LIVE: Machine Head at The Station -

1 December 2025 – The Station, Sunshine Coast – words and pictures by Marty Schmidt

Did someone say road trip for Machine Head? And they’re playing at The Station—arguably the Sunny Coast’s best live music venue? I’m there, no more questions asked!

The Station had its sound system well and truly tested on Monday night by the mighty Machine Head. With an arsenal spanning almost 35 years, Machine Head hit the stage like a bank job, holding the loyal fans hostage right to the end.

Machine Head – The Station – photos by Marty Schmidt

Frontman, guitarist, and founding member Robb Flynn still delivers with brutal precision; Jared MacEachern takes care of bass duties like he’s been there from the beginning, while drummer Matt Alston runs a complicated, fast, but rock-solid backline like clockwork.

Unfortunately, with second guitarist Reece Scruggs unable to join the first leg of the tour, Machine Head took to the stage as a three-piece—yet they convincingly filled the sound during the onslaught, pumping through the first hour of the set barely breaking a sweat. Opening the set with ‘Imperium’ they kicked off strong.

Machine Head – The Station – photos by Marty Schmidt

’10 Ton Hammer’ saw some inflatable violence unleashed, followed by a chanting tribute to Dimebag Darrell to ante up with ‘Aesthetics of Hate’ which was one of the choices given to the crowd (the other being ‘Blood For Blood’).

The entire 2.5-hour set was delivered to a consistently willing and enthusiastic crowd that refused to slow pace through the night, barring the two acoustic songs—’Circle the Drain’ and ‘Darkness Within’—that gave the room some much-needed time to breathe before the band finished strong with the final few tracks, and Iron Maiden cover ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name’ and ‘Halo’.