Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Wednesday 15 January 2025, The Gov, Adelaide, SA
When Brendan B. Brown, the iconic voice behind Wheatus, announced an acoustic Australian tour for 2025, fans, like me, were understandably thrilled. Adelaide’s iconic music venue, The Gov, played host to the singer-songwriter on January 15, and it turned to be an unforgettable night filled with a tad of nostalgia, intimacy (on the Gibson Stage) and a lot musical mastery.
The Voice
His vocals haven’t skipped a beat.
Brendan’s voice is as unique and mesmerizing as ever. The moment he took to stage, there was a an energy in the room. Stripped of the full-band sound, the acoustic setup highlighted the gifted nuances of his voice and his ability to tell a story through every note. Fans, both long-time admirers and some newbies, were transfixed by the purity of his delivery, which effortlessly brought his timeless lyrics to life.
The Fun Setlist
Of course, ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ was the highlight of the night. It’s a song that has somehow never lost its charm, finding new life with each generation, thanks to its enduring relatability and recent viral TikTok fame. Brendan, accompanied by Gabrielle Sterbenz, delivered a rendition that was heartfelt yet playful, inviting the entire crowd to sing along – a moment of shared joy that felt like a time capsule from 2000. Now Lady Gaga just needs to cover it and make it even BIGGER again.
Beyond the hits, Brendan treated fans to a deeper dive into Wheatus’ discography, offering songs that even the most die-hard followers might not have expected. Tracks like ‘BMX Bandits’ and ‘I’d Never Write A Song About You’ were beautifully reimagined, their acoustic arrangements adding fresh layers of emotion and meaning.
‘Lady Adelaide’, ‘Valentine’ & ‘Chan’s The Man’ all got the good nods.
‘A Little Respect’, a cover of Erasure, came with his approval and love of the groundbreaking band of the 80’s.
Twisted up takes on Paul Simon’s ‘Diamonds On The Souls Of Her Feet’ and Rick Springfield’s ‘Jessie’s Girl’ were some of the fierce and crowd engaging moments.
That said, due to the nature of the show, part request, you future audiences don’t know what you’re gonna get. So buckle up and just enjoy.
More Than Just A Gig
What made the night further special was Brendan’s interaction with the audience. Between songs, he shared anecdotes from his career, and they were fun (He’s a funny guy), reflecting on Wheatus’ journey and their enduring connection with fans worldwide. His self-deprecating humour and easy charm turned the concert into a conversation, making the crowd feel like they were catching up with an old friend.
Gabrielle Sterbenz, Wheatus’s talented band member and touring partner, was a perfect complement to Brendan’s performance. Her harmonies and understated stage presence elevated the music, and their camaraderie added a warmth that made the night feel even more intimate. A ‘Power Couple’ indeed.
Founding member and former lead guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist of The Chats, Josh ‘Pricey’ Price joined as a special guest with a phenomenal voice. Bravo.
The Venue
The choice of The Gov as the venue was clever. Known for its cozy yet lively atmosphere, the venue allowed the acoustic performance to shine while keeping the energy of the crowd buzzing. The excellent acoustics and intimate setting ensured every note and lyric was heard and felt. You know I ‘Love The Gov’ though haha.
Why This Tour Matters
This acoustic tour is more than just a series of gigs though; it’s evidence to Wheatus’s lasting impact on the music world. While many artists fade into the background, Brendan B. Brown has managed to keep his music relevant, connecting with audiences in new ways while staying true to the essence of what made Wheatus so beloved and he keeps it flowing, hopefully for the years ahead too. He has insane talent so we should all be most happy about this.
If this Adelaide show is anything to go by, Brendan B. Brown’s 2025 Australian acoustic tour will be a resounding success. It’s rare to see an artist so willing to connect deeply (and intimately) with their audience, both through music and heartfelt interaction. A fan since the early days of Wheatus or have only recently discovered their music, this acoustic, laid back, performance offered something special for everyone.
For those who missed the Adelaide show, the tour continues across Australia, and it’s worth every effort to catch Brendan in action. His voice, his stories, and his undeniable talent remind us why music has the power to bring people together. Get you tickets!
Final Verdict
Brendan B. Brown’s Adelaide show was a artist’s lesson in engagement, throw-backs and raw musical talent. A rare treat for fans, it proved that even after decades, the magic of Wheatus music and Brendan’s enduring charm – remains as powerful as ever.
Stars? FIVE (And don’t say ‘Maybe’)
Check out our cool GALLERY from the evening courtesy Deezyn Music
