Live Review: The Lookout 2025
23 March 2025 Mornington Racecourse, Mornington, Melbourne Australia
Review by Jeana Thomas
Photography by Jeana Thomas Photography
The Lookout is back for 2025 with some of Australia’s iconic talents: JET, Grinspoon, The Veronicas, Spiderbait, Jebediah, and Magic Dirt.
Face to Face Touring is proud to present three simultaneous festivals. SummerSalt and the Red Hot Summer Tour ran alongside over the weekend, as 19 artists took to the stage. Sheldon Ang Media’s Melbourne Correspondent Jeana Thomas courageously covered two festivals in two days – the other being SummerSalt the day before.
Dirt’s Magic
I caught Magic Dirt’s performance at the Lookout Festival in Mornington and let me tell you, it was absolutely unforgettable. For those who aren’t familiar, Magic Dirt is one of the most iconic Australian rock bands, known for their raw, high-energy performances and gritty, grunge-infused sound. The band, led by the powerhouse vocals of Adalita Srsen, has been around since the early 90s and they’ve managed to carve out a place in Aussie rock history with their unrelenting authenticity and boundary-pushing music.
Magic Dirt’s music has always been a mix of heavy rock, punk and a bit of that dirty, distorted sound that just grabs you by the guts. Over the years, they’ve released some killer albums like Friends in Danger (1997) and Tough Love (2005), both of which are packed with songs that blur the lines between ferocious energy and intimate vulnerability. Tracks like “Plastic Loveless Letter” and “Dirty” have become rock anthems and watching them live really drove home just how influential they’ve been in shaping the Aussie alternative scene.
On stage at Lookout, the vibe was charged from the get-go. Even though they’ve been around for decades, they still have that raw energy that makes them feel like an exciting new band. The set kicked off with a bang, with Adalita’s voice cutting through the air like a sharp knife. Her presence is magnetic and so full of energy, she’s one of those performers who completely commands the stage without trying too hard. And her vocals? Just as fierce and captivating as ever. You could feel the emotion in every note, especially when she poured her soul into songs like “Sparrow” and “Ice Age”.
The band’s energy and cohesion was something else, all delivering a relentless rhythm section that held everything together while allowing Adalita to really shine. It was that classic Magic Dirt sound, gritty, but melodic; intense, but soulful. There was a sense of freedom in their performance, like they were fully immersed in the music and in the moment and that energy was infectious.
I really enjoyed “Pace It,” which also had the crowd completely hooked. It’s one of their most iconic tracks and it still holds up as a classic of the Aussie rock scene. The way Adalita belted out the lyrics, with so much power and emotion, really showcased why Magic Dirt has such a devoted fanbase. They’re not just a rock band, they’re storytellers who bring you into their world with every song.
Closing the set, they left everyone buzzing with “Cruel,” a track that’s just pure magic. The way they built up to the chorus, each member adding layers of intensity, was exhilarating. It felt like the perfect way to end the performance: loud, raw and full of life.
Their performance reminded me just how special they are. Their music is unapologetically loud and rebellious, but there’s a depth to it that’s hard to ignore.
JEBEDIAH
Seeing Jebediah’s perform was seriously a trip down memory lane, but also a reminder of why they’re still one of the best rock bands in Australia. Jebediah is an iconic indie rock band that formed in Perth in 1994. They shot to fame in the late 90s and early 2000s with hits like “Jerks of Attention” and “Leaving Home,” becoming one of the most beloved acts in the Australian alternative scene. Their blend of catchy melodies and raw, punchy energy has always set them apart and after all these years, they’ve still got it.
The band’s lineup, led by frontman Kevin Mitchell (who also has a solo career as Bob Evans), is made up of talented musicians who know how to bring it live. Jebediah’s music is a mix of grunge, pop-punk and alternative rock and their lyrics, often introspective and self-deprecating, resonate with so many of us. Their sound might remind you of bands like Weezer or Supergrass, but with that uniquely Aussie flavour and they showed us that they haven’t lost their edge.
Their set was an absolute blast, sending waves of electrifying energy through the crowd with their unforgettable performance. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and when the first chords of “Military Strongman” rang out, the crowd instantly locked in, singing along to every word. The song’s pounding rhythm and anthemic chorus had the crowd with their fists in the air and voices harmonising in unison. The band effortlessly transitioned into “Animal”, a track that brought gritty riffs and punchy lyrics. The raw power of the song was matched by the crowd’s enthusiasm.
