Words – Shelby Lane
Photos – @photo.amai
Stepping through the gates of GOOD THINGS after a two-year absence feels like an electric shock to the system. That hit of beer, dust and sunscreen smacks you instantly – the unmistakable smell of chaos warming up.
Guitars rumble in the distance, the dirt trembles under your boots, and the crowd hums like a storm about to detonate. Black shirts, patched denim, sun, sweat, noise – it all comes flooding back.
It’s wild, it’s filthy, it’s home. And damn, it’s good to be back!
SCENE QUEEN bursts into metalcore with her own brand of ‘bimbocore,’ blending brutal breakdowns with bubblegum pop, trap flourishes, and over-the-top femininity. Her glitter-drenched style and sharp, feminist satire flip heavy music’s gatekeeping on its head, balancing real fury with campy humour and sheer empowerment. Whether you’re a fan or a sceptic, she’s reshaping the scene – loud, pink, and impossible to miss. A great way to kick start a day of amazing music!
NEW FOUND GLORY shaped modern pop-punk – and resurrected my once-sluggish, emo heart. Their enduring legacy is built on catchy melodies, driving guitars and lyrics that capture the heartfelt intensity of adolescence. Every hook and line was a significant throwback that was amplified by the band’s compelling energy. ‘All Down Hill From Here’ and ‘Dressed To Kill’ got the masses swigging their beers and singing in impassioned unison. NEW FOUND GLORY is an act you can never ever afford to miss.
Today is a bittersweet day as REFUSED are sadly ‘fucking dead’. REFUSED’s electrifying farewell, combined their signature hardcore-punk aggression with sharp political and emotional punch. Dennis Lyxzén dominated the stage, breathing new life into tracks like ‘Everlasting’ with raw intensity and commanding presence. Closing with ‘New Noise’, the performance left the crowd exhilarated, a striking mix of nostalgia, power, and unforgettable energy. REFUSED will be so missed and, I am so lucky I got say my farewell.
What can I say about GWAR? A lot but GWAR tore through GOOD THINGS like only they can – a chaotic, gore-soaked spectacle of monstrous costumes, a baby dinosaur storyline, and enough fake blood to soak 98% of the crowd. This iconic, theatrical, satirical thrash metal crew piled on the shock, humour, and pure absurdity at every turn. From the first riff to the last splatter, the crowd was left equal parts horrified, thrilled, and completely entertained. A certain foreign political leader may or may not have featured in their hilarious set too. You absolutely cannot have a bad time seeing GWAR.
If you aren’t familiar with MACHINE HEAD, then I suggest you pay attention. MACHINE HEAD tore through their set as a rare three-piece Australian-exclusive, their volume shaking the ground and drums pounding like jackhammers against cloth. Robb Flynn dominated the stage, deploying inflatable hammers, igniting massive pyrotechnics, and giving props to Thornhill for jumping in with only three hours’ notice. The crowd erupted into the festival’s biggest circle pit, bodies thrashing in perfect chaos. Emotional intensity soared with ‘Outspoken’, a track born from Flynn’s dark mental state on their previous tour. By the final note, the band had left everyone drenched in adrenaline and awe. Definitely check them out next time they come down!
Now this is the moment I have been personally waiting for. I am a diehard fan of GARBAGE and when I heard they joined the GOOD THINGS bill, I knew I had to be there whether I begged or stole a ticket. GARBAGE embarked on their first Australian tour in 10 years all a part of a remarkable 30-year history of performing in our beautiful country. Sadly, this might very well have been the last time we get to witness them live. They opened their set and walked onto the stage to Laura Palmer’s Theme from Twin Peaks, my all-time favourite TV show, immediately pulling the crowd into a haunting, cinematic wave of nostalgia. From there, Shirley Manson dominated the stage with her voice as commanding, powerful, and magnetic as ever, radiating pure majesty while the band tore through smoky guitars, gritty riffs, and shimmering dark pop with unrelenting energy.
The set featured timeless classics such as ‘#1 Crush’, ‘Stupid Girl’ and ‘Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!) plus a haunting cover of Depeche Mode’s ‘Personal Jesus’, showcasing their ability to reinterpret songs while keeping them unmistakably Garbage. The Melbourne sun was beating down, and the band’s electric presence made every moment feel visceral – worth every bit of partial sunburn and every scream of excitement from the crowd and me. Throughout their set, they paid heartfelt homage to Michael Gudinski, honouring his legacy and the impact he had on Australian music. By the end, the audience was completely absorbed, cheering, swaying, and revelling in the experience – a night that was equal parts nostalgic, electrifying, and unforgettable, a true testament to why Garbage still matters after all these years.
TOOL’s long-awaited performance charged the air with anticipation. Fans poured into Stage One, ready to experience one of the most mesmerizing, powerful, and transcendent shows imaginable. The entire set was electrifying, and opening with ‘Stinkfist’ instantly threw the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. Maynard drifted toward the back of the stage, giving the audience room to fully absorb not just the band’s performance, but the complete visual and sonic spectacle. TOOL’s mesmerizing visual display, with dancing laser lights, created a breathtaking tapestry showcasing a band that isn’t just revolutionary musically, but also icons of art and progressive metal. ‘The Grudge’, ‘Jambi’, and ‘Vicarious’ ignited the stage, proving once again why TOOL are untouchable as one of metal’s greatest live acts. As a cheeky parting shot, they dropped ABBA’s Dancing Queen, leaving the crowd stunned and grinning. Simply put, TOOL are unmatched – at the absolute pinnacle of their craft, and still rewriting what a live metal performance can be.
The biggest and seismic thank you too TOOL, GARBAGE, MACHINE HEAD, SCENE QUEEN, GWAR, REFUSED, NEW FOUND GLORY and to all the other incredible acts I sadly did not have the opportunity to see. Also, a big thanks to the organisers of GOOD THINGS, DESTROY ALL LINES and DALLAS DOES PR.
EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL
