mum told me to not wish my life away, and I never listened to her," he shared. "I always wanted to be that little bit older, little bit wiser. . . but right now, I kind of just want time to stop. I'm really content being present." The song, he explained, was a tribute to the people and places that shaped him, his family, his home town, and "the boys back home".
It was a sentiment that clearly resonated, with the crowd falling silent in reverence as he delivered the heartfelt track. Austin also knows how to light a fire. When he pulled out the harmonica later in his set, the energy shifted sharply sending the room into a frenzy. It was a dynamic, unexpected moment that showcased his versatility and charisma as a performer.
Austin Mackay - image © KealiJoan Studios
With just a short set, Austin proved himself more than just an opener, he was a genuine standout. With storytelling that hits home and the kind of stage presence that feels both humble and magnetic, it's clear Mackay's name won't stay in small print for long.
His performance was the perfect way to set the tone for the night of real, raw, and entirely unforgettable. Then, it was the moment we had all been waiting for; for an artist playing his debut set on the other side of the world to a sold-out crowd.
Max McNown walked onto stage and commanded the crowd like he had played Australia a thousand times before, and if the roaring audience from the very start was any indication, it won't be his last visit down under.
Max McNown - image © KealiJoan Studios
"I was told that you do it a little different over here, and I had to come and find out for myself and I can say with confidence that you are some of the best fans in the world," Max told the packed house early in the set. It was the kind of sincere gratitude that threaded through the entire evening.
His band – Lee Baker on guitar, Western Hine on bass, Ethan Luck on guitar, and Marc Gatton on drums – formed a tight, dynamic unit that kept the momentum going throughout.
However, Max also proved he knows how to handle the unpredictable. During the third song, a brief volume issue paused the performance. Rather than letting the energy dip, he leaned into the Aussie tradition and did a shoey, drinking from a fan's shoe he later signed, earning instant cheers.
Max McNown - image © KealiJoan Studios
Not stopping there, he invited a fan onstage for an acoustic rendition of Jason Isbell's 'Cover Me Up', creating a spontaneous and intimate connection that made the moment unforgettable.
By playing songs such as 'Freezing In November', the first single he ever released, Max's storytelling ability was on display, as was the raspy warmth of his voice and the raw emotion that defines his storytelling.
Each lyric landed with weight, particularly when he introduced 'It's Not Your Fault', describing it as one of the hardest songs he'd ever written. The vulnerability in his delivery made for one of the night's most poignant moments.
Mid-show, McNown took a moment to shout out Austin Mackay; someone he'd only known for three days but called "my best friend already". "Austin is just unbelievable," he said. "He's one of those people you can see being at the top." The bond between headline artist and opener added another layer of genuineness to the evening.
As the night closed with 'A Lot More Free', McNown grew visibly emotional, letting the crowd's voices carry the chorus in a full-circle moment. He stepped back from the mic, eyes wide, clearly absorbing the reality of what was happening. You could read it on his face, the pure adoration from the fans and the way his face said 'I have made it' without even saying a word.
Max McNown - image © KealiJoan Studios
If Max McNown's Brisbane debut was any indication, his mix of heart, humility, and sheer talent is poised to win over crowds around the world. Australia, it seems, was just the beginning.
More photos from the concert.
