In a night that was meant to be all about nostalgia, Boom Crash Opera proved they’re not just a band from the past—they’re a band that still commands the present. Supporting Roxette at ICC Theatre Sydney, the Aussie rock veterans delivered a performance that was both a throwback and a reminder of why they still belong on big stages.

From the moment Dale Ryder and the band stepped onto the well-lit, spacious stage, there was a certain charm to seeing a true rock band still rocking XLR cables instead of wireless setups—a rare sight in today’s Bluetooth-dominated world. It was a subtle but symbolic nod to their authenticity, and they handled it like pros. The setlist was a powerhouse mix of classics and a long-awaited new release. Kicking off with ‘Great Wall’, the band wasted no time pulling the audience back into the era where their singles ruled the airwaves. The energy didn’t dip as they powered through ‘Gimme’, ‘Dancing In The Storm’, and ‘Hands Up In The Air’, with the latter living up to its title as the crowd eagerly responded.

A standout moment came with ‘Latest Hustle’, the band’s first new song in 28 years, released just three days before the show. “We know when a crowd hears the words ‘new song,’ they tend to tune out,” Dale Ryder joked—but the audience proved him wrong, giving it an enthusiastic reception. If this track is a taste of what’s to come, Boom Crash Opera fans have a lot to look forward to.

Not everything went exactly to plan, which only added to the night’s charm. At one point, the band accidentally started two different songs at the same time, only to pause, laugh it off, and decide on ‘Her Charity’—with Ryder joking that they should probably print the setlist in a larger font… maybe 76 points! The night took a celebratory turn when it was announced that drummer Peter “Maz” Maslen was celebrating his birthday. The crowd erupted into a spontaneous “Happy Birthday”, which led into a drum solo, followed by a bass solo, then a guitar solo that took everyone straight back to the ‘80s—complete with a face-melting guitar moment, played above the head.

As expected, ‘Dancing In The Storm’ was the crowd’s ultimate high point. The entire venue was on its feet, singing along with full-throttle enthusiasm. But another highlight came with ‘End Up Where I Started’, which began with a swing-jazz feel—complete with some old-school scat vocals—before shifting into a more rock-driven groove. It was a perfect example of how Boom Crash Opera continue to evolve while staying true to their roots.

The audience was a diverse mix, but the majority were fans who had been there since the beginning, reliving memories from three decades ago. That said, even first-time listeners were swept up in the infectious energy of the show, proving that Boom Crash Opera’s music still resonates across generations. Closing with ‘Onion Skin’, the band left the stage to a roaring ovation, solidifying their status as one of Australia’s most enduring and electrifying live acts.

With an electric setlist, plenty of humour, and a reminder that they’ve still got new music up their sleeves, Boom Crash Opera delivered a masterclass in live rock performance. It wasn’t just a trip down memory lane—it was proof that the best thing about this band is that they’re still very much here. If you missed them in Sydney, don’t make the same mistake twice—Boom Crash Opera are set to hit the stage again next weekend in Hobart and Adelaide, then at A Day On The Green in the Hunter Valley & Mount Cotton. Get along, relive the soundtrack of your youth, and witness a band still at the top of their game!

Thank you to Live Nation, Mellen Events, Valerie Maclver Public Relations and ICC Theatre Sydney for having us along

Review & Photos by Andy Kershaw (@andy.kershaw.photography) for Music Kingdom Australia