Sunshine Coast’s vibrant punk and hardcore music scene continues to flourish with ARIA Music Award-winning hardcore band SPEED coming to Maroochydore and Nambour this January.

The Sydney heavy-hitters, who recently took out Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album at the ARIAs, will perform at Solbar on January 3, and an all-ages gig at Black Box Theatre on January 6.

Set to be a landmark show for Nambour, Black Box has been thriving on emerging alternative talent in recent times.

The community-run gallery and theatre, which runs out of The Old Ambo on Howard St, has seen international acts such as the UK’s Peter and The Test Tube Babies, and Poison Ruin, from the US.

And don’t miss English punk-rock band GBH at Black Box on March 16.

The growth is largely attributed to dedicated venues, passionate bands, and a supportive community which champions alternative music.

And there’s no signs of slowing down with a large bill of shows booked into next year.

Have a listen to SPEED and listen out for the flute solo!

Get your tickets to SPEED at Solbar here: https://tickets.solbar.com.au.

Get your tickets to SPEED (all ages) at Black Box here: https://tickets.oztix.com.au.

Dedicated community steers the Nambour music scene

Each month, posters are erected across town promoting the next best gig.

Promoters such as No No Records, Bad Habit Records and streetwear brand Anti-Vision, are all leading the charge.

Bad Habit sits next-door to Black Box and has become the cornerstone of underground music and culture in the area. 

Black Box recently held No No Fest 2 which saw 16 local bands take over the venue to a packed house.

Photo: Check out our photo gallery from No No Fest 2 at end of story.

Then there’s Sound Box – a recording studio responsible for some epic dance parties around the place.

And live music venue The Presynct, which opened a year ago has been an incubator for emerging talent. Particularly since local producer OJ Newcomb, of Yama-Nui, joined forces this year.

Pubs like Commerical Hotel are also opening their doors to the underground scene. They are responsible for punk-rock shows such as Rotten Fest.

And Morts Brewery serves up open mics and acoustic nights, with Coolum rockstar Pricey recently performing his single launch at the craft brewhouse, with child-hood mate Wigs.

Night-time entertainment in Nambour has been made easier by the Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP), established to allow for reduced noise restrictions.

No No Fest 2 @ Black Box Theatre, 21/12/24

Featuring the cream of local punk-rock talent, punters were treated to tight sets and energetic performances at No No Fest 2 on December 21.

No No Records promoter Sydney Kerley pulled off another epic night at Black Box featuring 16 local acts for $30.

And at that price these shows are a steal for that many bands.

The intimate space is the perfect environment for showcases and the talent here is something to reckon with.

After all the suburb has produced talent such as Powderfinger drummer Jon Coghill.

Two major takeaways from the night were: the strong community feel that is ever-growing here, and the abundance of untapped talent ready to emerge thanks to those pushing the scene.

As the scene continues to evolve, Nambour remains a vital centre for punk and hardcore in Queensland.

Its commitment to fostering talent and celebrating individuality ensures that it will stay an essential part of Australia’s underground music tapestry.

For anyone looking to dive into the energy and authenticity of the punk and hardcore scene, this is a community worth exploring and supporting.

These events contribute significantly not just to the Nambour live music scene, but as a platform for our rising stars, and in fostering a sense of connection in the community.

No No Fest 2 Photo Gallery By Marc Roberts