Review: Nev Pearce
Photography: JD Garrahy

Shihad frontman Jon Toogood has recently released his powerful debut solo album Last of the Lonely Gods, a deeply personal record that delves into themes of loss, loneliness, vulnerability, and existential reflection during one of the most challenging times of his life.
The record reveals a different side of the man behind one of the greatest metal bands to ever walk the planet and quickly became one of my favorite releases of the year.

I’ve been a fan of Toogood’s since I was a lad of 16 getting thrown around in countless mosh pits by his heavy as fuck riffs and singing along to his anthems at the top of my lungs in packed venues and massive festivals. So, when the opportunity came about to see him in a more intimate, acoustic setting, performing some of his most heartfelt tracks I jumped at the chance.

Tonight’s stop of the Last of the Lonely Gods tour is being held at one of my favourite stomping grounds Mos Desert Clubhouse, a venue that I have played many times and consider almost a second home due to its incredible stage, in house production and the amazing people I am very fond of behind it.
It’s the perfect setting and atmosphere for the gig.

Kicking off the night is Jack Bratt, known for his work with bands like Blonde on Blonde and Shifter, as well as producing Clint Boge’s solo album from The Butterfly Effect. He brings a raw, bluesy energy to the stage, setting a gritty, soulful vibe right from the start.

Next up is Tom Harrison, with his acoustic guitar, harmonica, and kick drum. His whisky-soaked vocals are a perfect contrast to Bratt’s set, adding a different but equally captivating feel to the evening. On this muggy, stormy night, Harrison’s voice hits just the right note—gritty, haunting, and full of soul.

Jon Toogood walks onstage to a warm reception. While he doesn’t need an introduction, he jokingly tells the crowd he’s the guy from Shihad before quickly bringing everyone up to speed on his solo work. He shares a bit about how his new album came together, explaining how the songs are all deeply personal, each one tied to his own experiences.

He kicks things off with “Lost in My Hometown,” the album’s opening track, and dives into the story behind it. Jon talks about how he returned to New Zealand to be with his brother-in-law, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. One day, while walking through the area where he grew up, he got lost—a feeling of disconnection that perfectly captures the mood of the song.

He also shares the stories behind other tracks, like “Last of the Lonely Gods,” which is about a good mate of his who led a fascinating life, even if he never saw it that way himself. Then, there’s “Love Is Forever,” which hits especially hard for Jon, as it’s about the passing of his mother while he was stuck in Australia, unable to be there with her. This track, in particular, really hit differently live. The way Jon layered the guitar using his loop station pedal added a beautiful depth to the song, making it even more powerful in the live setting.

Toogood’s voice has always been exceptional. In my opinion, he’s not just one of the best rock singers in the world, but he also has a remarkable ability to connect with your emotions through his honest, heartfelt lyrics. Even when he’s in full-on Shihad mode, there’s a raw sincerity that shines through. That emotional depth is a big reason I became a fan in the first place. To witness it live, especially in an intimate, stripped-back acoustic setting, is truly inspiring and profoundly moving, particularly when you consider the meanings behind the LOTLG material.

The second half of his set is a powerful mix of Shihad/Pacifier classics—songs like Run, Brightest Star, Feel The Fire, and Think You’re So Free, along with a couple of surprise covers. His take on Australian Crawl’s Reckless is arguably better than the original (a claim he humorously backs up), and the crowd goes wild for his rendition of Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust.

After reflecting on the heroes we’ve lost and sharing the best Lemmy and Motörhead story I’ve ever heard, Jon closes the evening with Shihad’s iconic Home Again, leaving the crowd on a high note.

Unfortunately, Shihad will be calling it a day in the new year with one final tour, but here’s hoping this doesn’t mark the end of Toogood’s regular visits to Australia. I’m confident he’s still got many more songs in him to keep his fans coming back for more and connected on an emotional level.

Choice night, thanks Jonny!!