In 1888, Brisbane's first exhibition building, owned by the Queensland National Agricultural and Industrial Association, was destroyed by fire. It was being used as a skating rink at the time.
In 1891, a shiny new building was opened. The Exhibition Building and Concert Hall, an instant landmark, became the home of performing arts in Queensland. The concert hall was a performance destination, while the remainder of the building was dedicated to the Queensland Museum until 1986.As one of the only two remaining 19th century exhibition centres in Australia, this venue has history. The high walls undoubtedly hold countless stories. Decades of timber polish and paint induce visions of well-dressed gents escorting their lady to whatever exhibit or performance was the talk of the town.
Tonight, it's the perfect location for another Australian legend, the Perth-based power pop force, The Stems (26 April). Brisbane is the final night on their 2025 east-coast tour. A new single release and a point to prove, The Stems have collared fellow Perth group, Rinehearts, to join the fray.
Arriving early, this reviewer had the pleasure of watching the band members roll in and stand gawping at the beautifully lit building against the night sky. An evening like this doesn't come by often and it was definitely reflected in their sudden energy.
After the members disappeared inside to commence soundcheck, relaxed fans trickled in and found a seat in the foyer wing. High VJ ceilings and timber columns whisked the generational Stems fans back to a simpler time. I watched their faces change as they walked in and scanned the surroundings.
It had the air of a loveable (aka sticky floored) suburban pub in the early to mid 1980s, during the rising wave of many paisley shirted, power pop bands. Adding to the suburban flavour, various members of The Stems casually wandered through the room to say hello to old friends and check in with the merch stand.
Although a calm aura floated over the crowd, a bubbling energy was begging to be shaken loose. Not long after a very audible soundcheck came to an end in the adjacent studio, fans calmly found their place in the room.
In keeping with the heritage of the venue, the stage is just above knee high and very simple. What stands out is there is no stage security or barrier. Lucky fans who took the front row were actually FRONT ROW. This immediately connects the crowd with the artist – a wonderful return to the aforementioned heyday.
Rinehearts - image © Lindsay Thompson
Rinehearts are a collective of experienced operators from Perth. Formed in 2016, four-piece Rinehearts is fronted by Ben Ward. Fellow ex-Screwtop Detonators, Mitch Long drives bass duties while Ross Di Blasio (drums) and new member, Aidan Gordon, support Ward on second guitar and vocals.
From the outset, they're an absolute treat. A perfect tone setter for the night, these guys know their power pop. With a common love of Big Star, they ooze all the ingredients required for sounds you can taste – from The Raspberries and The Byrds to You Am I and Band Of Horses.
Kicking off with 'Goodness' from their excellent recent LP 'Full Bloom', the guys show why Dom Mariani invited them on tour (not to mention that Dom also produced their LP). Ward's voice has a classic '90s indie edge, channelling a bit of Stephen Malkmus and maybe a dash of Tom Petty.
Every song has great composition and melody. The wonderful 'Call Me Up' has Dom's fingerprints all over it. Its harmonic leapfrogging during the chorus will catch any ear within speaker distance. Wall-to-wall excellence comes via 'Coming True', 'Could You Would You' and the ripping 'Powerlines'.
Ward takes delivery of a stunning Rickenbacker 330 Mapleglo, willingly loaned by the great Ash Naylor of The Stems. Giving a test strum, Ward breaks into an ear-to-ear smile, exclaiming "like a piece of warm chocolate cake". Most definitely quivering in his boots at the thought of damaging someone else's toy, he successfully guides the band through the final songs.
They close with rocking 'I Don't Mind', a reminder that beautiful melodic power pop is alive and well in Australia – a soul settler for the fans who fell in love with the headliner for the same reason.
The proximity to the stage allows for hand shakes and greetings between fans and the Rinehearts guys. They pack their equipment and settle in with the 100-plus crowd to wait for the main act.
Rinehearts - image © Lindsay Thompson
Although the room now contains a majority OG fan contingent, there is a surprising spattering of young faces. Musos, creative types and interested companions rub shoulders with wisened rockers and young-at-heart gig goers. In an age of festivals and high-security gigs, The Old Museum environment would be an eye opener and refreshing insight to the glory days of nose-to-nose pub gigs.
A solo guitar tech preps the stage. We soon learn his name is Trevor. Trevor does a sterling, no-frills job and has the stage ready in no time. The Stems enter the stage to the sultry sounds of 'Time Is Tight' by Booker T. & The M.G.'s.
All members are instantly involved in the room. Standing within touching distance, they sling their instruments with precision and experience. Formed in 1983, The Stems were part of the Australian garage-rock explosion, sharing the road with rising stars of The Hoodoo Gurus and Painters & Dockers.
Their debut gig was in support of The Triffids and The Saints, a gig that bands now could only dream of. The heritage of frontman Dom Mariani is one for the books: The Stems, The Someloves, Datura4, DM5 and more. His influence from afar cannot be underestimated.
The Stems - image © Lindsay Thompson
They slide straight into the rolling chunkiness of 'Leave You Way Behind'. It's an energetic launch for the set, prompting plenty of head bounces through the crowd. Old faithfuls know exactly what do to while Stems gig first timers (this reviewer) quietly pinched themselves at what they were seeing.
Mariani is gentle with the conversation, reflecting the present nature of the band. Drummer, David Shaw is still a powerhouse on the silver Ludwig kit (made famous by Ringo Starr). Julian Matthews doesn't miss a bass note and stays right in the pocket with Shaw.
The band flows from one gem to the next, covering all albums through their on again/off again career. 'Move Me' from their debut LP 'At First Sight, Violets Are Blue', taps into Flamin' Groovies rhythms and is followed by the wonderful 'For Always'.
The Stems - image © Lindsay Thompson
Naylor takes vocal duties on 'Tears Me In Two', a song historically performed by Richard Lane (who died in 2020). The Link Wray essence in 'She Sees Everything' brings a grit to the room and the new single, 'Deep Freeze', delivers trusty Stems vibes with 'The Last Time' by The Rolling Stones.
They end the set with their debut single from 1985, the ever rocking 'Make You Mine'. Being the final night of the tour, The Stems are in party mode. They kick the encore off with perennial favourite 'At First Sight'.
Ironically, an inclusion in the 1987 film 'Young Einstein' hit soundtrack, the song thrust the band into the global spotlight. This ultimately fast forwarded the band's first break-up the same year. It remains as one of Australia's greatest love songs and is universally loved by fans. Naylor performs a beautiful guitar intro to lead the famous jangly opening.
'Sad Girl' follows and includes a seamless intertwining of 'Baby, Please Don't Go' by Them, before closing the night with their famous cover of The Monkees '(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone'.
The Stems - image © Lindsay Thompson
A memorable gig requires many elements to work together. It's the sum of all parts and often has a missing x-factor. For this reviewer and live music lover, The Old Museum has become the missing link. It's a connection to a time of story, soul and flavour.
Unfiltered, genuine and connected, The Stems and Rinehearts are just perfect in these rooms. Well-written, well-performed music deserves an environment that has seen over a century of arts and performance. For artists and venue alike, this excellent gig just added to their unique story.
