The Last Dinner Party - AU Tour 2026
On an incredibly peaceful and, mind you, feverishly warm summer evening, a growing line of fans, clad in long, flowing skirts and billowing blouses, awaits the evening ahead. A powerfully divine energy is slated to take centre stage at Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl on this January eve.
7:45 pm, no earlier nor later, Sir Chloe gingerly graces the stage to a slowly growing audience. Hailing from Vermont, USA, Dana Foote, better known under the stage name Sir Chole, brings an eerie, soft-macabre presence. Between stories of death and trauma, Sir Chloe no doubt made new fans of this audience. Her popular song, Michelle, certainly garnered the attention of those both familiar and new to the artist's work. Sir Chloe’s darker lyrical tone and more subdued performance greatly balanced what was to come from The Last Dinner Party; both bands complementing each other's indie rock tones, while remaining distinct.
Gracing us from over the pond, the London-based, girl and non-binary, indie rock band (say that five times - one for each member), The Last Dinner Party, have once more returned down under since their last visit in 2024. As the first notes of Agnus Dei rang out, distinctly feminine shrills reached the clouds. The sun slowly set to the ethereal tones of lead vocalist Abigail Moris, as she soared into Count The Ways and Feminine Urge. Moris commands the stage effortlessly, gliding across the stage as if dancing alone in her kitchen on a Sunday morning. Second Best really showcased the band's ability to up the rock elements when playing live. And it did not stop! The collective stamina is at a level I have rarely witnessed.
Returning to her homeland, base player Georgia Davies gave a beautiful Acknowledgment to Country and expressed her excitement to have once more brought her friends and band back to Australia. A small technical issue allowed Moris to draw a fan a beautiful tattoo design, and even in the moments of technical terror, the band engaged the audience in a way I can only describe as a “girls' night”; playful, fun and with plenty of laughter.
The sheer amount of talent amongst this group is surreal. They switch instruments regularly, dance effortlessly, harmonise flawlessly and all while making it seem as easy as making a morning cup of tea. Individually, each artist is a talent of their own, but combined, they tap into something further - beyond the merely human and into a soul-touching territory. Collectively, they complement each other and clearly enjoy sharing every element of the stage.
I took a seat on the grassy hill that overlooks the main bowl and seating area. To my left, a group of girls had their shoes off on the grass and frolicked to every song in a way reminiscent of Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights music video. These moments held such beauty to witness and were a direct response to the band's empowering and touching lyrics and instrumental aptitude.
The Last Dinner Party are not only entertainers, but they also use their platform to help out where they can. Having partnered with OzHarvest, fans can donate to the organisation, which provides donations to foodbank charities across Australia, all while having a zero-waste policy. Unfortunately, the Ribbons for Provisions was unable to run at the Melbourne show, however fans could and can still donate.
The night “drew to a close” with an energetic performance of Nothing Matters; and like razzing the kids up with chocolate before bed, the crowd's energy was at its highest as the quintet “left the stage”. A vicious chorus of clapping hands brought on the encore as they tore into This is the Killer Speaking. Audiences got an elaborate dance lesson from Moris, which hilariously broke up the song before gliding straight back into the final chorus.
I can not speak more highly of The Last Dinner Party and their live show. The energy was electric, fiercely divine, and an absolute spectacle of theatre that has me hoping for a concert film. What a beautiful thing it is to be touched so soulfully through live music.
Thanks to The Last Dinner Party, Sir Chloe, Secret Sounds and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for having us along.
Gallery https://musicfestivalsaustralia.com/event-photos/the-last-dinner-party-au-tour-2026
Review & Photos by Eva Dudes for Music Kingdom Australia
