The Hives - World Tour 2025

The walls of Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall may still be vibrating after Thursday night’s sonic onslaught, courtesy of Swedish rock gods The Hives and Melbourne punk outfit Clamm. 

It was a night of snarling guitars, singalongs and one of the most charismatic frontmen in modern rock reminding us all why The Hives remain unmatched as a live act. Drawing from a catalogue that spans almost 3 decades, the band delivered a high-voltage set stacked with fan favourites and new material proving once again that their discography holds up under the weight of their manic live energy.

Melbourne trio Clamm opened the night with raw intensity and zero hesitation. Riding the wave of their latest album ‘Serious Acts’ (released may 25) the band delivered a furious, tightly wound set that felt as urgent as it did unrelenting. Frontman and lead guitarist Jack Summers took charge with his driving vocals and razor sharp riffs. For a support act, they didn’t just warm up the room they lit the fuse.

As the house lights dimmed, the crowd’s excitement erupted. The Hives marched on stage suited in their trademark black-and-white uniforms like a gang of glam rock bandits and launched into ‘Bogus Operandi’ like a battering ram.

What followed was a masterclass in rock’n’roll showmanship. From early 2000s anthems like ‘Main Offender’ and ‘Walk Idiot Walk’ to newer tracks off their upcoming album (due 29th August) ‘The Hives Forever Forever The Hives’, the band moved effortlessly through eras each track landing with as much punch and purpose as the last.

 Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist was a force of nature, leaping across the stage, cracking absurd jokes, and conducting the audience with wild eyed charisma. The crowd sang every word of ‘Hate to Say I Told You So’ like it was gospel, before erupting one final time to the atomic closer ‘Tick Tick Boom’.

 There are loud bands. There are fun bands. And then there’s The Hives a band that’s always been brilliant on record but somehow takes it to an entirely different level live. Backed by a fierce, no-nonsense set from Clamm, The Hives Brisbane show was rock at its finest.. It wasn’t just a gig, it was a full throttle reminder of why live music still hits harder than anything else.

Thanks to The Hives, Clamm, Frontier Touring, MG Live, I Oh You and the Fortitude Music Hall for having us along.

Photo gallery https://musicfestivalsaustralia.com/event-photos/thehivesworldtour2025

Review by Jack Carruthers & Photos by Matt Xander Music for Music Kingdom Australia