Live Review: Zac Brown Band in Melbourne 2025
5 October 2025 at the Forum, Melbourne, Australia
Review by Jeana Thomas
Photography by Jeana Thomas Photography
Zac Brown Band Deliver Nashville Warmth and Rock Muscle in Melbourne
Margaret Court Arena was buzzing long before Zac Brown Band ambled onto the stage. The crowd with their checked shirts, boots and the odd Stetson had transformed the venue into a makeshift Nashville honky-tonk – albeit one with Melbourne’s trademark craft beer in hand. For many in attendance, this was a long-awaited chance to see one of country music’s most genre-bending outfits, a band whose career has been built on mixing Southern storytelling with stadium-rock showmanship.
Formed in Atlanta in the early 2000s, Zac Brown Band were never content to remain neatly in the “country” box. Their breakout hit ‘Chicken Fried’ (2008) may have been an ode to the simple life – cold beer, Friday nights, jeans that fit just right, but beneath its porch-swing charm was the blueprint for everything that followed: songs as communal as they are personal, with melodies that could sit comfortably on a bluegrass stage or a rock festival bill. Over nearly two decades, the band has earned not just Grammys and chart-topping albums, but a reputation as one of America’s great live acts – a group whose musical curiosity and restless energy make every performance feel like a road trip with no fixed destination and tonight was no different.
That spirit was certainly alive in Melbourne. Zac Brown himself, with his unmistakable baritone and wide-brimmed felt hat, greeted the crowd like a neighbour walking into a backyard barbecue. He starts off mentioning that he has a surprise for us a bit later, leaving us anxious to know what it is. From the first strums of ‘Toes’, the arena erupted into a singalong, voices rolling back at the band like waves. What followed was two hours of musical shape-shifting, seamlessly moving from barn-burning country to heart-tugging ballads to classic-rock swagger.
The setlist was the perfect mix of feel-good vibes, heartfelt moments and a few surprises that made the night unforgettable. After kicking off with ‘Toes’ came ‘As She’s Walking Away’ which had a warm, nostalgic tone that had everyone singing along from the start. ‘Keep Me in Mind’ kept that easy-going energy rolling, with its laid-back groove and catchy melody. Then came a wild burst of energy with their cover of ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ a Charlie Daniels Band cover – the fiddle solo by Jimmy De Martini alone brought the house down, truly amazing. One of the most special moments of the night was ‘Free / Into the Mystic / Free’, a song they wrote in Australia that blended beautifully into a cover of Van Morrison’s classic before returning to their original – smooth, heartfelt and seriously moving songs. And just when we thought it couldn’t get more memorable, they surprised us with a brand-new song, ‘Give It Away’, played live for the very first time. It was raw and honest and you could feel the emotion behind every lyric, going to definitely be a hit.
One of the most exciting and unexpected moments of the night (this is the surprise he mentioned earlier), came when Zac Brown welcomed special guest Josh Teskey of The Teskey Brothers to the stage. The crowd lit up as he joined in for a soulful, goose-bump-worthy rendition of ‘The Weight’ – his gritty, blues-soaked vocals blended so easily with the band’s harmonies, giving the classic song new life. But the magic didn’t stop there. Josh stayed on for an intimate acoustic performance of ‘Hold Me’, a Teskey Brothers favourite and it was nothing short of stunning. Stripped back and emotionally raw, his voice carried through the venue with a kind of aching beauty that held everyone still. It was a rare, powerful moment that felt both spontaneous and deeply special – an unforgettable highlight of the show.
The stage setup was a visual feast that perfectly matched the energy of their performance. A massive screen towered behind the band, pulsing with vivid visuals, sunsets, abstract patterns, band images while playing and moody landscapes – that shifted with each song, creating a cinematic backdrop that drew you deeper into the music. On either side of the stage, two smaller screens ensured that even fans way at the back didn’t miss a moment, capturing close-ups of guitar solos, heartfelt vocals and every little grin between bandmates. The lighting was spectacular – bursts of deep blues, fiery reds and golden ambers danced across the stage, changing in perfect time with the music. It was a full sensory experience, where every note had a colour and every lyric came with a visual story. The combination of lights and screens gave the show a vibrant, immersive feel that made the whole night feel larger than life.
By the time the familiar chords of ‘Homegrown’ rang out to close the night, the atmosphere tipped from concert to communal ritual. Arms locked, beers lifted high, the entire arena seemed to belt the chorus as one – a Melbourne choir celebrating Southern comfort food, love and freedom as if the Yarra itself had been transplanted to Georgia.
At the heart of Zac Brown Band’s appeal is not just their musicianship – though their ability to switch between genres is second to none, but their gift for inclusion. They invite you into their world, only to hand you the mic and say, “Sing it with us.” In Margaret Court Arena, that invitation was accepted wholeheartedly.
It felt like The Zac Brown Band staged a homecoming for strangers, the kind of night where Nashville twang and Melbourne grit met in harmony. Their set proved that music’s true power lies in collapsing distance between genres, between continents and between thousands of voices who walked out into the night humming the same refrain, a little brighter than when they came in.
SUPPORT ACT:
Lewis Love Warms Melbourne for Zac Brown Band with Soul, Swagger and a Hint of Mischief
It’s never easy being the support act. The seats are still filling, the beer queues still stretching and the crowd’s attention often fixed more on chatter than stage. But on Monday night, a Melbourne singer-songwriter Lewis Love seized his chance, warming the room for Zac Brown Band with a performance that felt both intimate and electric.
At just 19 years old, the Ballarat singer/songwriter is already turning heads with a voice that carries far more soul and grit than his age suggests. I enjoyed the raw honesty in the way he performs – no theatrics, just pure emotion and undeniable talent. His set was a standout, with songs that included ‘No One’, a heartfelt track that wrapped vulnerability in rich vocals and delicate guitar work. ‘Whiskey Tears’ which was full of aching lyrics and a slow-burning groove that made you feel every word – it was a quiet showstopper. ‘Glasshouse’ brought a shift in mood, layering introspective lyrics with a haunting melody that stuck long after the song ended. With ‘You Get Me High’, he leaned into a more upbeat, warm vibe – easy, breezy and totally infectious, the kind of tune you’d want on repeat during a long drive. He closed with ‘Can’t See the Sky’, a powerful track that built slowly into a soaring finish, capturing a sense of longing and hope all at once.
What impressed me most was Love’s balance of craft and charisma. His lyrics – equal parts confessional and cinematic, came wrapped in melodies that felt instantly memorable without lapsing into cliché. And while his band stayed tight, but unobtrusive behind him, it was Love’s vocal dynamism that commanded attention: tender one moment, roaring the next, always rooted in authenticity.
He responds to the crowd with a genuine, easy going smiles, often singling out people in the audience with a wave or a smile that makes them feel seen and acknowledged – his warm, humble presence creating a real sense of connection that goes beyond the music.
There’s something undeniably special about this young artist – he’s got the song-writing chops, the stage presence and most importantly, a voice that feels like it’s telling the truth. One to watch, without a doubt.
By the time Zac Brown Band took over, the atmosphere was primed. Lewis Love definitely warmed up the stage and he also carved his own space, proving that even in the shadow of giants, a rising voice can shine.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Frontier Touring and Zac Brown for the Media Accreditation.
Tickets to Zac Brown are sold out.
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 200 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, Roxette, Christopher Cross and the Wiggles 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.
