I had the absolute pleasure of attending Hilltop Hoods' NEVER COMING HOME tour in Brisbane, thanks to our friends at On The Map PR. The night kicked off with electric sets from support acts DJ Total Eclipse, Trails and Maverick Sabre, setting the tone for the incredible dance party that would follow.
Hilltop Hoods took the stage, bringing their signature blend of hip hop swagger and Aussie charm. Suffa and Pressure worked the crowd into a frenzy, prompting everyone to scream along, put their hands up and never stop dancing. No joke - people in General Admission gave their all the whole night long! That’s something special. One highlight was the mid-show "game" where the crowd was encouraged to remove an item of clothing and wave it in the air. Let's just say the atmosphere got pretty wild!
The setlist was a masterclass in crowd-pleasing, with classics like Higher, Exit Sign and the big finale Cosby Sweater making the crowd go nuts. One of my personal favourite moments was experiencing the Australian icon Nosebleed Section live! But it was the special guest appearances that really stood out – Montaigne, Maverick Sabre and Nyassa brought the house down with their standout performances on 1955, Won’t Let You Down and new album tracks, Fall From The Light and Never Coming Home.
The tracks off their latest album Fall From The Light may as well have been classics, with the audience already singing along to The Gift, Something Bigger Than This and Don’t Happy, Be Worry. All just as catchy as their iconic hits, Hilltop Hoods are showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
The production was top-notch, with a brass section playing those iconic riffs, pyrotechnics, and a stunning light show that added to the electric atmosphere. The clever use of screen graphics and phone torch moments created an immersive experience, particularly during Won’t Let You Down which the Hoods dedicated to “anyone who came with someone they love.” The hip hop drum beats hit me to my core and made it impossible to stand still.
What struck me most was the diversity of the crowd – people of all ages united in their love for the Hoods. It's a testament to the band's enduring appeal and their ability to connect with fans across generations.
The mix was near flawless, but I felt the brass section and guest vocals could have been cranked up a notch in a few tracks. That said, it was a minor nitpick in an otherwise unforgettable show.
Huge thanks again to On The Map PR, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, TEG Live and, of course, Hilltop Hoods for an incredible night. The new album, Fall From The Light, is clearly a hit. Tune into Local Sounds Radio for a taste of the new tracks!
Review and photos by Sarah Harris - Music Director for Local Sounds