
2 January 2024 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone – words and pictures by Brad Fry
Tell me a better start to a new year of live music than a show from the Dune Rats. I’ll wait… let me save you some time…you can’t. The Harvey Road Tavern was the place to be in this new year as the Dune Rats brought their distinctive sound and performance to Gladstone’s Harvey Road Tavern. This was one of many stops on their If It Sucks, Turn It Up Tour and the tavern was buzzing with anticipation for the night’s sonic mayhem. Support duties were handled tonight by bands Pandamic and Greg, who proceeded to pour ample fuel onto the already smoldering crowd.
Pandamic are a band originally formed in Rockhampton and they opened the night’s entertainment in fine form! This run with Dune Rats was their first tour in about a year, but it certainly didn’t show! The four piece band were tight and entertaining from their first song to their last. The songs in question show a musical maturity that only comes from tireless work and their ten years of existence as a band was on show for all to see. Hooks galore as well as incredible stage presence make Pandamic a joy to experience. If you are already a fan, you know why. If you aren’t, then get around these guys…you will not be disappointed!



Pandamic – Harvey Road Tavern – photos by Brad Fry
Greg are a trio of honest and fun musicians. Unassuming as they took to the stage they proceeded to put on an energetic and enjoyable show that was a perfect fit for the night’s antics. Front man and bass player Toby said that they only have one song on the internet but the fact the crowd knew more than that one suggested that we must be “fucking bored up here” (accurate hahah). He also apologised for his voice being a little rough due to it being pushed a little too hard on new years. Nobody seemed to mind and personally,I think it added to the show. The songs were catchy and played with passion. Greg are the essence of a power trio and as they are performing every show with the Dunies on this tour, their fanbase will only continue to rise. To quote a number of punters, “Greg, Greg, Greg, Greg, Greg”.



Greg – Harvey Road Tavern – photos by Brad Fry
As the lights dimmed, the Dune Rats trio (made up of Danny Beus, Brett Jansch and BC Michaels) took to the stage, launching into ‘6 Pack’ with an energy that ignited the room. The audience, a sea of flailing limbs and ecstatic faces, mirrored the band’s infectious enthusiasm. The setlist was a perfect mix of old favourites and tracks from their latest release If it Sucks, Turn it Up. Songs like ‘Rich Kid Rehab’ and ‘Beer, Bongs & Bullshit’ showcased their knack for entertaining lyrics and relentless hooks, while anthems like ‘Bullshit’ had the entire venue screaming along at the top of their lungs.



Dune Rats – Harvey Road Tavern – photos by Brad Fry
Between songs, the band bantered with the audience, sharing tales and poking fun at their own antics. A highlight of the night was a rendition of ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’. The Dunies were joined on stage by all members of opening act Greg. The medium sized stage at the tavern seemed a lot smaller with six musicians going for broke during the song as the crowd reacted in kind. Another guest was their friend Moe who took over lead vocals on an amazing performance of ‘Dead, Rich or In Jail’ and played guitar on ‘Beer, Bongs & Bullshit’. What truly set the night apart from your average show was the connection between the band and the crowd. The Dunies have a way of making every show feel like a backyard party with your best mates, and last night was no exception.



Dune Rats – Harvey Road Tavern – photos by Brad Fry
Dune Rats are more than just a band—they’re a force of nature. If the Gladstone crowd was any indication, their If It Sucks, Turn It Up tour is leaving a trail of unforgettable nights in its wake. For those lucky enough to catch them on this run, get ready to sweat, scream, and party like there’s no tomorrow.