Words and photos: Dameeka Middleton

Sunshine Coast music enthusiasts were in for a treat on Friday night when Kings Beach Tavern hosted Aussie rockers Pacific Avenue for their sold-out show.

After releasing the number-one chart ranking album “Flowers” last year, Pacific Avenue showed fans why they are known for their electrifying live performances.

Being the second last stop of their Not a Tour, But Kinda is Road Trip, the energy was at an all-time high with devoted fans filling the Caloundra beachside venue early.

A familiar face warms up the crowd

As the barricade fills with people, a familiar face meets the crowd, as Australian Idol contestant Tyler Hammill embraces the stage with his band, Nana’s Pie.

Hailing from the Sunshine Coast, these folk-rockers sure know how to get the crowd moving.

Fans are shouting, “up the pies!”, as they sing the chorus of much-loved song, “18 Again and Losing you”.

Sparks of exuberance fly and the boys put on a memorable performance, which proves just how great our local musicians are.

FELONY a rising star of Brisbane

Next up is Brisbane alt-rock band, FELONY, featuring 18-year-old frontwoman Layla, who tears up the stage with teenage rebellion anthems combined with master lyricism.

I’ve not seen these guys play before, and I’m hooked after their first song. I think they may even be my new favourite band.

FELONY’S confronting yet relatable lyrics about being an adolescent features in songs, “Everybody I Like Wants To K*ll Themselves”, and “Anything to Feel Anything”.

Standing front row, I’m able to capture all their fury as they strike with power and passion.

I can already tell it’s going to be a big year for FELONY, who scooped a Queensland Music Award on Wednesday night.

Frontwoman Layla exceeds expectations of someone her age: she’s a natural, a rockstar, and the full package.

Fans help Pacific Avenue as they enter the stage

Suddenly, the lights are out, and Pacific Avenue enter the stage to set up their instruments.

A front row of superfans switch on their phone lights to assist the boys in finding the sockets for their guitar pedals.

Their silhouettes make them look like a group of roadies, but after a few moments the crowd begins to realise who they are.

The cheers get louder and the boys strike into the first track, “Spin Me Like Your Records”.

I saw Pacific Avenue in 2022 at Solbar, and although I was back row at that gig, they still brought straight energy to the stage.

This time I was pumped to see them up close and personal.

Having an absolute blast on stage, lead guitarist Ben shreds in his solos of “Strawberry Daydream”, “Easy Love”, and my personal fave, “Devotion”.

Fans sing word-for-word as frontman Harry convinces them to sing Jack’s funky bassline for “Give It Up for Yourself”.

“Babadadabadada” the people roar, as Jack makes love to the crowd with his moves.

The vibes are elevated and everyone is mesmerised by four of the most fashionable musos I’ve eve seen.

Strutting their stuff, they punch into the classic riff of ABBA song, “Dancing Queen”.

It’s an old song that lives through the ages and brings together people of all ages and eras together, all singing the ABBA masterpiece.

People of all ages having a ‘bloody ball’

I circulate the room moving to the back of the pit, witnessing older fanatics standing on chairs, dancing with friends, and having an absolute bloody ball.

Pacific Avenue brings the crowd back with another ripper cover, this time from pop sensation Harry Styles.

I’m not usually the type of person to be caught listening to Harry Styles but these guys have won me over with this one.

Finishing with bittersweet tune “Something Good”, Jack jumps into the nose bleed for the bridge, and they belt out all the last energy they have left.

This is one of the greatest live performances from an Australian band I’ve ever seen. But one night is simply not enough…

I will be clearing my calendar for their next tour!