2025 was a busy year of live music for Suzie Scribbles, but I’ve managed to narrow down some of our best (mostly Melbourne based) concert memories for this year.
1. Oasis, Heaton Park
Oasis, absolutely without a doubt, had to be here. I actually made an unofficial rule that I can only choose artists I saw here in Australia, but I’m making an exception for this, as they did play Melbourne this year, I just decided I needed to see them on their (and my) home turf.
From the moment they said Hello, to my literal tears through Champagne Supernova (I’m gonna cry at least twice more during this list btw) this will forever be one of the most iconic gigs I’ve ever attended. The one we didn’t dare to dream would happen, until it did.
2. Mia Wray, The Corner Hotel
Mia Wray’s Corner Hotel gig was probably my favourite night of this whole year. An absolute celebration of queer joy, from the sea of pride flags to Mia’s clear delight at hearing her songs sung back to her. Her stunning live recreations of tracks from her album hi, it’s nice to meet me, were as beautiful as they were memorable. There’s no doubt I will see Mia live again many times in the future but I feel like this evening is going to be the one everyone wishes they were at.
Read more about Mia Wray’s show here.
3. Green Day, Marvel Stadium
Speaking of queer joy. Green Day. The band that have held my figurative hand for 30 years playing two of their most iconic albums in full is something I felt so lucky to experience. Billie Joe Armstrong was, to me, what Chappell Roan is to queer teenagers now and hearing him play the songs I grew up with was like a warm security blanket. It was the hug I didn’t know I needed and the feelings in the crowd, the generations of people watching this band made an already special gig even more magical. Green Day’s ability to rock out for what was an insanely long set (both Dookie and American Idiot in full, plus a few extras) is also mind blowing. They continue to be an incredible band live. I cried more times than I can remember.
Read more about Green Day’s show here.
4. PJ Harvey
I booked this one by sheer chance. A friend had been nagging me about listening to more Polly Jean Harvey for years and I finally got around to it, and just happened to be obsessed with Rid of Me and The Hope Six Demolition Project when these tickets went on sale.
And wow, absolutely no regrets. This was more than a concert, it was a musical journey, a true performance, curated to the moment whilst also feeling personable and warm. PJ Harvey’s stage presence is out of this world and seeing her crawling across the floor whilst still belting out her powerful songs was such an amazing experience. This woman is a true icon.
Read more about PJ Harvey’s show here.
5. Reverend and The Makers
So 2025 was the time that after YEARS of my crying, begging and pleading to my favourite bands from back home, some of them actually decided to make the trip here! I actually got to see The Rev twice, once supporting the Libertines at Forum and again for their headline gig at The Curtin the night after.
There were such good vibes in the room that night. Again, it’s one of those gigs I never expected to happen – a band I’d resigned myself to never seeing live again. Jon always puts on an amazing show, and getting the classic reverend and the makers finish of singing in the street was fab. Also, the crowd!! Australian crowds are notorious for being low energy compared to ‘back home’ but this definitely wasn’t the case at this gig as everyone from the front to the back was bouncing along! Thanks Jon for finally making the trip and please come back soon.