Australian hip-hop heavyweights Bliss N Eso touched down in Port Macquarie on June 6 for their Party on the Moon tour, and what followed at the Port Panthers auditorium was a masterclass in live performance, crowd connection, and genre-defying energy. With the unstoppable Ivan Ooze setting the stage as the support act, the night unfolded as a high-octane celebration of both nostalgic anthems and bold new material.

Returning to Port Mac for his third time, Melbourne rapper, Ivan Ooze opened the night with explosive confidence. His razor-sharp delivery and natural charisma had the crowd locked in from the jump. Highlights included Honeycomb, Snack, his most-streamed hit Ghosts, and the recently released Big Trees (April 23). Mid-set, he brought two audience members onstage for a dance-off during Move Like That, where the infamous “sprinkler” move made a proud appearance. The winners took home Ooze merch, and the crowd took home the memory of a hilarious, spontaneous moment—one of many that set the tone for the night.

During the brief intermission, fans buzzed around the merch table, keen to take home a memento. With a great mix of classic Bliss N Eso gear alongside fresh Party on the Moon tour merch, attendees had plenty of options.

And then it was time. Bliss N Eso hit the stage with the intensity and polish that only decades of touring can produce. While many artists bang on about fan appreciation, few walk the walk like BNE—especially with their commitment to regional Australia.

The setlist delivered by arguably our most consistent and successful hip-hop group was a carefully curated journey through the band’s evolution. Fans were treated to classics like Act Your Age, Reflections, Moments, OG’s, and The Sea is Rising. Tracks from their April album The Moon (The Light Side) brought a wave of fresh energy, especially Take Me Higher, Been Through Hell, and Vacation—the latter performed in full beach mode with bucket hats and Hawaiian shirts. A major crowd highlight was their cover of Chemical Heart, a collaboration with Grinspoon that hit especially hard in Port Macquarie, with the Grinners’ frontman Phil Jamieson being a local from the Hastings region.

Bliss N Eso, who have been in the game a long time now, displayed their experience, pacing the show perfectly. A dynamic mid-set showdown between DJ IZM and drummer DK gave the headliners a breather while still keeping the energy up, showcasing the skill and individuality of their full team.

The atmosphere throughout was one of pure love for the hip-hop kings, made all the more special by the group’s genuine connection with their fans. The night closed with an encore of My Life and Addicted, with Ivan Ooze and his DJ Stevey Junor returning to the stage. The vibe was one of brotherhood, with the camaraderie between all the musicians on full display, the group even getting three selfies with the crowd before leaving the stage for the final time.

With the second half of their album—The Moon (The Dark Side)—set to drop on October 3, fans are hoping Bliss N Eso will hit the road again for another regional run and make their way back to Port Macquarie soon. The future looks just as exciting as the legacy they continue to build.

Party on the Moon wasn’t just a concert—it was a reminder of how strong and authentic Aussie hip-hop can be when it’s done by artists who truly live it.

With over 20 more shows on this tour don’t miss your chance to see these legends live. Tickets and information via https://blissneso.com/

Thanks to Bliss N Eso, Ivan Ooze, Frontier Touring, MG Live and Port Panthers for having us along

Review & Photos by Michelle Symes

Bliss N Eso - Party On The Moon Tour