Grinspoon supported by Press Club @Dalrymple Hotel 5/10/24

Photo by Girl At A Rockshow

Grinspoon’s long-awaited return to Townsville was nothing short of electric. It had been six years since the alt-rock veterans graced this stage, and the packed-out venue was a testament to the enduring love their fans hold for them.

The night kicked off with support from Press Club, a four-piece alt-rock outfit hailing from Melbourne. Led by the powerful and energetic vocalist Natalie Foster, they brought an intensity that revved up the crowd. Their set was punchy and hard-hitting, with Foster’s raw vocals perfectly paired with their gritty instrumentation. A standout moment was their killer cover of The Killers’ “When You Were Young,” which they infused with their signature rawness, giving the classic anthem a new life.

When Grinspoon took to the stage, the crowd erupted with excitement. Phil Jamieson, the ever-charismatic frontman is the real deal - a true showman - and he doesn’t appear to have aged, much like the eternally youthful Paul Rudd. He kept the energy high from start to finish. Armed with a megaphone for vocal effect on some songs, and spitting water to rain down over himself, he had the crowd eating out of his hands.

Touring in support of their latest album Whatever, Whatever, the band seamlessly mixed new material with their timeless hits. The nostalgia kicked into high gear with crowd favorites like "No Reason," "Just Ace," and "Champion" sending the audience into a frenzy. The pulsating energy hit its peak when they played their anthemic tracks “Ready 1” and “DCx3.” The crowd roared in unison, a testament to the timelessness of their music. Their performance was tight and polished, especially on tracks like “Hard Act to Follow,” which lived up to its name as one of the night’s standout moments.

By the end of the night, it was clear that Grinspoon’s return to Townsville was more than just a gig—it was a celebration of their legacy, their new material, and the timeless connection they share with their fans. The packed venue, the palpable energy, and the roaring singalongs made it clear: Grinspoon is still very much at the top of their game, and this show was a hard act to follow.