It was a night to remember for fans of The Hives, says Yelo photographer Dameeka Middleton in this live review. After capturing the Swedish rock icons through the lens of her camera at Fortitude Music Hall on Thursday, she writes about getting up-close-and personal with her favourite 90s stars.

Returning for the first time in eight years, The Hives brought their world tour to Brisbane as part of a five-date run.

Photo: Hundreds of punters pack out Fortitude Music Hall to see Swedish rock band The Hives. Review by Dameeka Middleton.

With their highly-anticipated album – The Hives Forever Forever The Hives – set to be released on August 29, punters were eager to get a taste of one of the world’s most celebrated live acts.

Starting the night on a high were Melbourne-based punk trio CLAMM, who had the crowd’s full attention the second they struck into their popular banger, Change Enough.

CLAMM supporting The Hives in Brisbane

They were authentic, loud, and present.

Frontman Jack Summers declared his love for Brisbane, giving a special shoutout to local dive bar Black Bear Lodge.

He told the crowd, the Valley music venue gave them one of their first-ever performances, selling just “17 tickets”.

But without their support, he said, they couldn’t have gone to create three successful albums and open for some “of the coolest live acts the world has ever seen”.

Crowd runs silent as The Hives prepare for their moment

Anticipation grew in the crowd as the lights dimmed and it became apparent The Hives were getting ready to hit the stage.

If you know this band, you know they bring the action.

As each took to the stage, wearing their signature black suits, The Hives struck confidently into the first chords of Bogus Operandi.

The song, from their 2023 album The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons, was a clear hit with their rock devotees.

As the atmosphere continued to build, you could feel you were in for one hell of a Godly rock concert.

Whipping onto the stage in a flurry, frontman Pelle Almqvist wasted no time in getting the crowd wound up.

Review in pictures: The Hives @ Fortitude Music Hall in 2025

Jumping over photographers, Pelle was quick to get straight face-to face with his fans, who were screaming at him with enthusiasm.

With his bandmates oblivious to his antics, The Hives belted out some more favourites: Main Offender, Walk Idiot Walk and Go Right Ahead.

But it wasn’t all nostalgia. Some material from their unreleased album was up next. It gave their supporters a sneak peek of newbies Enough is Enough and Legalize Living.

Each band member shared the spotlight fairly. Guitarists Nicholaus Arson and Vigilante Carlstroem kept the energy high as they sprinted around their sides of the stage.

Meanwhile, drummer Chris Dangerous kept everything moving with his driving beats, adding a full riot of sound.

Slashing into their greatest hits Hate To Say I Told You So and Countdown To Shutdown, the
crowd swarmed into a frenzy. Fists were pumping and bodies were jumping. It was the crowd that truly made the atmosphere.

All photos and edits of The Hives by Dameeka Middleton for Yelo

Catching up with punters after the show, some fans reminisced to their rock gods about the time they saw them at The Big Day Out in 2005.

They said they were thrilled to see their favourite band continue their legacy as one of the greatest global acts.

With a perfect blend of chaos, love, and humour, The Hives know exactly how to put on a rock show.

They are committed, present, and undeniably the BEST live rock band you will ever see.

However, I reckon eight years is just way too long in between gigs. Pelle apologised for not visiting Australia sooner, saying when they visit again, they’ll be better than ever.

But how can you top an already unforgettable performance? But, we’ll take it!

This review of The Hives is by Yelo photographer Dameeka Middleton. Check out her work at https://www.yeahalrightcool.com.