Live Review: Red Hot Summer Tour 2025 featuring ZZ Top
Featuring ZZ Top, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, The Living End, Baby Animals, Rose Tattoo and Dallas Fasca
27th April 2025 at Mornington Racecourse, Mornington Australia
Review by Jeana Thomas
Photography by Jeana Thomas Photography
ZZ TOP
Still Got the Groove: ZZ Top Tears It Up Down Under
The last time I saw ZZ Top was back in 2013 and it was with the late, great Dusty Hill still holding down the low end, what a memory that is. There was something so iconic about seeing the classic trio together, beards in full glory, locked into that groove only they could create. Dusty’s presence on stage was so effortlessly cool, solid, steady and full of that signature swagger. Seeing them back then felt like witnessing a piece of rock history in real time and it’s something I’ve carried with me ever since. Coming back to see them now, even with Elwood Francis on bass, felt like a full-circle moment, different, sure, but still deeply rooted in the spirit of that unforgettable legacy.
Frank Beard is currently taking a health-related break from performing and in his place, long-time friend of the band and veteran drummer John Douglas has stepped in. Douglas, who has worked closely with ZZ Top over the years as a drum tech and has deep roots in the rock world, was a natural choice to fill in, bringing both familiarity and finesse to the stage while Frank recuperates.
Seeing ZZ Top now was nothing short of rock ’n’ roll brilliance. The legendary Texas trio—Billy Gibbons, Elwood Francis and for now John Douglas, took the stage and showed exactly why their sound has stood the test of time. Smooth, gritty and unmistakably ZZ Top, their performance blended bluesy grooves, swaggering boogie and that signature southern grit with effortless style.
From the first few bars of “Gimme All Your Lovin’” the crowd was all in. Billy Gibbons’ guitar tone fierce and full of personality, rang out over the open-air venue, while John and Francis held down the rhythm with a cool looseness that somehow still felt razor-sharp.
The setlist struck a perfect balance between greatest hits and deeper cuts. “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” had everyone cheering, singing along without a hint of self-consciousness, while they still kept their raw bluesy sound, which was a reminder of the band’s roots and influence. These weren’t just songs, they were stories told through groove, grit and guitar.
The atmosphere at Mornington Racecourse was ideal, laid-back, but buzzing with energy. Fans young and old sprawled across the lawn, some rocking their own long beards (in tribute perhaps, or maybe not), others just soaking in the moment.
ZZ Top showcased timeless tunes, killer riffs and a crowd that was completely caught up in the moment. Every chord hit like a memory, every groove pulled people deeper into the music. By the end, it felt like a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll that refused to age.
GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS
One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Hell of a Show: George Thorogood Rocks Victoria
Catching George Thorogood & The Destroyers felt like stepping straight into a jukebox of gritty, good-time rock ’n’ roll and I mean that in the best possible way. There’s something about George’s no-nonsense swagger, that sly grin and his unmistakable slide guitar that instantly transports you to a bar room somewhere on Route 66, cold drink in hand.
From the first note of “Rock Party” the energy was infectious. The crowd, packed in at the Mornington Racecourse and were instantly hooked, shoulders swaying, drinks in the air and a whole lot of grinning going on. “I Drink Alone” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” turned the day into one big singalong, with George playing the role of charismatic storyteller as much as front man. There’s a theatricality to how he delivers his songs, it’s half blues, half bravado and entirely entertaining. It was clear to see that Mick Jagger’s electrifying stage presence and blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll swagger had a profound influence on George, who channelled that same gritty energy and showmanship into his own raw, hard-driving performances.
Even after all these years, The Destroyers are as tight as ever, and it’s obvious they’re still having a blast doing it. There’s something about the way they lock into those bluesy grooves that makes it feel less like watching a band perform and more like being a fly on the wall while a group of old friends jams out, completely in their element. It’s the kind of connection you can’t fake—the way their rhythms sync up effortlessly, each member feeding off the other’s energy, bringing something unique to the table but all with the same fire. You can see the joy in their faces as they play, as if they’re still relishing every moment like they did when they first started. It’s a rare thing to watch a band that not only has such a strong sense of musical chemistry, but also a genuine love for what they do. The Destroyers have that in spades, and it’s a reminder that sometimes, the real magic happens in the moments where the music just flows and everyone is totally caught up in the ride together.
It was my first time seeing Thorogood live and honestly, it was everything I hoped for – loud, loose and full of charm and cheekiness. It was a celebration of classic rock with just the right mix of grit and humour. A genuine highlight of the day.
THE LIVING END
Living Loud: The Living End Rocks Victoria with Unstoppable Energy
Seeing The Living End tear it up at the Red Hot Summer Tour was like reconnecting with an old friend who somehow got louder, faster and even more fired up. I’ve seen them a handful of times over the years, but there’s something about catching them outdoors that just hits differently. They didn’t ease into their set, they exploded onto the stage with their usual punch of punk energy and rockabilly flair and from that moment on, there was no slowing down.
Chris Cheney remains one of the most wildly underrated guitarists in Aussie rock – slick, precise and completely untamed when he wants to be. His solos were razor-sharp and his vocals had that signature rawness that somehow always sounds polished. Scott Owen, balancing on his double bass like it’s second nature, was as energetic as ever and Andy Strachan on drums was a powerhouse, keeping everything tight and thunderous.
The crowd lit up during anthems like “Prisoner of Society” and “West End Riot” with people of all ages yelling the lyrics back like they were teenage rebels again. It felt like a true homegrown moment. The Living End playing loud and proud for a crowd that’s grown up with their music.
