It was a lovesick afternoon, teeming with black butterflies and a sense of déjà vu unlike any other, as Brisbane fans assembled for The Maine at The Tivoli (19 September).
The crowd arrived early, buzzing with excitement to see local icon FELONY. take the stage. From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, her energy electrified the venue, promising yet another unforgettable show.FELONY's powerful presence had everyone on their feet, as she performed fan favourites such as 'Everyone I Like Wants to Kill Themselves' alongside fresh tracks from her new EP. The audience was captivated, singing along and dancing with abandon.
Just when they thought the night couldn't get any better, FELONY. surprised everyone with a sassy cover of Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream', putting her unique spin on the classic hit. The atmosphere was charged with joy and anticipation, as fans soaked up every moment of her dynamic performance.
With her unmistakable charisma and talent, FELONY. reaffirmed why she is a beloved local artist, leaving the crowd buzzing long after the final note.
FELONY. - image © KealiJoan Studios
Next up was the Arkansas band joan, and they did not disappoint. Their nostalgic vibe paired with chaotic onstage energy created an unforgettable spectacle. The bassist and drummer even swapped instruments mid-set, showcasing their impressive versatility and talent.
Lead vocalist Alan Thomas kept the crowd entertained with his quick wit, joking about a note from his producer: "My producer just handed me a piece of paper saying, 'Brisbane is slay'." The audience erupted in laughter, fully engaged in the light-hearted banter.
As they launched into hits like 'Drive All Night' and 'Loner', the spirit in the room soared. The band also gave fans a sneak peek of a new track, leaving everyone eager for more.
joan - image © KealiJoan Studios
As the night deepened, anticipation filled the air. A disco ball began to spin, casting shimmering lights around the venue, while the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The lights dimmed, and vibrant flowers bloomed across a screen displaying 'The Sweet Sixteen Tour'.
The crowd erupted in cheers, a wave of excitement surging through the audience. Then The Maine took the stage, exuding equal parts poise and glamour. Clad in star-studded sequin attire, they were a sight to behold, embodying everything fans have loved about them from the very beginning.
Vocalist John stepped forward, taking a moment to connect with the crowd. “I’ve been saying this every night,” he began, his voice resonating with sincerity. "We’ve been doing this for a long time, about 18 years. I’m not fishing for applause, all I have to say is thank you so fucking much for still listening to our music."
With the crowd already buzzing, singer John O'Callaghan introduced a unique twist to the evening: they would let the audience choose between two songs using a homemade device that registered noise levels.
The Maine - image © KealiJoan Studios
'Bad Behaviour' or 'I Think About You All The Time' were the contenders, and the tension built as fans cheered for their favourites. Unable to decide based on the overwhelming response, the band opted for a double feature, launching into both songs.
Taking a moment, John asked the crowd to raise their hands if they had seen The Maine perform live previously. A sea of hands shot up, showcasing the dedication of long-time fans. Many had travelled from various places to see the band live at more than one show of this tour, underscoring the deep connection between The Maine and their Australian supporters.
Among the crowd was a talented fan who held a sign that read 'Can I Sing ‘Déjà Vu?'. Spotting him up front, John couldn't resist. He handed over the microphone, and the fan absolutely killed it impressing everyone with his vocal skills. The audience erupted in cheers, celebrating the moment as if it were part of the official set.
The Maine - image © KealiJoan Studios
John, always eager to engage with the crowd, jumped into the audience, ensuring fans could get a closer look at the action. In a playful moment, he even snatched a fan's hat. The band invited a fan named Zac from Indianapolis onstage for 'Girls Do What They Want', John encouraging him: "We want you to sing like you have never sung before."
Taking a moment to express their gratitude once again, The Maine shared heartfelt words with the crowd. "All goofy sh.t aside," John said, "we've been a band for a long time, and it's f...ing awesome that we get to play this far away from home. Life is too short not to have fun."
As the night wound down, the atmosphere remained electric. For their final song, the crowd sang along in perfect harmony, creating an a capella moment that sent chills down everyone's spine.
John stood before them, filled with gratitude. "Let's do this sh.t for 100 more f...ing years. With science, we can do it!" His words ignited an intensity in the crowd, a promise of many more memories to come.
The Maine - image © KealiJoan Studios
With laughter, song, and a genuine sense of connection, The Maine solidified their place in the hearts of their Aussie fans, proving once again why they continue to be a beloved band after all these years.
The Sweet Sixteen tour is not just a celebration of their music, it's testament to the bond they share with their audience, a night that would be remembered long after the last note faded.
More photos from the concert.
