7 November 2026 – The Brightside Outdoors, Brisbane – words and pictures by Bec Harbour
Ecca Vandal looked like they were on an upward trajectory kicking off their career back in 2014 (or there about) then the bump that we all hit – Covid lockdowns. Whether this was the cause or not, there was a very defined pause in the hiatus around 2021.
Enter 2024, Vandal reappeared, released ‘Bleed But Never Die’ followed by ‘Then There’s The One’ and amped up the energy with a support slot through Europe for Limp Bizkit in 2025, building their presence until the release in 2026 of their sophomore album Looking For People To Unfollow.
Ecca Vandal – Brightside Outdoors – photos by Bec Harbour
This summer, Ecca Vandal has drawn huge crowds on the European festival circuit with appearances at Roskilde in Denmark, Rock Am Ring in Germany and Outbreak Festival in the UK, just to name a few. It was surprising that the Australian show venues were not upgraded for the triumphant return after such a fantastic run.
Enter The Brightside Outdoors in Brisbane with a max standing capacity of about 500 – this might just be the last time to see Vandal on a stage this small. It was muggy and the valley was the usual buzz of activity when I arrived. There was just one problem (and one we all dread as photographers) – no photo pass on the door. After a bit of back and forth, I decided I was too hot and tired to continue the debate and said to the door person that I would take it up with the PR people on Monday, but why was it always this venue? Sigh… I was really looking forward to this one.
Ecca Vandal – Brightside Outdoors – photos by Bec Harbour
Back in the car, my phone started popping off as I left the parking garage so I pulled over to check – through insta DM, someone had tracked me down and said come back, mistakes were made! It’s at this point I really want to shout out Tom from Artists Only who sorted the guest list out and repaid for my parking – thanks mate!
I got there just on the tail end of the support act – unsure who they were but the crowd were already taking up position and grooving away. Vandal also had a very successful support slot on the Deftones tour earlier this year and the sheer amount of Deftones shirts I saw in the crowd is testament to the power of a support slot for up and coming artists. It also goes into our mantra here at the Live Wire – show up for the supports, they might just be your new favourite band!
Ecca Vandal – Brightside Outdoors – photos by Bec Harbour
After a couple of delays, Vandal took the stage and the hot, sweaty crowd sardined into the venue let out a collective sound of relief mixed with joy. The opening notes of ‘EYES SHUT’ and ‘GHOSTS’ let all kinds of emotions out and most of the crowd fell into moving with the music, snapping pics and generally feeling super communal.
As to be expected, the material was very Looking For People To Unfollow heavy with 13 of the 15 songs coming from the latest offering. I was surprised at the number of people who purchased the vinyl at the show and were carrying it about. I did learn later that Vandal was doing a signing in the “beer garden” section of the Brightside.
Vandal took time to address the crowd, letting them know this was the first date on their Australian tour and how much they were looking forward to getting out and seeing the Australian fans.
Ecca Vandal – Brightside Outdoors – photos by Bec Harbour
People really loved ‘CAME HERE FOR THE LOOT’ and ‘CRUISING TO SELF SOOTHE’ and of course the singles from the album, ‘BLEACH’, ‘VERTICAL WORLDS’ and finalising the night on ‘SORRY, CRASH’. People did not want to leave, they certainly wanted more. Unfortunately the noise ordinance had kicked in and no more outdoor music for tonight.
With a start to the night that threatened to derail everything, the experience for me bounced back with a speed that was like whiplash. The atmosphere was great. Vandal put on a performance that did not care that it was for a 500 pax venue, it made us all feel that we received a stadium sized show, with the intimacy of the small venue. The band was tight and Ecca Vandal delivered a show that we will not forget in a hurry.
Ecca Vandal – Brightside Outdoors – photos by Bec Harbour