What stood out most was how genuinely fired up they still are. There’s nothing tired or nostalgic about their show, it’s as urgent and electric as it ever was. It reminded me, once again, why they’ve stayed such a vital part of Australia’s rock scene.
BABY ANIMALS
The Baby Animals Roar to Life at the Red Hot Summer Tour
Was so excited to see Baby Animals perform at the Red Hot Summer Tour. It felt like being hit with a wave of pure, unapologetic Aussie rock and I loved every second of it. There’s a certain kind of energy that only comes from a band that’s lived and breathed their music for decades and Baby Animals brought it in spades.
Seeing Suze DeMarchi stride onto that stage, with that effortless cool about her, confident and magnetic, you instantly remember why she’s such a force in the rock world. Her voice still carries that undeniable punch, one of the most powerful in the country, hands down. It’s not just her vocals, though, it’s her entire presence. She doesn’t need to try too hard. It’s just her.
From the very first riff of “Rush You” you could tell they weren’t coasting on nostalgia; the band was tight, punchy and completely in sync with each other. They played with this energy that felt fresh, urgent, like they were still hungry to prove something. And Suze’s vocals? Raw in the best way – gritty, yes, but still able to soar with that classic rock power. It felt like she was living each note and you could tell the whole band was right there with her.
Then they kicked into “Early Warning” and the entire crowd just erupted. I mean, there were fists in the air, people singing every word and this incredible mix of long-time fans and new faces, all caught up in the moment together.
For me, Baby Animals have always had that perfect balance of power and melody that’s so hard to find in rock. Seeing them live reminded me exactly why they’ve earned their place as one of the most beloved bands in Aussie rock history. They’re loud, they’re proud and they’re still absolutely thrilling. Honestly, it was one of those nights that makes you appreciate why live music is so special – because it’s real, it’s raw and it hits you right in the chest.
ROSE TATTOO
Rose Tattoo: Rocking the RHST with Grit and Glory
The last time I saw Rose Tattoo was in Hastings back in 2022 and that gig still burns bright in my memory. Angry Anderson was just as fierce then, spitting out lyrics with that trademark snarl and fire in his eyes, while the band behind him played with the kind of grit that only comes from decades of hard-earned road experience. It was raw, raucous and real – everything a Rose Tattoo show should be. Seeing them again brought all those feelings rushing back.
There’s nothing polished or pretentious about their set and that’s exactly the point. It’s gritty, loud, unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll, delivered with a sneer and a wink by front man Angry Anderson, who, even after all these years, still lives up to his name in the best way possible.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Rose Tattoo. Their music feels like it’s been carved out of bar room walls and smoky pub stages, raw, defiant and full of stories. Hearing them rip into “Bad Boy for Love” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw” was a full-circle moment for me. Those songs still hit just as hard live, their swagger completely intact.
Angry’s presence on stage is something else, gravel-voiced, fiery-eyed and completely in command. There’s a sense of real conviction in how he delivers every line and you can tell he’s not just singing them, he’s lived them. The band behind him brought that classic Rose Tattoo punch, with pounding rhythms and snarling guitars that had the crowd headbanging from the first song to the last.
What I loved most was the authenticity. Rose Tattoo doesn’t chase trends or soften edges. They deliver the real thing and the Mornington crowd soaked it up. It felt like a proper rock show – sweaty, loud and straight from the heart. For anyone who loves their rock gritty and honest, this was a moment to remember.
DALLAS FRASCA
Soul on Fire: Dallas Frasca Ignites the Red Hot Summer Stage
I’d never seen Dallas Frasca perform before and I’ve got to say, I was absolutely blown away. Her presence on stage is something else – raw, powerful and filled with such fire. From the moment she hit the stage, you could feel the energy shift and it wasn’t just her voice (which, by the way, is incredible). It was her whole vibe, like she was living every word she sang. I’m so glad I got there early because it really paid off. Sometimes you show up early and wonder if it’ll be worth it, but with Dallas, it was more than worth it. She set the tone for the entire day/night and reminded me that the openers can be just as captivating as the headliners. If you ever have the chance to catch her live, don’t hesitate, get there early. You won’t regret it.
From the moment she and her band launched into their first song, the crowd’s attention snapped to the stage. Her sound is a gritty, soulful blend of rock, blues and raw attitude that’s impossible to ignore. There’s something beautifully unfiltered about the way she delivers each lyric, it’s all heart, grit and fire. Think Janis Joplin meets Chrissie Hynde with a dash of pure Aussie edge.
What stood out to me most, though, was how naturally she connects with the audience. There’s no ego, no pretence, just an artist completely immersed in the music and the moment. Whether it was a hard-driving rock anthem or a slower, bluesy groove, she had the crowd leaning in, nodding along and soaking it up.
It was clear not everyone in the crowd knew her music beforehand, but by the end of her set, there were plenty of new fans cheering loudly. For me, it was a reminder of how raw talent and passion always cut through. Dallas Frasca certainly did a great job warming up the crowd.
About the Writer: Originally hailing from Western Australia, Jeana Thomas now thrives in the vibrant city of Melbourne. Amidst the hustle of her role in a prominent teaching hospital, she also navigates the dynamic world of entrepreneurship as the owner of a medical transcription company. Beyond her professional endeavours, Jeana finds solace and joy in the rhythm of music, the allure of travel and the artistry of photography, with a particular passion for wildlife photography.
About Sheldon Ang Media: Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to more than 170 of the hottest acts including Coldplay (Perth), Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and The Kid LAROI with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. The founder has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. SAM is also a music journalist on the Triple M Radio network.
