24 July 2026 – The Tivoli, Brisbane – words and pictures by Bec Harbour
It’s sold out tonight and the line is already snaking down Costin Street outside the Tivoli at 6:30. “What is everyone here for?” a passerby asks.
A resounding chorus of “Silversun Pickups” comes from the line. The passerby looks confused, but we all know. It’s been 14 years since Silversun Pickups have graced us with their music and they have a new one Tenterhooks, to play for us along with the classics.
First up is Coast Arcade. Silversun Pickups have been spruiking them on Instagram, telling us all to turn up early and see them. Coast Arcade are an indie-rock band over from Auckland and they treated us to some sweet noise pop. They played ‘Greener’ and ‘Kids’ (and a few more). Keep an eye out for them because I think Silversun Pickups might be right – they are going places.
Coast Arcade – Tivoli – photos by Bec Harbour
After what seemed like an eternity (it was really only about half an hour), the lights dimmed and the house music faded away. The crowd cheered Silversun Pickups on to the stage. They kicked off with immediate high energy and not a lot of ceremony (mostly just big grins) with ‘New Wave’, followed by ‘The Wreckage’ and a well disguised riff into ‘Well Thought Out Twinkles’.
There was a solid batch of songs that included ‘It Doesn’t Matter Why’ and how good did ‘Panic Switch’ sound live?! Followed by ‘Au Revoir Reservoir’, ‘The Royal We’, ‘Three Seed’ and ‘Kissing Families’ then there was a pause where nothing seemed to be happening – I hope no one was hurt.
Silversun Pickups – Tivoli – photos by Bec Harbour
This might be the time to talk about the crowd – interesting mix tonight of a few absolute menaces, some people who seemed to have turned to stone (yes that is a doorway you are blocking) and mostly truly wonderful people just living their best lives dancing and singing along. If you are going to pre-load before a show, don’t do it to the point where they won’t let you in or you get turfed out – this was a sold-out show, other people would have taken that ticket you wasted.
The set kicked off again with some chat about Chinatown in the valley from Brian and the music kicked off again. It has been a while since I saw Silversun Pickups and you know, they are really one of the best bands to see live – the music is absolutely spot on!
Silversun Pickups – Tivoli – photos by Bec Harbour
Brian thanked Coast Arcade – they really wanted them on the tour – told the crowd to stream them. He spoke about what a privilege to make music and tour and come to Australia, making memories each time they come down. Followed by a pep talk about staying sane and decent. Crowd seemed confused but cheered anyway.
The set finished off with ‘Mean Spirits’, ‘Long Gone’, Circadian Rhythm’ and ‘Dots and Dashes’. And they left the stage. Not a single person moved, everyone was staying for the encore. And encore they did with ‘Little Lovers So Polite’, ‘Growing Old Is Getting Old’ and ‘Lazy Eye’ the song that probably launched them around the world.
Silversun Pickups – Tivoli – photos by Bec Harbour
Silversun Pickups came along at a time where fuzzed out guitars and vocals were not dominating music and they have grown and morphed beyond that while still retaining their style. They are a must-see live and 10 out 10 wanted to jump on a plane and see them again in another Australian city. Please come back again soon.
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