Project Description

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Shihad.

SHIHAD
+ Bodyjar + Battlesnake
@ Forum, Melbourne,
7th March 2025
(Live Review)

Review and photos by Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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SHIHAD

SHIHAD / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Tonight marks the final night of the Australian leg of Shihad’s Loud Forever Farewell Tour, a bittersweet occasion for many fans who have followed the band for decades. But tonight is not about commiseration—it is about celebration. From their inception in 1988 to their farewell in 2025, Shihad has been a defining force in rock, and tonight, we honour their journey. Just a few nights ago, Melbourne got its first taste of the tour at the Corner Hotel, where the band played The General Electric in full. That show was nothing short of electrifying, leaving fans eager to see what surprises tonight’s setlist would bring.

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BATTLESNAKE

BATTLESNAKE / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Before we said our final goodbye to Shihad, the stage belonged to Battlesnake. For those unfamiliar with them, the band’s arrival was nothing short of a spectacle. Emerging in white robes adorned with horns, wings, and shimmering diamonds, their theatrical presence was almost otherworldly. Their visuals alone were enough to make you question their fit as an opener for a band like Shihad, but any doubts quickly vanished. From the moment they launched into their set, their onstage antics and musicianship made it clear why they were chosen. The seven-piece outfit delivered a blistering performance, fusing powerful guitar solos with thunderous drumming and compelling lyrics. For those who had only heard their studio recordings and wished for a heavier live sound—tonight, they got their wish. Despite playing to a smaller early crowd, Battlesnake’s set felt intimate, like a gathering of friends. At one point, they even acknowledged a familiar face in the audience. As their performance progressed, the theatrics escalated—robes came off, and some members ended up in nothing but their underwear and shoes, much to the amusement (or surprise) of the audience.

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BODYJAR

BODYJAR / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Next up was a band with whom I have a long history—Bodyjar. Having known one of their former roadies from back in the day and, more recently, one of their past drummers, Ross Hetherington, I was eager to see them perform. As I turned around, I noticed the Forum was now packed, the sold-out crowd buzzing with energy. Bodyjar is a staple of the Australian music scene, and their live presence never disappoints. From the moment Cameron and Tom took the mic, it was evident that their vocals had lost none of their punch. Their high-energy setlist covered a mix of their classics, including Wind Sok from Rimshot! and Remote Controller from their 1998 album No Touch Red. They also delivered One in a Million from Plastic Skies and fan-favourites from How It Works, such as Not the Same and Fall to the Ground. They closed their set with a rousing cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s A Hazy Shade of Winter, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

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SHIHAD

SHIHAD / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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And then, the moment arrived. The final Shihad performance in Melbourne. As anticipation reached its peak, the venue was bathed in atmospheric lighting while a cinematic track played over the sound system. Then, with a deafening roar from the crowd, Jon Toogood and the band took the stage. They wasted no time, launching into Tear Down Those Names with a force that left the audience captivated. You could hear a pin drop in those first moments as fans stood in awe, knowing this was history in the making.

Tonight’s setlist was a masterclass in celebrating Shihad’s discography. They played selections from each album, weaving together a journey through their career. Kicking off with two tracks from Old Gods—Tear Down Those Names and Feel the Fire—the crowd responded by belting out every lyric. Then came Think You’re So Free and FVEY from their 2014 album FVEY, sending the audience into a frenzy. As fists pumped in the air and voices joined in unison, it was clear this was more than just a concert—it was a communal experience.

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SHIHAD

SHIHAD / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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From Ignite, they played Sleepeater and the title track Ignite, followed by One Will Hear the Other and Beautiful Machine from the 2008 album Beautiful Machine. Unlike a typical chronological setlist, Shihad mixed old and new seamlessly. The crowd exploded when they launched into Alive and All the Young Fascists from Love is the New Hate before shifting gears to their brief Pacifier era with Comfort Me, Everything, and Bulletproof. As the first notes of Bulletproof rang out, the theatre vibrated like a stampede of wild animals.

Then came the moment that many had been waiting for—songs from The General Electric, the album that introduced countless fans to Shihad. This section of the set saw the most songs performed, including My Mind’s Sedate, The General Electric, Pacifier, and Wait and See. A particularly magical moment occurred during Pacifier when Jon encouraged fans to turn on their phone flashlights, illuminating the venue in a sea of waving lights.

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SHIHAD

SHIHAD / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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The set continued with La La Land from their 2016 self-titled album, followed by two tracks from Killjoy—Deb’s Night Out and You Again. Nearing the end, they pulled out Screwtop from their greatest hits compilation before leaving the stage. But the night wasn’t over yet.

Chants of “One more song!” and “Encore!” echoed through the Forum. The band returned for a powerful encore, kicking off with Run, followed by their cover of Split Enz’s I Got You. Then, a rare treat—I Only Said from their debut album Churn, a song many fans hadn’t heard live in years. Finally, they closed the night with one of their most beloved anthems, Home Again.

As the final chords rang out, Jon addressed the crowd one last time, inviting everyone to stay for a commemorative photo. With devil horns raised high, the moment was immortalized—a fitting farewell to a band that shaped the lives of so many.

And just like that, Shihad’s final Melbourne performance was over. But while the band may have played their last note on this stage, their music will live on forever in the hearts of their fans.

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SHIHAD

SHIHAD / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Check out Michael Gow’s (@alchemi_glow_music_phot) full gallery of this event HERE


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SHIHAD

SHIHAD / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Follow SHIHAD
Website – Instagram – Facebook – X

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SHIHAD

SHIHAD / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Press Release 11th January 2025 (below) HERE

SHIHAD
New shows added
The Final Tour
 Loud Forever 1988 – 2025

With Special Guests Battlesnake & BodyJar (Melb Only)

Tickets on sale NOW via shihad.com

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Shihad.


AMNPLIFY – DB

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