This year our team took full advantage of no lockdowns or restrictions and embraced all that live music had to offer. And what a year it’s been!
So we asked our team to recall their favourite gig of the year.
From Dashville to Bigsound, here are our live music highlights of 2022.
TRACY MAC: Host of Newcastle in the Morning
My highlight features two very different musical performances. Locally I was blown away by the chicks from Hot Flush at Lizotte’s and on the national stage, it was Six The Musical – a funky modern twist to the story of the wives of Henry VIII.
BRAD: Sales Manager
My stand out for the year would have to be the 2022 Bigsound festival. This was my first time at Bigsound and nothing could prepare me for the three days of musical bliss and discovery of new artists like Forest Claudette, Adrian Dzvuke, Jess Day, Big Wett and my absolute stand-out Selfish Sons who are a staple of my daily playlist.
BONNIE: Host of The Newcastle Live n’ Local Music Show
Dashville Skyline was an absolute slice of heaven. The lineup was stacked with artists that I already knew, and some more that I fell in love with, the vibes are magical and the Dashville community is super welcoming
STEVE: Host of The Good Stuff
The Lachlan X Morris Show at The Stag was one of the shows of the year for me. Great sound, great songs and a fantastic show that delivered the energy and presence that makes live music so amazing. Catching William Crighton at Dashville was also a definite highlight for 2022 – it was powerful and magical. And a special mention to local outfit Acacia Blue for their winning performance at the Uni Band Comp and the mighty Turpentine Babycino for their Dashville Xmas show. What a year!
DAN: Managing Editor
I fell in love with Andy Golledge and his songs the first time I saw him on a trip to Brisbane back in 2017. I’d waited a long time to see him play a show in Newcastle – and the wait was totally worth it. When he took to the Stage at The Stag his debut studio album, Strength Of A Queen was barely a month old, and the packed audience greeted the songs like old friends. That night’s performance of Run To The River (from Andy’s Namoi EP) was something I’ll never forget. As the band swelled through the dynamics of the song, the crowd sang along and hugged each other and we all became one entity. It was a truly magical moment.
LISA: Client Services Manager
Ball Park Music at Bar On The Hill in June this year has to be my ultimate highlight. I was front and centre on the barrier and loved every minute of soaking up the talent and energy radiating from the stage. BPM are hands down my favourite Australian act and their performance was nothing short of perfect. They are so tight live and never miss a beat. Sam Cromack is an incredible frontman who’s vocals cut right into your soul. They were supported by Melbournites RAT!hammock (if you haven’t checked these guys out before do yourself a favour) and they absolutely incredible King Stingray from Northeast Arnhem Land.
