
14 July 2023 – The Brightside, Brisbane – words by Luci Scott
On Friday, I had the incredible opportunity to witness the long-awaited return of Forever Ends Here. After their hiatus in 2016, the local Australian pop-punk scene has felt incomplete. With support from Belle Haven and Those Who Dream, the night was filled with anticipation and a sense of nostalgia, making it one of the most memorable shows I’ve attended.
First up was Belle Haven, a band that had been highly recommended to me by friends for years. I must admit, I had been sleeping on their music until now. Their performance instantly captivated me, and I found myself adding their songs to all of my playlists. Hailing from Melbourne, Belle Haven delivered a phenomenal set, pouring every ounce of energy into their performance. David, their vocalist, set the bar high for the evening, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Next, Those Who Dream took the stage, an incredible duo hailing from Perth. Despite their two- member lineup, they exuded an energy that made it feel like there were more people on stage. Hazel’s drumming skills were nothing short of impressive, effortlessly commanding the rhythm while Josh’s charismatic nature commanded attention. It was impossible to take my eyes off them as they rocked the crowd with their infectious energy.
As I eagerly waited for Forever Ends Here to take the stage, I looked around and realised that I recognised many familiar faces in the crowd. The reason was simple: we all used to attend all-ages pop-punk shows together back in the day. Now, older and wiser, we had the opportunity to relive those nostalgic moments together.
The moment finally arrived, and Forever Ends Here graced the stage. It was a moment we had all been waiting for, years in the making. Their setlist was filled with beloved classics, and the entire room erupted with heartfelt sing-alongs. Luke, the band’s frontman, brought a touch of intimacy with a few acoustic renditions of their slower songs, which was truly special to witness. But it was when they reclaimed their energetic sound that the party truly started. Their iconic cover of ‘Starships’ by Nicki Minaj had the whole room dancing along, and as they continued to deliver their bangers, the energy in the room soared.
This show was nothing short of amazing, and I couldn’t help but hope that Forever Ends Here stays together and continues to create incredible music. Their return was a testament to the lasting impact they have had on the Australian pop-punk scene, and their presence on stage reminded us all why we fell in love with their music in the first place. It was a night of nostalgia, energetic performances, and a renewed sense of camaraderie among the fans. Forever Ends Here, please stay and continue to rock our world.