The energy reached a fever pitch when the band launched into “She’s Like A Comet”. With its infectious hooks and feel-good rhythm, the track was a true crowd-pleaser and the whole place seemed to sway in perfect harmony with the song’s upbeat vibe. Smiles were everywhere, as fans revelled in the joy of hearing a beloved anthem live. They played all the crowd favourites, that brought the set to an unforgettable day.
There was no escaping the magnetic pull of Jebediah’s performance. The sense of joy was infectious, as every song seemed to feed off the energy of the crowd and vice versa. From start to finish, Jebediah’s set was a non-stop party that had the entire place jumping, singing, and living in the moment.
SPIDERBAIT
Spiderbait’s performance was absolutely wild in the best way. For those who are new to this band, they’re an Australian rock band that formed in 1989 and they’re known for their explosive energy, unique blend of rock, grunge and alternative pop and their distinct sound that mixes heavy riffs with catchy hooks. Over the years, they’ve become one of the most beloved and enduring acts in Australia’s rock scene, with tracks like “Black Betty” and “Calypso” still getting played in pubs and festivals across the country.
What always sets Spiderbait apart is their ability to balance gritty, hard-hitting rock with a quirky, playful sense of fun. They’re a trio, with Kram on drums and vocals, Janet English on bass and Damian Whitty on guitar. It’s their tight-knit chemistry and their ability to totally lose themselves in the music that makes their live shows something special.
Their setlist was an absolute blast and they kicked things off with “Outa My Head” a funky and infectious tune that instantly got the crowd jumping. With its groovy rhythm and catchy chorus, it was the perfect way to warm up the audience for what was coming next. Then, they launched into “Shazam” a wild, energetic track with killer riffs that had everyone completely hooked. You could feel the energy in the air, with the crowd fully in sync with the band’s high-octane vibe.
Spiderbait kept the momentum with “Chest Hair”, a quirky, tongue-in-cheek anthem that had the whole crowd laughing and singing along to its playful lyrics. They followed up with “Fucken Awesome” a total crowd favourite that got everyone in the pit going wild, shouting out every word and of course, they saved the best for last, closing the set with “Black Betty”. The place went bananas as the iconic riff blasted through the speakers and the entire crowd erupted into one massive sing-along, making it the perfect finale to a seriously fun, no-holds-barred set!
One thing I’ve always appreciated about Spiderbait is how they manage to stay grounded while still being experimental. They can get gritty and raw in one song, then switch gears and hit you with something totally unexpected, like their more electronic, pop-infused tracks.
Spiderbait seemed to be in their element, loud, proud and having an absolute blast. Their performance reminded me just how solid they are as a live act. They’ve been around for decades, but they still bring that same fiery energy and their songs are just as infectious as ever.
THE VERONICAS
You would not believe how good The Veronicas were – honestly, they absolutely nailed it. If you’re not too familiar with them, The Veronicas are an Australian pop duo formed by sisters Lisa and Jessica Origliasso. They’ve been around since the mid-2000s and have had a massive impact on the Australian and international music scenes. Their mix of pop-rock, electro-pop and emotional ballads has made them both chart-toppers and critical darlings. From “4ever” to “Untouched,” they’ve created some seriously catchy tunes over the years and their music has always been defined by strong melodies, bold lyrics and of course, their powerhouse vocals.
At the Lookout Festival, the sisters gave a performance that really highlighted just how far they’ve come in their career. The crowd was already buzzing by the time they took the stage, and from the first note, it was clear they were ready to deliver something special. Opening with “Take Me On The Floor” the crowd was instantly hooked by its anthemic vibe and infectious energy. The song set the tone for the entire performance, an intense yet uplifting journey through their catalogue, full of those powerful choruses that you just can’t help but sing along to.
Listening to their set, you can see how they’ve evolved. While they’ve always had that polished pop edge, there was a rawness to their performance that felt refreshing. They weren’t just relying on the usual production tricks or backing tracks, Lisa and Jessica’s vocals were front and centre and they sounded as flawless as ever. The harmonies between the two were stunning. There’s something so magnetic about hearing them sing together, it’s like they’re completely in sync.
The Veronica’s had a total “wow” moment when they spotted a fan in the crowd with a massive tattoo of them on his arm! Clearly blown away by the dedication, they invited him up on stage, where he revealed even more — a tattoo of The Veronicas on the side of his ribcage! It was like something straight out of a dream for this superfan, who was absolutely buzzing with excitement. His passion was contagious and it was such a fun, unforgettable moment that had the whole crowd cheering.
