Words by CeeCee
Photos – djsedick
The first night of KINGSWOOD‘s Microscopic Wars 10th Anniversary Tour was an incredible homecoming for these Melbourne rockers, who took the stage and the crowd by storm.
Opening the show was Jacob Fitzgerald, a local talent with electrifying vocals, accompanied by his band, The Electric City. They delivered an impressive set, playing songs like “My Girl,” “Coffee, Cigarettes & Sex,” and “Muse,” while also debuting a new track, “Obsessed,” released on Tuesday, August 30th. Jacob, donning a Bruce Springsteen shirt, captivated the audience with his dynamic stage presence, swaying his hips and engaging the crowd in sing-alongs. This was my first encounter with the band, and I thoroughly enjoyed their music. Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City set the tone for the night with their energetic and engaging performance, leaving the crowd eager for more.
Next up were The Delta Riggs, who stormed the stage with lead singer Elliott Hammond wielding a megaphone and blasting a siren to grab everyone’s attention. The guitarist added a party touch by using a vodka bottle to play through the end of the first song, “Bright As The Sun,” showcasing the true rock and roll flavor of this band. They played some of their older tunes like “Money” and “Rah Rah Radio,” which got the crowd into the groove. The band’s showmanship was exceptional, filled with jokes and even sharing backstage inside jokes. At one point, Elliott Hammond humorously sang “The Hokey Pokey” as if AC/DC were performing it. Toward the end of their performance, the guitar tech presented the lead singer and guitarist with lit cigarettes, sparking a true Aussie old-school rock vibe. They introduced a new song, “I Ain’t Exactly Who I Want To Be,” and ended the set with “Never Seen This Before,” featuring a special appearance by Seamus Coyle of Sticky Fingers. The Delta Riggs delivered a dynamic and engaging show that highlighted their rock roots and playful spirit, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
KINGSWOOD opened their set with “Por Una Cabeza” from The Tango Project to make a dramatic entrance. They launched into “All Too Much,” sending the crowd into a wild frenzy. Fergus Linacre’s powerful vocals and the band’s dynamic stage presence were immediately evident, drawing everyone into the performance.
Alex Laska took over vocals for “ICFTYDLM,” showcasing the band’s versatility as they frequently swapped instruments throughout the show. They played their album “Microscopic Wars” in full, much to the delight of the fans. The live rendition of the album brought out nuances and energy that only a live performance can deliver, making each track feel fresh and exciting.
A highlight of the evening was the return of original members Jeremy “Mango” Hunter and Justin Debrincat, who joined the stage for a few songs. Their presence added a nostalgic touch, especially during “Ohio,” the song that originally drew me to this band. Despite lead guitarist Alex Laska breaking a string mid-performance, the energy never faltered. The band broke the fourth wall with their candid banter, joking about ruining gigs with their “shit talk,” which only endeared them more to the audience. In a humorous yet heartfelt moment, they called out, “You fucking idiots, you were so good the first time,” and counted to four, making the crowd laugh. Describing the set as “a beautiful art piece,” the band reflected on the significance of playing with original members for the first time in 10 years.
hey also played “Creepin,” another favourite of mine, which showcased their ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with powerful melodies. The set list was a perfect mix of old and new, keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout the night. Each song was performed with a passion and energy that demonstrated the band’s dedication to their craft and their fans.
KINGSWOOD ended the night with “Medusa,” delivering a powerful and unforgettable performance. The grand finale saw all current and former members on stage for a bow, leaving the audience with a sense of shared history and a night to remember. The camaraderie and mutual respect among the band members were evident, adding an extra layer of emotion to the evening.
In conclusion, the first night of KINGSWOOD’s Microscopic Wars 10th Anniversary Tour was a resounding success. The combination of Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City’s electrifying opening, The Delta Riggs’ dynamic performance, and KINGSWOOD’s nostalgic and powerful set made for an unforgettable night. This concert not only celebrated the band’s history but also showcased their continued evolution and relevance in the rock scene. It was a night filled with incredible music, heartfelt moments, and an undeniable connection between the band and their fans.
Huge thanks to the 170 Russell Street crew for having us and special thanks to the Beehive PR for arranging media access.
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