6 September 2023 – The Forum, Melbourne – words by Luci Scott – pictures by Nicole Smith-Walker
On Tuesday night, I had the incredible fortune of attending the inaugural show of Neck Deep’s Australian tour at the Forum in Melbourne. Prior to this, I had never set foot in this venue, but from the moment I stepped inside, I was left utterly spellbound. The Forum boasts a unique charm; it’s a venue that not only resonates with your ears but also captivates your eyes. As I approached the venue, a huge line snaked around the corner. Given that this was a sold-out event, it was entirely expected. The anticipation was palpable, and the energy among the eager fans was electric. The moment I entered the venue, it hit me like a tidal wave – the Forum was bursting at the seams with Neck Deep enthusiasts. The crowd was dense, a testament to the band’s undeniable magnetism. The atmosphere was charged with excitement.
The night was kick-started by Yours Truly, a band that left an indelible mark on the audience. I had the privilege of seeing these legends perform on the Gold Coast last year, and I was thrilled to witness them on a grander stage. Mikaila’s stage presence was nothing short of extraordinary; her boundless energy and captivating dance moves had the crowd eating out of her hand. Yours Truly’s high-energy performance set the perfect tone for the evening, despite the absence of Teddie, the band’s guitarist, who was recovering from surgery, however Aidan from Sinclair stepped in seamlessly, ensuring the show went on without missing a beat.
The anticipation for Neck Deep was almost tangible; you could feel it in the air, an electric charge that coursed through the audience. They burst onto the stage with ‘Sonderland’ instantly setting the bar impossibly high. Ben, the lead singer, was a whirlwind of energy, darting around the stage and pouring his heart and soul into every note. When they launched into ‘LowLife’ the crowd’s collective voices were so deafening that it almost drowned out the band. Hearing around 2000 people scream “you’re a normie” was a surreal experience.
The setlist was a whirlwind, encompassing all their hits like ‘Kali Ma’, ‘Citizens of Earth’ and my personal favorite, ‘Gold Steps’. During ‘Gold Steps’ I ventured into the pit and was swept up in the exhilarating whirlwind of Melbourne’s energetic mosh pits – some of the best I’ve encountered in Australia.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Rain in July, Neck Deep treated us to tracks like ‘What Did You Expect’ and ‘Over and Over’. These nostalgic moments were pure bliss, and it was evident that long-time fans were relishing every second. The band seamlessly transitioned into their new material with ‘STFU’ and ‘Heartbreak of the Century’. However, a technical hiccup led to an impromptu drum solo, followed by ‘Smooth Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors’. The show was an unrelenting burst of energy, not only from the band but also from the crowd and the overall atmosphere.
The night concluded with a string of crowd favorites: ‘When You Know’, ‘She’s a God’, ‘Take Me With You’ and the anthemic ‘December (Again)’. But just when we thought it was over, Neck Deep returned for an encore. They re-emerged with ‘Motion Sickness’ igniting the crowd once more. I witnessed a few individuals stumble in the pit, only to be promptly lifted back up – a testament to Melbourne’s exceptional pit culture. ‘Can’t Kick Up the Roots’ was a crowd-surfing frenzy, with countless fans riding the waves of excitement. The night reached its peak with ‘In Bloom’, during which Ben expressed his love for Australia and hinted at a swift return. We can only hope that they keep their promise.
Although it wasn’t a 10th-anniversary tour, we were treated to a selection of older songs that filled the hearts of long-standing fans with nostalgia. Neck Deep’s unforgettable performance at the Forum left us yearning for more and eagerly anticipating their next Australian tour
