With 2024 in the rearview mirror, we must reflect on the wonderful, weird and whacky moments in music and arts that happened over the last 12 months.
Well, that was a doozy. We’ve somehow made it to 2025 – a fresh, clean slate in terms of pop culture. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look back at some of the Melbourne music happenings that left the greatest impression on us last year. Because, let’s be real, there were a lot of them.
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The Streets at Golden Plains
Headlining the hottest weekend in March for Golden Plains’ Sweet 16 was none other than The Streets, who were a spectacle like nothing else. Mike Skinner’s spoken word slam poetry, classic UK garage influences, and a bottle of champagne sprayed over the crowd from the word go –the energy was palpable.
The Streets engaged the crowd in a way that felt like we were transported back in time to when artists really got amongst it. The final hurrah of their jam-packed hour was Skinner crowd-surfing into the middle of the mob, and holding his shoe up to us, as he encouraged us to hold our shoes up to him. A slight misunderstanding of the “boot” (iykyk), but in the most wholesome of ways.
Fred Again.. at Rod Laver Arena, and then Revs
Did I worry about how Fred Again..’s unique brand of experimental sample EDM would translate in an arena show? Yes. Was I wrong to have such little faith? Also yes.
This gig blew the roof off Rod Laver. The stage and lighting design paid homage to his roots, bringing the Brit to a centre platform with a lowered ceiling that made a 14,000-strong crowd feel exceptionally intimate, with rolling red LED strips overhead. The people were dancing, drunk on the adrenaline of scoring tickets 48 hours before.
While his “surprise” arena shows were possibly more planned in advance than meets the eye, the real surprise was the next morning, when the DJ appeared at Melbourne institution, Revolver Upstairs. He hit the decks at 9am with Joy Anonymous and got fans dancing right away with classics such as Adore You and Delilah (Pull Me Out of This). A “had to be there” moment – the Melbourne music scene is so spoilt.
Troye Sivan launching Tsu Lange Yor
Melbourne boy Troye made headlines so many times this year… for all the right reasons. The local legend catapulted to a whole new level of celebrity after 2023’s Something to Give Each Other was supported by the launch of Tsu Lange Yor on July 30.
The lifestyle brand, owned by Troye and his brother, Steele, is perfectly aligned with the young star, launching in Fitzroy and featuring the signature scent Pool, named after none other than the Fitzroy Pool (but smelling quite a bit nicer).
Troye then cleaned up at the Arias, taking home the win in Album of The Year, Best Solo Artist, and Best Pop Release categories. In a year that has been so huge for pop music globally, Troye has also landed a Grammy nom for Best Dance Pop Recording. Troye Sivan levelled up this year in a huge way, providing added value to his fans through Tsu Lange Yor, and we’re watching him reap the rewards.
MIFF X Memoir of a Snail
While not technically music-related, I would be remiss not to mention the stunning Opening Night film of this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival. Adam Elliot, the director behind Mary & Max and Harvie Krumpet, was joined alongside a star-studded Australian cast (Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee) at MIFF.
The film, beginning in Melbourne and following Gracie and Gilbert to Canberra and Perth, highlighted Australian culture alongside mental health battles, and shortcomings of the Australian Child Protection system – a beautifully moving film that cuts straight to the core and forces you to fully appreciate life’s beauty.
Leo Sayer made Meredith feel Like Dancin’
I was in a prime position at the Flamingo bar when Leo Sayer, age 76, took to the stage. The 3pm Saturday set had all the energy of a headliner, with a full ‘Sup of hands in the air and a slideshow of yesteryear accompanying the living legend and his greatest hits. T
his moment had everything in spades – singalong hits that we knew, charisma you only feel from a seasoned professional at their craft, and a feeling of purity, of innocence, as we danced under the midday sun. A spectacular moment at Meredith 32, and one I was lucky to be a part of.
To read about Beat’s favourite albums of 2024, head here.
