The Last Dinner Party – Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Returning to Melbourne off the back of their latest album From The Pyre, The Last Dinner Party were met with an ecstatic welcome. The band delivered a sprawling, genre-defying set filled with baroque-pop drama and glam rock flair – the kind of performance that’s helped cement their cult-favourite status among fans. The energy on stage throughout the evening was matched only by the crowd’s devotion, and from the first note to the final bow, we were in awe of the talent of each performer.
Opening the evening was Vermont indie-rock outfit Sir Chloe, whose sharp, moody alt-rock was exactly what the fans wanted to hear and a perfect choice for an opening act. From early tracks like July and Kiss through to standouts Sedona and Forgiving, Sir Chloe held the audience’s attention with ease. ‘Two nights together – what a treat, Melbourne,’ she exclaimed, earning cheers from a clearly won-over crowd. Closing with fan favourites Michelle and Too Close, the set wrapped up perfectly, and before long, it was time for the main event.
Anticipation turned to euphoria as The Last Dinner Party walked onstage and launched straight into Agnus Dei. Led by Abigail Morris, the band’s charisma and theatrical energy were obvious from the first moment. Count the Ways followed – the first of many near-deafening singalongs. ‘Good evening Melbourne, we are The Last Dinner Party – thank you for having us back,’ Abigail beamed during The Feminine Urge, as she took time to introduce the band.
Throughout the night, the set moved seamlessly between introspective moments and bursts of high-octane drama. Caesar on a TV Screen slowed things down with layered harmonies and keytar flourishes, while On Your Side saw bassist Georgia Davies take a moment to acknowledge her Australian heritage and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land. Technical hiccups mid-set couldn’t derail the fun. Before Second Best, Abigail jumped into the crowd to draw tattoo designs for fans. ‘Has anyone seen us before? Anyone got a tattoo you want me to do?’, before launching back into one of the night’s most powerful tracks.
Aurora Nishevci took lead vocals for I Hold Your Anger and the stirring Gjuha – a song introduced as a celebration of language and cultural identity – while Lizzie Mayland shone during Rifle; performing a stunning duet with Abigail that highlighted their seamless vocal chemistry.
Throughout the show, the band traded instruments, vocals, and energy effortlessly. Unreleased track Big Dog was a clear standout, with sax solos and shredding guitars hinting at bold directions for their next album. Portrait of a Dead Girl and The Scythe brought full theatrical flair, with Abigail joking about the weather forecast: ‘It would be kind of fun if there was thunder – something to summon!’
Sail Away provided a tender moment in the set – Abigail taking a moment to talk about their charity partner OzHarvest and all of the amazing work they do across Australia. The final stretch of the main set tore through fan favourites Sinner, My Lady of Mercy, and Inferno before the band launched into another unreleased track, Knocking at the Sky. ‘How do you already know the words?’ Abigail laughed. Wrapping with Nothing Matters, the entire Bowl was on their feet, dancing and singing beneath the stars.
Marching back onstage in unison for the encore This Is the Killer Speaking, the band brought the show full circle with a reprise of Agnus Dei, giving shout-outs to the crew and venue team. ‘We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve danced to a very high standard,’ Abigail declared. ‘And we have been The Last Dinner Party. Thank you for having us.’
Melbourne was more than ready for the theatrical chaos The Last Dinner Party delivered. This wasn’t just a show – it was a full-blown spectacle, and proof that this band is only just getting started.