Live Review: Winger – Farewell Tour at Billboards in Melbourne
Review by Jeana Thomas
Photography by Jeana Thomas Photography
4th April 2025 at 170 Russell Street, Melbourne Australia
Winger’s Farewell Tour at 170 Russell Street in Melbourne was one of those once-in-a-lifetime shows. For anyone who grew up on the late ’80s rock scene, Winger’s performance felt like an emotional trip down memory lane, but also a reminder of how far he’s come as an artist. What made this show especially unique, though, was the fact that he brought back the original line-up of Winger, making it their first and last performance together down under. It was a rare chance to witness not only Kip’s incredible talent, but also the chemistry that made the band so iconic in the first place. The evening was an unforgettable fusion of nostalgia, raw emotion and pure rock energy.
To understand the significance of this show, you need a bit of context. Kip Winger’s career exploded in the late ’80s with the band Winger, a rock outfit that, while sometimes dismissed in the era of glam metal, had a unique blend of progressive rock, hard rock and a touch of classical sophistication. With hits like “Seventeen,” “Miles Away” and “Headed for a Heartbreak,” Winger became synonymous with both the sound of the ’80s rock scene and a certain lyrical depth that set them apart from the typical hair metal bands of the time. After the band’s initial run, Kip Winger went on to pursue a solo career that was far more stripped-back and introspective, moving into classical music and acoustic realms. But there was always a pull back to that heavier sound and this tour was the perfect bookend to his incredible career.
I was super excited, especially knowing that the original line-up – Kip Winger (vocals, bass), Reb Beach (guitar), Rod Morgenstein (drums), Paul Taylor (guitar, keyboards) and John Roth (guitar) would be playing together again for what could very well be the last time. The venue, 170 Russell Street, was the perfect setting: intimate enough for a personal connection, but large enough to capture the energy of a full-blown rock show.
Their show has great energy and you can feel the nostalgia for both classic rock and late ‘80s/early ‘90s metal. The crowd was hyped and their first song kicks off with “Stick the Knife In and Twist” and man, it’s such a perfect way to start their set. This track, from their album “Seven”, has this raw energy with heavy riffs and Kip Winger’s signature smooth vocals, set the mood for a killer night. It’s a bit of an underrated gem, though it’s got that emotional punch, talking about betrayal and the agony of heartbreak.
From there, they dive right into “Seventeen”, which is the big crowd-pleaser. Everyone’s singing along and it’s clear why this was one of their breakout hits. It’s got that catchy riff and the whole room just gets swept up in the energy. Then they keep the momentum going with “Can’t Get Enuff”, another fan favourite that has that fun, upbeat vibe. Things get a little heavier with “Down Incognito”. The track has a great groove and you can hear the band’s tightness really shine through live. Then comes “Rainbow”, another cool cut that highlights their ability to blend melody with power. But here’s where it gets special: the solos! Reb Beach’s guitar solo is always a crowd favourite — dude can shred! John Roth’s solo is just as impressive and let’s not forget the drum solo – these guys don’t hold back when it comes to showing off their skills.
The show starts to wind down with “Headed for a Heartbreak”, which is another classic and a huge sing-along moment. Then they get into “Easy Come Easy Go”, which has that feel-good vibe that the audience just eats up.
But of course, it’s not over. They come back for the encore and the crowd is absolutely buzzing. The band drops two more tracks, giving everyone that extra bit of rock ‘n roll magic before calling it a night.
This was a great celebration of Kip Winger’s journey as an artist, from his glam metal roots to his classical explorations and everything in between. The performance was a testament to his musical growth, his incredible song-writing and his enduring ability to connect with fans on a personal level.
It’s everything you’d want from a classic rock show – full of energy, nostalgia and jaw-dropping musicianship. If you’re into that late ’80s, early ’90s melodic rock vibe, it’s a must-see. You will really get to appreciate the way they’ve maintained their sound over the years. It’s about honouring the past, embracing the present and celebrating the artist who’s never stopped evolving. Trust me, you’ll be buzzing long after the show’s over! They’re heading to Perth next, so Perth people, grab your tickets, you won’t regret it.
Winger will continue with their tour, visiting all capital cities across Australia, ending in Perth on April 10th. Tickets are available from Silverback Touring
SHOTGUN MISTRESS
Shotgun Mistress is a band that definitely deserves more attention. They’ve been steadily carving out a name for themselves in the Australian rock scene and their recent role as the opening act for Kip Winger in Melbourne only highlights their growing presence. There’s something about their sound that immediately grabs you – it’s raw, unapologetic and undeniably rock ‘n’ roll, yet with a fresh twist that keeps it feeling relevant in today’s musical landscape.
Their set list was packed with energy and raw rock vibes. They kicked things off with “Save Me” and right off the bat, you could feel the intensity. The guitar riffs hit hard and the vocals just pull you in. Then, they smoothly transitioned into “Sweet”, which has this gritty, yet catchy vibe that really shows off their unique style, a perfect mix of hard rock and a little bluesy swagger. “Pretty” came next and it had that anthemic feel, making the crowd really start to groove, but when they hit their finale with “Bleed” the energy was off the charts. It’s such a powerful, emotional track that really left everyone buzzing. Shotgun Mistress just knows how to blend their heavy sound with some serious heart, making their live shows an absolute blast.
The band had an effortless confidence on stage, with a tightness that only comes from a group that’s genuinely in sync. The connection between them was unmistakable and it felt like they were having as much fun as the crowd was. Their set was high-energy from start to finish and there was an undeniable sense of passion behind every note. You could tell they were thrilled to be playing for a crowd, especially one as discerning as Kip Winger’s fanbase and am sure they recruited some new fans.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank John Howarth, Silverback Touring and Winger for the Press Accreditation.
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.
