A dive bar sounds like an ideal spot for the Gold Coast stop of the Dirtbags Across Australia tour.
Somehow we find ourselves in 2025, which means Brendan B. Brown and Gabrielle Sterbenz are returning with a bit of a twist on the Wheatus experience.The stripped-back, acoustic show would have the band (or an awesome representative contingent) performing at Vinnies Dive on a Wednesday night (22 January) along with local artists Josh 'Pricey' Price and nomadic duo Salt and Steel.
The dive bar is rough and gritty, and has its own particular style that the locals have come to appreciate. The intimate shows bring the audience and the artists a lot closer, which definitely works for the type of show that Brendan B. Brown is bringing us.
From what I have seen, 'Teenage Dirtbag' has become a staple of the Gold Coast music scene. Whether it be Lachypuss and the Lobstermen doing their version for 'live band karaoke' or Irish band The Gathering turning it into a jig at the Irish pub in Surfers, it is always a crowd favourite.
Be warned, 'Teenage Dirtbag' is your gateway drug to some awesome storytelling and a fun night. There is a lot more depth to Wheatus. I'm looking forward to the acoustic set as it strips back the outer layers and places an emphasis on the lyrics.
Salt & Steel - image © Radical Imaging Photography
Salt and Steel are the first of the bands to take the stage. The couple live full time in a van as they tour around playing shows. They're known for their earth and raw rock experience. They bring a costal roadtrip vibe to their lyric storytelling.
We hear about rivers, caves, the ocean, fire, grass and tumbling stones. The passion of Briony Edgar (singer, guitarist) and Elle Steele (drummer, backing vocalist) shines through as they recount their adventures.
Josh 'Pricey' Price was a founding member of The Chats. He embarked on a solo journey a few years ago and we find him onstage with semi-acoustic guitar in hand. It is his time for some stories as his charismatic swagger engages the crowd.
We get to hear about the Palm Beach courtesy bus, moving house and how 'Bastards Never Change' as we get a taste of his lyrical prowess. We also get a taste of The Chats with a stripped-back version of 'The Clap' and 'Do What I Want'. The set took me back to 2023 when Wil Wagner of The Smith Street Band graced the same stage and gave us a mindblowing solo performance.
Pricey - image © Radical Imaging Photography
Slinging a kick-ass looking Gibson guitar, Gabrielle Sterbenz would give us our first taste of what has made Wheatus so awesome. With Karlie Bruce on backing vocals, Gabrielle would serenade us with a few songs ranging from rock to country.
An awesome rendition of 'The Chain' by Fleetwood Mac would give us a taste of the awesome covers (with a Wheatus spin) that were to come. Brendan B. Brown would take on the lead vocals with a large wooden guitar in hand. Gabrielle and Karlie helped out with backing vocals.
The crowd participation was in full swing as it became apparent the set list had one particular song at the bottom and then a series of question marks in between some awesome cover versions.
Gabrielle Sterbenz - image © Radical Imaging Photography
"What do you want to hear," Brendan would continue to ask and the responses were the randomness you would expect to hear from a Gold Coast crowd. One guy held up a recorder for Brendan to play. "I am not putting that in my mouth," was the response, but you have to admire the bloke's persistence as he held it high throughout the show.
'Wonderwall' and Nirvana were being yelled out as suggestions as we were treated to some fantastic cover version. 'Rock 'n' Roll Damnation' from AC/DC, 'My Name Is Jonas' from Weezer, 'Growing On Me' by The Darkness and even a little taste of Regurgitator's 'Polyester Girl' amongst a lot of teasers for classic tunes thrown in to mix.
By popular demand, the alternative festive version of the 'dirtbag' was played to the cheering crowd. "I'm just a Christmas Dirtbag. . .' (Brendan somewhat reluctantly sang) as the crowd went wild to Sterbenz's alternative lyrics.
Amongst the randomness of the crowd requests was a wide selection of Wheatus songs that spanned many decades. We had the song written for the 'Jackie Chan Adventures' animated series called 'Chan's The Man'. There was a large helping of storytelling with tales of lemonade, truffles, pretty girls, a guy called Leroy, wannabe gangsters and how "love is a mutt from hell".
Brendan B. Brown - image © Radical Imaging Photography
Brendan B. Brown had the crowd captivated as he weaved songs with tales of misadventures and funny anecdotes. He is not only an awesome musician, but also lives up to his reputation as all round 'nice guy'.
An enthusiastic rendition of 'Teenage Dirtbag' would finish up the show. After a bit of coaching (we have been practising it for years) the crowd helped out with the 'girl part' of the song as we yelled about how we have "two tickets to Iron Maiden, baby," and that you should "come with me Friday, don't say maybe".
It was a random Wednesday night in Southport, but the crowd had definite 'weekend' energy as Wheatus gave us a mid-week pick-up. Go and check them out at a dirtbag worthy venue near you.
More photos from the concert.