As the set continued, they played through some of their classic hits, including “Detox” and “Hook Me Up”. It was clear these tracks still have a special place in the hearts of their fans, with the crowd singing every word. “
By the time they closed with “Untouched” the crowd was fully energised, singing along and giving them the most enthusiastic send-off. The Veronicas have been around for over a decade and they’ve clearly mastered the art of putting on a live show that’s both powerful and deeply personal. They’ve got the talent, the energy and the chemistry and it was so cool to see them bring it all to the stage at Lookout.
GRINSPOON
Grinspoons performance – honestly, it was like stepping back into the early 2000s, but with a refreshing energy that showed just how timeless their music really is. Grinspoon, have been one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands since the late 90s. Their grungy, energetic sound mixes alt-rock and post-grunge influences and they’ve been churning out anthems like “Better Off Alone” and “Champion” for over two decades. Even after all these years, their ability to bring intensity and raw power to the stage is as strong as ever.
They kicked off their set with “Unknown” a punchy and powerful opener. The crowd immediately vibed with the track’s infectious energy and it felt like a perfect way to dive into their set. They quickly followed up with “Lost Control” one of their classic hits that had everyone singing along to its catchy chorus. The high energy just kept building as they played Hard Act” a gritty, fast-paced tune that had the crowd bouncing and the band feeding off that hype.
The highlight of the night was definitely “Chemical Heart” one of Grinspoon’s most well-loved tracks. The song’s blend of raw emotion and hard rock vibes had the crowd in a collective sing-along, creating that perfect festival moment. They didn’t let up as they launched into “Champion” an anthem for pushing through adversity, which had everyone feeling like they were ready to take on the world. Finally, they closed the set with “More Than You Are” a beautiful yet powerful track that left the crowd buzzing, with its melodic energy perfectly wrapping up an epic show. Their set was an awesome mix of fan favourites and high-octane performance that kept everyone engaged from start to finish. It was everything you could want from a live rock show – passionate, raw and full of that high-octane energy they’ve always delivered. The band may have been around for over two decades, but they’re still rocking as hard as ever, proving that their music hasn’t lost its edge.
JET
Jet’s performance was electrifying. If you’ve ever been a fan of their raw rock sound, you’d know exactly what I’m talking about. The Melbourne-born band, best known for their iconic 2003 hit “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” has always had this undeniable, unapologetic energy in their music. It’s the kind of gritty, high-octane rock that transports you straight back to the early 2000s, a time when guitar riffs, infectious melodies and catchy choruses ruled the airwaves.
Jet first made waves with their debut album Get Born and tracks like “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and “Rollover DJ” became instant anthems. Their blend of garage rock, glam and a touch of 70s swagger has made them a standout act and despite a few years of hiatus, they’ve never really lost their edge. So, when they hit the stage at Lookout, the crowd was more than ready for a blast from the past and the band did not disappoint.
As the opening guitar riff of “Last Chance” rang out, the crowd erupted into a frenzy. The track, with its punchy guitars and catchy hooks, is the kind of song that demands attention. It was clear from the first few seconds that Jet wasn’t holding anything back. Lead singer Nic Cester’s voice was still as raspy and full of character as ever and the entire band exuded this effortless coolness that made it impossible to stand still. They followed up with “Money Mouth” a track from their debut album that perfectly blended their raw rock ‘n’ roll swagger with a cheeky commentary on materialism. The crowd was fully engaged by this point, singing along and getting lost in the band’s gritty sound.
The energy didn’t drop for a second as Jet fired into “She’s A Genius” one of their biggest hits, which had the whole crowd singing the chorus at the top of their lungs. This was followed by “Blackhearts” a deeper cut with a groovy rhythm and a little bit of that bluesy rock flair. Jet then brought out “Long Way To The Top” a cheeky nod to AC/DC’s anthem, a perfect sing-along moment that had everyone in the crowd feeling like rockstars themselves. Then, of course, “Rollover DJ” and “Cold Hard Bitch” were met with an explosion of energy, with the crowd moshing and singing along to some of Jet’s most iconic tracks. Finally, they closed the set with “Rip It Up” a song that’s all about letting loose and having a good time, and that’s exactly what the crowd did, rocking out one last time before the band left the stage.
With a setlist full of anthems and crowd-pleasers, Jet brought the perfect mix of raw rock energy and nostalgia, leaving the audience buzzing long after the final note. Their performance was everything you’d want from a classic rock act – high energy, big anthems and that raw, untamed spirit that made them stars in the first place. Despite the time that’s passed since their heyday, the band proved that their music hasn’t lost any of its punch.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Menard PR (Lennard Promotions) and Face to Face Touring for the Press Accreditation. We can’t wait for The Lookout 2026.
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.
