There’s something electric about the atmosphere when two legendary punk bands like Pennywise and Millencolin
For me Pennywise changed everything for me. At the age of 12 I was given the album About Time from one of my dads mates and from the moment Fletcher hits that first note in Peaceful Day I knew Punk Rock was for me. From then until now punk rock has been the one constant in my life and getting to see 2 bands who had such a profound impact on my life on the same show was an absolute treat.
Kicking things off first though are the rising Aussie punk rock outfit and hometown lads Fake News taking to the stage. Known for their fun shows and no-nonsense punk ethos, the band had a lot to prove, but from the opening notes, they absolutely delivered.
Their sound is reminiscent of Strung Out and the crowd were loving every minute of it. Smashing through songs off their latest EP Time and Peace as well as crowd favourite Beer which followed a what show is the loudest chant of ‘ POUR ME BEER’ where I think Brisbane easily beat The Sunshine Coast.
It’s clear that Fake News is a band to watch, and as their reputation continues to grow, tonight’s show at The Fortitude Music Hall will likely go down as a milestone in their journey. With their perfect mix of punk aggression and melodic hooks they’ve firmly staked their claim as one of the most exciting acts in the Australian punk scene. Fake News brought the revolution to Brisbane, and the crowd couldn’t have been more ready for it.
Next up were the legendary Millencolin, bringing their signature blend of skate-punk energy and melodic hooks. The Swedish quartet didn’t waste any time, diving straight into Penguins & Polarbears with their trademark precision and an infectious sense of fun. The sound was spot on, with each member delivering tight performances that made it clear they’ve been doing this for decades. The crowd responded in kind, singing along to every word, especially on fan favorites like No Cigar and Bullion.
What really stood out about Millencolin’s set was how they kept the vibe light and positive without sacrificing any of their edge, also their setlist covered pretty much their entire discography, they even played Mr Clean. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with guitarist Mathias Färm introducing lead singer Nikola Sarcevic as the greatest songwriter ever and joking with the crowd between songs, making everyone feel like they were part of something special. It was evident when they played The Ballad which had the whole venue singing along, it was hard to not get a little teary eyed.
This wasn’t just a performance—it was a celebration of punk’s enduring influence on generations, and it left the crowd buzzing with excitement.
As the lights dimmed, the energy in the venue shifted to an eager tension, it felt like the place was ready to explode. Pennywise, veterans of the West Coast punk scene, took the stage with the ferocity and enthusiasm that’s made them punk icons. Opening with My Own Country, the crowd erupted, and it was clear this wasn’t just any show—this was a motherfuckin Pennywise show.
The band’s aggressive yet melodic sound resonated through the hall, with iconic tracks like Society and Perfect People. Jim Lindberg’s signature voice still cuts through the chaos of Fletcher Dragges distinct guitar tones with precision, while the rhythm section of Randy Bradbury and Byron McMackin pounded away, driving the crowd into a frenzy. The connection with the audience was undeniable as people moshed, crowd surfed and sang along with passion—Its truly clear how much this band means to a lot of people tonight especially during the anthemic and traditional set closer Bro Hymn, where the crowd’s collective voice almost drowned out the band.
One of the highlights of the show for me was the energy during Living For Today, where Lindberg’s intense delivery had the entire venue in a raucous sing-along. Pennywise’s set was a perfect mix of their old-school punk aggression and melodic punk anthems with a dash of Fuck Authority, proving why they’ve remained a pillar in the punk rock world for so long.
Pennywise and Millencolin brou
Whoever said Punk is Dead should slap themselves in the face because tonight’s show proved that is far from the case.
UP THE PUNKS
FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2025 – ENMORE THEATRE, SYDNEY
SATURDAY 1 MARCH 2025 – PIRATE LIFE BREWING FESTIVAL, ADELAIDE
SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2025 – PICA, MELBOURNE
WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH 2025 – METRO CITY, PERTH
Tickets from destroyalllines.com
– GALLERY –
