Unsure which bands to see this month? We’ve got you covered
By James Jennings
Crowded House
Sydney Opera House Forecourt, December 4, 5, 7, 8
Almost 30 years after their “Farewell to the World” concert, pop-rock icons Crowded House are back at the Opera House forecourt with their arsenal of beloved classics. They’ll no doubt pepper sets with songs from new album Gravity Stairs, but expect the family-centric band – Neil Finn and sons Liam and Elroy, alongside American Mitchell Froom and founding member Nick Seymour – to create epic singalongs with the likes of Don’t Dream It’s Over.
Crowded House’s Neil Finn.Credit: Ian Laidlaw
M.k.gee
Enmore Theatre, December 5
Born Michael Gordon, 28-year-old American M.k.gee (pronounced “McGee”) makes lo-fi bedroom R&B and indie pop-rock that nods to artists such as Prince, Arthur Russell and Jai Paul. None of that particularly screams “breakout star”, but that’s what M.k.gee has become hot on the heels of debut album Two Star & the Dream Police. The hype is big enough that Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were spotted at a recent gig, and M.k.gee was roped in to write and co-produce a song for pop superstar The Kid Laroi. Board the hype train before he gets bigger.
Missy Dabice of Mannequin Pussy.Credit: FilmMagic
Mannequin Pussy
Oxford Art Factory, December 6
Philadelphia four-piece Mannequin Pussy, fronted by singer-guitarist Marisa “Missy” Dabice, have released one of the year’s best rock records with their fourth LP I Got Heaven. A seasoned live unit known for blistering punk rock, the band has expanded its sound to include melodic power pop, resulting in their most varied and impressive set of songs yet. Give I Got Heaven’s title track a listen – if you can handle the blue lyrics and shouty vocals, this gig’s for you.
The Killers
Qudos Bank Arena, December 6-7
They are responsible for diabolically bad lyrics such as “Are we human/Or are we dancer?“, but Las Vegas quartet The Killers have proven time and again their proficiency at churning out stadium-ready anthems. Rather than promote a new album – seventh LP Pressure Machine arrived in 2021, and the band scrapped their eighth album – The Killers are celebrating 20 years since hit-packed debut album Hot Fuss, which they’ll be playing in full. Hearty Mr Brightside and Somebody Told Me singalongs are all but guaranteed.
Expect a singalong to Mr Brightside when The Killers take the stage.
Good Things Festival
Centennial Park, December 7
Since 2018, this self-described “alternative music festival” has offered quite the eclectic line-up. Sepultura and Boom Crash Opera were on the same bill last year, although acts tend to skew towards the heavy rock end of the spectrum. This year features nu-metallers Korn, Mastodon, Sum 41, indie stalwarts Violent Femmes and Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan backed by local band The Delta Riggs. Australian and New Zealand acts on the line-up include Jet, The Living End, The Butterfly Effect, Killing Heidi playing debut album Reflector in full and – why not – Dragon.
Ella Hooper with her brother Jesse in Killing Heidi.Credit: Kim Tonelli
BADBADNOTGOOD
Enmore Theatre, December 7
Canadian instrumental trio and production team BADBADNOTGOOD - bassist Chester Hansen, drummer Alexander Sowinski and saxophonist Leland Whitty - met at a college jazz program, but their music is difficult to pin down. Soul, funk, Brazilian music and hip-hop have all influenced the band, and past collaborators have included Tyler, the Creator; Kendrick Lamar; cult rapper MF DOOM; and Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killa. While it’s unlikely any big-name guests will make an appearance, the gig promises to be a genre-hopping good time.
Jamie xx
Carriageworks, December 8-9
Although fans have patiently been waiting for new music from the xx – it’s been seven years since the UK electro-dream-pop trio’s last album I See You – they’ve been able to take solace in solid solo albums from all three members, including producer Jamie xx’s cracking dancefloor-ready In Waves, released this year. Much like legendary Melbourne electronic duo The Avalanches, who feature on cracking In Waves single All You Children, Jamie’s shows are euphoric, can’t-miss dance parties designed to get you on your feet and keep you there.
Jack White
Enmore Theatre, December 13-14
A series of beloved albums with a ripping, no-frills blues-rock band, followed by stints in not-as-successful bands and a collection of increasingly experimental, not-as-beloved solo albums: former White Stripes frontman Jack White’s output has been patchier than a 16-year-old’s beard. There’s no shame in trying new things, of course, but White has thankfully returned to what he does best - ripping, no-frills blues-rock - with this year’s excellent album No Name. White will be putting his guitar wizardry on full display over two nights at the Enmore, which he’s bound to tear the roof off.
Jack White has returned to what he does best.Credit: David James Swanson.
Royel Otis
Hordern Pavilion, December 21
It’s been a big year for Sydney duo Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, whose debut album Pratts & Pain, a collection of propulsive, guitar-led indie pop, entered the top 10 of the ARIA charts in February. Since then, they’ve toured Europe and the US and bagged four of the eight 2024 ARIA Awards they were nominated for, including best group and best rock album. This will be their biggest Australian headline show to date, the gig being billed as a one-off homecoming show to celebrate a stellar year.
Other artists touring this month include UK rockers The Cult, US rappers MIKE and Ski Mask the Slump God, indie sleaze revivalists The Dare, Two Door Cinema Club, electro-funk legends Zapp, Tina Arena with Richard Marx, Wallows, Polish Club, Cold Chisel and Superchunk. Who will you be seeing? Let us know in the comments.