Ben Russoniello from Green Room Media headed to a sold-out The Rubens last Thursday and took some epic shots for Yelo, as part of their “Masterpiece” tour. He gave us a few words about it too. Let’s just say, Ben left very happy!

Despite some “Heavy Weather” and “Muddy Evil Pain”, The Rubens brought their “Liquid Gold” to the Kings Beach Tavern last week. It put us all in a “Good Mood”, so if you missed it the tour’s not over, and there’s no need to “Freakout” – “Hallelujah”.

See what I did there? Those are all epic The Rubens songs and yes, they rocked them all!

The Rubens @ Kings Beach Tavern, by Green Room Media for Yelo.

Thursday night shows hit different

They feel just that little bit more exciting and just kinda naughty ‘cos you know for damn sure you’re calling in sick the next day.

Which is why when Yelo asked me to cover one of my favourite Aussie bands of all time – The Rubens – on a Thursday, well, it would have been rude not to go… right?

After a quick detour for a beer and peek at new open-mic, “The Songrise” at The Presynct in Nambour, Team Yelo headed into the night.

Upon rolling into Caloundra’s fave beachside live music venue, Kings Beach Tavern, and through security where my camera bag was checked (a first for me), we headed into a surprisingly full room.

Everyone in the room was already vibing to Sunny Coast pop artist Karlou.

Karlou @ Kings Beach Tavern, by Green Room Media for Yelo.

It’s extremely rare to see an opening artist with such presence on a big stage with wonderful
crowd work and top-notch vocals.

Karlou was joined on stage by some killer live drums and an extremely well-produced backing track, and the combination really resonated with the punters.

A highlight for me was Karlou playing a floor tom in unison with the drummer, with an infectious smile, enjoying every moment.

After the set, I gave Karlou a quick compliment in passing, and was greeted with a humble and surprised, “thank you”.

Karlou is refreshing talent

It’s refreshing to come across such talent that remains so unassuming. Karlou is one to watch over the next few years and I’d expect her to be rocking some bigger festival crowds soon (Big Pineapple Festival, anyone?).

After a short break, young Kiwi ex-pats, Day We Ran, hit the stage. After a few nerves wear off, the four-piece locals, who now call the Coast home (must be something in the water), hit all the right chords with precision.

And the younger audience lapped it right up – phew, these guys are popular!

They provide a mellow sound that if I had to label it would be indi-surf-rock, with a hint of 80s flair.

Day We Ran @ Kings Beach Tavern, by Green Room Media for Yelo.

The crowd roars for The Rubens

Drum beat and synth keys fill the now completely packed band room, and the audience begs for The Rubens to start.

They open the show with “Heavy Weather” and yes, I get goose bumps. The band doesn’t miss a beat and they sound as good live as they do recorded, as they seamlessly roll into “God Forgot” (another personal fave).

I’ve shot a lot of gigs but never have been hugged by so many happy strangers belting out the band’s songs with pure delight. This Rubens crowd was something special and crossed generations young and old.

Dancing Rubens fans @ Kings Beach Tavern, by Green Room media for Yelo.

The Rubens have years of experience performing live, and was a shining light that never left the stage throughout the set, feeding the crowd with their favourite songs from across their entire discography.

“Pets & Drugs”, “My Gun”, “Good Mood” and “Live in Life” were performed to perfection.

Samuel Margin’s soulful, yet somehow gritty and powerful vocals, are even better live.

Scott Baldwin’s drums are crisp and perfectly timed, booming through my entire soul.

And Elliot Margin’s keys tickled my ears just right.

The Rubens @ Kings Beach Tavern, by Green Room Media for Yelo.

An encore confession

Sam confesses just before the final song that after so many years he still struggles lying to the
audience about the encore.

He admits with a wry smile that he rather enjoys the break, and with that they belt out “Masterpiece” – which brings in any last reveller from outside having a smoke.

The chorus is sung by the crowd word for word, filling the room with a feeling of togetherness and pure elation.

It’s like we’re all one big happy family, who have just experienced a serious hit of dopamine together, and shared in memories that will last a lifetime.

And just like that it was over. The band thanks the fans and they leave the stage.

But of course, there’s more…

The Rubens @ Kings Beach Tavern, by Green Room Media for Yelo.

These fans! They knew the band was coming back so they started up the famous chant “ONE MORE SONG”… and after a few short minutes they reappear.

The familiar intro into the band’s biggest hit fills our ears – it’s “Hoops”! And they are electric!

Smiling faces surrounded me, fans young and old are dancing and singing along at the top of
their lungs. Oooft. The roof could lift off this place the vibrations are so high.

The Rubens @ Kings Beach Tavern, by Green Room Media for Yelo.

What makes a band great? The ability to ignite passion, love and happiness in their fans, of all walks of life, and bring them together during a live performance. The Rubens tick all these boxes.

The Rubens are truly one of Australia’s greatest touring acts. A must see.

All photos shot by Green Room Media for Yelo.