Words – CeeCee
Photos – Ben Gunzburg
The Leadbeater Hotel was the perfect venue for a night of live music, hosting an epic lineup featuring 50fifty, Clay J Gladstone, Of Virtue, and headliners Sienna Skies, all presented by Passion Eight Records. The show was part of the band’s Hardest Part Tour, and it delivered exactly what fans had been waiting for—raw energy, intense performances, and an electric atmosphere.
The night kicked off with 50Fifty, a Melbourne-based band that’s been making waves with their electrifying sound and amazing energy. Fronted by the powerhouse lead singer Cat, the band delivered an awesome performance from the very first note. 50Fifty has quickly become a force to be reckoned with, blending infectious pop hooks with gritty alternative rock sensibilities to create a sound that’s both dynamic and uniquely their own. The band’s live show was a reflection of their music—high-energy, captivating, and filled with raw emotion. Cat’s commanding stage presence had the crowd hooked, as her powerful vocals effortlessly soared over the band’s tight instrumentation. Each song was a burst of excitement, with the crowd responding enthusiastically to the mix of catchy melodies and punchy rhythms. With a perfect balance of pop sensibilities and alternative edge, 50Fifty proved they are a rising force in the Melbourne music scene and beyond, poised for even greater things ahead.
After the hilarious and captivating performance from Clay J Gladstone, it was clear this band knows how to bring the fun. With their playful energy and infectious banter, they had the crowd laughing and dancing right from the start. Opening with ‘Hate Club’, the audience was immediately drawn into the band’s upbeat vibe, moving and grooving to the rhythm while the guitarist exchanged cheeky looks with the lead singer during the backup vocals. Their set was filled with witty one-liners from front man Tim Wisbey, including gems like, “Can we get my vocals down in Justin’s (drummer) nut sack?” and “I just look like Tom Hanks from everything,” after fans pointed out his uncanny resemblance to the actor in his many roles.
The band also gave us a taste of their newly released album, Is This How I Die, playing the title track and showcasing their growth as a band. During ‘Optimism’, the energy ramped up even further when Tyler Ennis and Ryan Trinh from Of Virtue jumped onstage to sing the hook, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already lively performance. Even Thomas Pirozzi from Sienna Skies made his presence felt, peeking out from the side of the stage with a huge smile, a testament to the friendship and mutual support between the bands.
As their set came to a close, Tim threw in one last cheeky line: “Can we make a clitoris down the middle?” referring to a wall of death, adding to the playful, light-hearted atmosphere that the band so effortlessly cultivates. Clay J Gladstone is one of those bands that makes you feel like you’re part of the show, with their infectious positivity and interactive approach. If you ever get the chance to see them live, don’t miss it—you’re guaranteed a fun, high-energy experience from start to finish!
For the first time ever, Of Virtue, the American metalcore band from Lansing, Michigan, graced Australian shores, and they did not disappoint. From the moment they opened with ‘Cut Me Open’, the energy was off the charts. The band wasted no time, bringing a relentless intensity that immediately hooked the crowd. The blend of Damon Tate’s clean vocals and Tyler Ennis’s heavier, growling vocals was seamless, creating a dynamic sound that showcased the band’s impressive range and musical chemistry.
Throughout their set, the band made heartfelt gestures toward the crowd, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to finally perform in Australia. They even took a moment to thank the other bands on the show, with a lighthearted moment when Damon Brohier, the drummer of Sienna Skies, playfully kissed the cheeks of Damon Tate and Ryan Trinh onstage. This kind of friendship between the bands really reflected the sense of community in the room.
The energy in the room hit a new level during the circle pit, with Tyler and Thomas, the lead singer of Sienna Skies, standing in the centre as the crowd circled around them. One of the standout moments of their set was when they played ‘Sinner’, the track that first drew me into their music. Which got me singing along, as the powerful lyrics and intense rhythm created a unifying experience.
As they closed with ‘Cannibals’ Tyler took it to the next level by getting straight into the mosh pit, connecting with the Aussie locals in a way that made the night feel even more intimate. Of Virtue not only brought their musical prowess but also an incredible stage presence that had the entire room energised and engaged from start to finish. This was a band that proved they were more than ready to make their mark on the Australian scene.
To close out the night, Sienna Skies took the stage with an electrifying performance that was packed with high energy, humour, and plenty of crowd interaction—exactly what the audience had been waiting for. From the moment they hit the stage, the band’s lead singer Thomas Pirozzi was fully immersed in the performance, giving it his all. So much so, in fact, that he nearly knocked himself—and his guitarist—out in the process. It was a chaotic, unpredictable moment, but that’s exactly what made the show so captivating. The raw, unfiltered energy of Sienna Skies kept the crowd engaged from start to finish.
Their set was filled with playful moments, including shout-outs to the crowd, the crew, and the other bands on the tour. One of the sweetest moments came when they gave a special shout-out to the youngest fan in the audience—a 9-year-old who was beaming with excitement. The connection between the band and their fans was undeniable, creating a sense of community that made the night feel truly special.
Musically, Sienna Skies delivered a perfect mix of newer tracks and older favourites, keeping the energy flowing seamlessly throughout their performance. They had the crowd singing along to heartwarming ballads like ‘There’s No Place Like…’ and rocking out to tongue-in-cheek anthems like ‘Cut Me Off’, where the lyrics and upbeat rhythm had everyone moving. But it was during ‘Divided’ that the energy reached new heights, with Thomas getting so into it that it looked like he was about to rip his shirt off, further adding to the fun and wild vibe of the show.
One of the most entertaining moments came when Thomas made a lighthearted joke about watching too much wrestling, referencing a spit take he had just done on stage. The crowd loved the self-deprecating humour, and it was clear that the band wasn’t just there to perform—they were there to have fun with their fans.
As the night neared its end, the band played ‘Mess’, and Tim from Clay J Gladstone rejoined them on stage for one final moment of collaboration. He jumped in to help sing the chorus, dangling the microphone into the crowd to let the audience sing along with them. The crowd was completely engaged, belting out the words and creating a shared moment that capped off the night in the best way possible.
With their mix of infectious energy, musical versatility, and genuine connection with the crowd, Sienna Skies proved why they’re are a very exciting live band. Their performance wasn’t just a set—it was an experience, and anyone who was there walked away feeling like they’d just witnessed something truly special.
Thanks to the Leadbeater Hotel crew for having us and a special thanks to Bigmouth PR for arranging media access.
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