Live Nation Next On Brings Rising Artists To The Palais Theatre Stage

Live Nation Next On Brings Rising Artists To The Palais Theatre Stage

There are plenty of great gigs around the country each week, but every now and then an event comes along that reminds you why live music matters so much. Last night’s Live Nation Next On showcase at the iconic Palais Theatre in St Kilda was exactly that.

Instead of standing out in the crowd below the stage, around 200 fans were invited up onto the actual Palais Theatre stage itself. Looking out across the empty theatre seats while standing alongside the artists created a rare and special atmosphere. It was intimate, electric and unlike any typical gig experience.

Opening the night was Oh Daisy, who wasted no time setting the tone. Despite the small crowd, the band performed with the kind of presence you’d expect in front of a packed theatre. The intimacy only amplified the energy, and their confidence and connection with the audience made the entire room feel alive from the first song.

Next up were Naarm/Melbourne indie rock outfit Peach Fuzz, made up of Ben La (guitar and vocals), Lucinda Gray (vocals), Lewis Rich (bass) and James La (drums). The band already have strong momentum behind them, and it’s easy to see why.

Ben La is an absolute star. Remember the name.

Lucinda worked the crowd effortlessly, bringing charisma and emotion to every moment. Lewis locked everything in with a bass line that never lost its groove, delivering the kind of intense “bass face” that tells you he’s fully in the moment. Meanwhile James sat behind the kit smiling his entire way through the set, clearly loving every second of the experience.

While the bands weren’t facing the theatre seats for this unique setup, it was hard not to imagine the day when they will be turned around, staring out at a fully packed Palais Theatre.

That’s exactly why Next On feels so important.

The program removes some of the biggest barriers facing developing artists by giving them access to iconic venues rent free, along with full production, marketing and ticketing support. Artists set their own ticket prices and keep every dollar from tickets and merchandise. It’s a simple idea with huge impact.

Standing on the stage of a historic venue like the Palais Theatre is the kind of moment that can change how a young band sees their future. For fans, it’s the chance to say you were there early, witnessing something special before the rest of the world catches on.

If last night’s show was any indication, Next On is going to become a powerful platform for emerging artists across Australia and New Zealand.

And judging by the performances from Oh Daisy and Peach Fuzz, it won’t be long before we see them return to venues like the Palais Theatre… this time facing a packed house.

Next On:
Palais Theatre – On The Stage, Melbourne
The Triffid, Brisbane
The Outpost at Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
Anita’s Theatre – King’s Room, Thirroul
Divide, Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide
Tuning Fork, Auckland (NZ)