Sunnyboys
+ The Clouds
+ vSpy vSpy
+ Mick Medew & The Ursula 4
Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane
Friday October 23, 2026
Words & Pictures: ANGELA EVOL
The Clouds brought the rain, but the Sunnyboys dried things up. And while Brisbane's weather couldn't quite make up its mind on Friday night, there was no uncertainty about the affection this crowd still has for one of Australia's most loved bands.
It was a special one-off show celebrating 45 years since Sunnyboys released their debut album, part of 4ZZZ's ZED51 celebrations, with a line-up that brought together some familiar names from Australian rock.
Mick Medew & The Ursula 4 crankin' it up.
We arrived in time for Mick Medew & The Ursula 4 and despite the early hour, there was already a decent crowd gathered at Roma Street Parkland. The skies were still dry, with the occasional bit of sunshine breaking through, and plenty of familiar faces were scattered throughout the audience.
Opening with “Move a Little Closer”, Mick and the band delivered another tight, lively set.
It was my third time seeing them in seven days, having caught them at The Cave Inn and Vinnies Dive with Chris Masuak's Dog Soldier last weekend, and they were just as enjoyable on the larger outdoor stage.
The set featured a generous helping of Screaming Tribesmen favourites, including “I Got a Feeling”, “2 Blind Mice”, “Igloo” and “Date With a Vampyre”, alongside their new single “Crankin' It U”p.
A few enthusiastic punters were already up dancing early in the set, and by the time they launched into the closing “Vampyre”, plenty more people had joined them.
The band finished to a big round of applause. I've seen Mick Medew & The Ursula 4 plenty of times, and they remain one of those bands I never tire of watching.
vSpy vSpy with Bloxy in command.
By the time vSpy vSpy took the stage just after 6 pm, the crowd had grown considerably. Opening with “Injustice”, they wasted no time making their presence felt.
There was an immediate surge of people towards the front of the stage, and it quickly became apparent that the Spys had brought along a dedicated following.
And what a sound! Big, tough and powerful, with the sort of punch you want from a band like this. Craig "Bloxy" Bloxom commanded the stage on bass and lead vocals, backed by Bob Spencer and Te Koi Tarawa on guitars, and Justin Ngariki on drums. The band was tight and completely at home on the big stage.
The crowd was right there with them, particularly during familiar favourites like “Hard Times”, “Sally-Anne” and “Don't Tear It Down”.
What struck me was the loyalty of those fans. These weren't people simply waiting around for Sunnyboys - they were there for the Spys, knew the songs and weren't shy about showing their appreciation.
I really enjoyed their set. They sounded excellent, played with plenty of authority and gave the crowd exactly what they came for.
The Clouds storm on stage.
The Clouds were next, bringing their distinctive blend of melodic harmonies and alternative guitar rock to the evening.
Jodi Phillis and Trish Young's intertwined vocals are a defining part of the band's sound, sitting alongside layers of distorted guitars that give their music its characteristic contrast.
Their set provided a change of pace from the earlier acts, with a mix of songs from their catalogue and the familiar “Hieronymus” closing things out.
And somewhere along the way, the rain arrived, sending people reaching for their rain jackets and ponchos.
Hot tip for anyone heading to an outdoor gig: Bunnings sells excellent rain ponchos for $2.50. Best cheap insurance against a Brisbane downpour you'll find. And no, I'm not sponsored by Bunnings!
Fortunately, the weather had other plans for the headliners.
Clear sailing for Sunnyboys.
By the time Sunnyboys appeared, the rain had cleared and the anticipation in the amphitheatre was unmistakable.
I've seen Sunnyboys many times over the years, and one thing that has always struck me is the genuine affection their audience has for them - and particularly for Jeremy Oxley.
You can feel it, and Friday night was no exception.
The crowd was up singing and dancing from the very beginning, with plenty of enthusiastic applause for the entire band.
Jeremy appeared relaxed, natural and pleased to be there. There was nothing forced about his performance. He simply got on with the business of making music, surrounded by musicians who clearly knew their way around these songs.
Alongside Jeremy were fellow original members Peter Oxley and Richard Burgman, with Paul Larsen on drums.
From our position front and centre, a few rows up in the amphitheatre, we had a great view of the band and could really soak up the atmosphere. With the crowd singing and dancing from the opening number, it was a terrific place to be.
One thing that particularly impressed me was Jeremy's voice. There were a couple of songs where he put down his guitar and concentrated entirely on singing, and it was during those moments that the strength of his vocals really shone through. He sounded terrific.
Jeremy Oxley.
The whole band looked comfortable onstage and seemed to be enjoying the occasion as much as the rest of us.
Sunnyboys have one of those catalogues that can transport you straight back to your younger days, and judging by the reaction on Friday night, I wasn't the only one feeling it.
“Trouble in My Brain” was a particular highlight, but there were so many familiar favourites throughout the set that it was difficult to pick just one.
The audience certainly wasn't having any trouble remembering the words. The big hits had people singing at the tops of their voices, and there was barely a lull in the enthusiasm throughout the performance.
Forty-five years after their debut album, these songs still sound great live, and there's something pretty special about seeing the band enjoying them alongside an audience that clearly loves them.
The encore included “I Need a Friend” and “Alone With You” before the band finished the night with The Seeker.
It was a fitting choice, reaching right back to the band's earliest recordings and bringing the 45th-anniversary celebration full circle.
The final numbers were met with another enthusiastic response, and Sunnyboys left the stage to plenty of applause and appreciation.
And thankfully, the rain had stayed away.
Mick Medew & The Ursula 4 delivered another terrific performance, vSpy vSpy brought some serious firepower and a passionate following, and The Clouds brought their own distinctive sound to a varied lineup.
But the night belonged to Sunnyboys.
Not because everything was technically perfect, but because they still have that something special. Jeremy sounded terrific, the band played with an easy familiarity, and the audience was with them from start to finish.
After 45 years, that's quite an achievement.
