19 June 2025 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton – words and pictures by Brad Fry
There are shows that entertain, and then there are shows that connect — heart to heart, note by note. Pete Murray’s solo acoustic performance at Rockhampton’s Pilbeam Theatre was a perfect mix of both. Stripped of any excess, the evening leaned into the raw essentials: a voice, a guitar, and a room full of people who knew that tonight would be something special.
Kicking off the evening, Brett Wood proved exactly why he’s one of the most respected guitarists in the country. A longtime collaborator with Pete Murray, this was a chance to see him step out and perform his own music which he did with quiet confidence and breathtaking precision (Wood joked that after 20 years of playing with Murray, this was the first time he was allowed on stage unsupervised). His playing was fluid and expressive, weaving intricate melodies and delicate phrasing into a soundscape that spoke volumes. Each piece was a showcase of musical storytelling, full of nuance and emotional depth. The crowd, clearly drawn in, listened in a rare stillness — a testament to the power of his performance. As a prelude to the night’s main act, it was the perfect beginning: understated, beautiful, and deeply musical.
Brett Wood – Pilbeam Theatre – phots by Brad Fry
Taking the stage next, Rachael Fahim brought an infectious energy that radiated warmth from the first note. With just her voice and an acoustic guitar, she created an atmosphere that felt both intimate and alive. Her sound — a fresh blend of country-pop with a singer-songwriter’s heart — struck a balance between polished hooks and genuine emotional resonance. Fahim’s storytelling came through not only in her lyrics but in her delivery, which was open, engaging, and disarmingly honest. She moved comfortably between upbeat tracks and more reflective moments, showing range without ever losing her connection to the crowd. There was something effortless in the way she held the room — not by demanding attention, but by earning it with sincerity and soul. Her set wasn’t just a warm-up; it was a statement.
Rachael Fahim – Pilbeam Theatre – phots by Brad Fry
As the house lights dimmed and Pete Murray took the stage, the murmuring crowd roared. The applause was warm and anticipatory. It was the welcome you’d give a friend and that’s how the whole evening felt: less like a concert, more like a conversation. So much to say and such little time.
Opening with ‘Lines’, Murray’s voice rang out clean and familiar, every word delivered with lived-in grace. The acoustic arrangement left nowhere to hide, and none was needed. Each lyric landed with clarity, evoking memories for the crowd that were met with knowing smiles and soft sighs.
At one stage, Brett Wood joined Murray on stage for a number of songs. His arrival was met with cheers from the crowd — a warm recognition not just of his earlier set, but of the chemistry he shares with Murray after years of playing together. The dynamic between the two was effortless, built on trust and mutual musical understanding.
Pete Murray – Pilbeam Theatre – phots by Brad Fry
But it wasn’t just the music — it was Murray’s approach to the night that made it special. Between songs, he opened up like few artists do. He spoke about his early days of learning guitar and playing rugby in Chinchilla. He spoke about the freedom of being an independent artist and the importance of artists owning their art. There were no filters, no rehearsed banter — just Pete, speaking from the heart. It gave the evening a confessional tone, where moments of silence between chords felt like a collective shared breath.
The beauty of the Pilbeam Theatre — with its excellent acoustics and unpretentious design — is how it allows an artist like Murray to create a sense of intimacy without needing to physically be close. And yet, somehow, he was. Whether it was bringing a huge cheer from the crowd with the opening chords of “So Beautiful” or gently strumming ‘Opportunity’, he seemed to make eye contact with everyone at once.
Some audience members leaned forward in their seats because they were completely spellbound — hanging on every word. Others swayed and clapped in time, arms raised in quiet celebration. Toward the back of the theatre, a few couldn’t stay seated any longer, rising to their feet to dance. The energy rippled through the room, each response different, but all united by the same simple truth: no one wanted to miss a moment.
There was no rush to the evening. Even the silences had weight. You could hear the creak of a guitar strap or the click of a guitar pedal. The end of every song was greeted with applause that spoke of gratitude — full-bodied and sincere.
Pete Murray – Pilbeam Theatre – phots by Brad Fry
In an age of spectacle, Pete Murray proved that simplicity still has power. No backing band. Just stories, melodies, a candle lit stage and the kind of presence that fills a room without needing to force it on you.
The Rockhampton show wasn’t just another stop on the tour — it was a reminder of why we gather for live music in the first place: to feel something real, together. And tonight, in the Pilbeam Theatre we did. They say you can measure the quality of a song by how it plays on an acoustic guitar. Tonight’s show proved that Pete Murray, Rachael Fahim and Brett Wood all have catalogues that are filled with nothing but gold.
