The Grogans played at Kings Beach Tavern last week to a sold-out crowd. Their message of hope was nothing short of inspirational.

Words and photos by Dameeka Middleton

Despite a cold and rainy Sunny Coast night, punters filled the Kings Beach Tavern early last Saturday to catch surf rockstars The Grogans before they began their US tour.

As the skies drenched Caloundra, I arrived slightly later than anticipated, stepping inside just in time to catch support act, Seaside.

A whole new act from Seaside

The first time I saw Seaside play was in 2020, supporting Ocean Alley at The Station, known then as The Nightquarter.

They were only a newly-established band at the time, producing more mellow and indie-sounding originals.

Fast-forward to Saturday night, and they’ve had a total rebrand!

I almost mistook them for a completely different act, with Seaside bringing more of a 90s-grunge influence this time around, with a “riot grrrl” scene and alternative, dream-pop twist.

They were confident and ready to tear the house down – which they did!

With catchy rock riffs, a booming bassline, and sizzling vocals by frontwoman Darcy, Seaside had the fans on their feet, especially when they finished with a well-loved 90s classics by Le Tigre and The Pixies.

As folks sang word-for-word, Darcy became charged, with the entire band matching the punters’ liveliness.

I’d say Seaside has definitely found their genre! And left fans on a high for the headline act.

Change of tune as crowd moves from grunge to surf rock

As the crowd in Doc Martens switched to surf rats in sandals, it was time for The Grogans fans to leave their game of pool and make a beeline to the stage.

Having experienced the magic of this band and their classics before, I couldn’t wait to hear some of their new tunes live, especially from latest album “Find Me A Cloud”.

The Grogans have always been my staple for beach-trip playlists, curating the perfect mix of summer feels and beachy, good vibes.

Three best mates – Quin, Angus, and Jordan – kicked off their first Kings Beach Tavern gig with some earlier tunes from their epic discography, which dates back to 2016.

If you’re familiar with the boys from Melbourne, you would know their genre-fluid tracks serve up a bloody top mix of reggae, blues and punk.

Having such solid friendship bonds in the studio, The Grogans share an even greater connection between each other on stage.

Without missing a beat, they launch into the intro riff of “I Need You”, which, despite outside wild weather, portrayed the perfect sound of a late summer’s night.

Revellers reacted instantly to the new groove, choosing to take a step back from wilds of the pit, to share in the atmosphere that was bringing their music comrades together.

After a huge round of applause, frontman Quin requested that for The Grogan’s final night in Australia he wished for his audience to stay safe and embrace a night of friendship and good times.

Quin opens up about personal journey with mental health

Opening up more about his personal journey, behind song, “Can’t Stand”, Quin spoke about his mental health challenges, saying that every night out should be a safe one, and to always take the time check on your mates.

To me, “Can’t Stand” is a beautifully written song and Quin’s passion was palpable, as he played with the support of his own two best mates on stage.

For some, it takes quite a lot to open up in front of one person, let alone a sold-out show.

The vulnerability Quin showed on stage broke the fourth wall between the audience and the artists, and made my love for these guys stronger than ever.

It was at this moment, members of the crowd put their arms around one another, in a sentimental moment I’m sure many will cherish forever.

The boys even teased just how musically talented they were by playing a short riff of “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, with a reggae flavour – stirring the audience into a frenzy.

Not going to lie, I thought they were about to bang into the legendary song… And I was kind of hoping they did!

Instead, however, they launched into the iconic earworm, “You Really Got Me by the Kinks”, and no one was complaining.

Bringing their own style to the classic, I reckon these guys could do a mad cover show of some 60s classics with a twist.

Frontman’s sentiments prove humble connection with crowd

As an encore, The Grogans finished on probably their highest-grossing single, “Money Will Chase You”, as Quin reminding us yet again, that we don’t have to suffer alone, and it’s not weak to speak.

Later referring to everyone in the venue as his “best friend”, Quin’s sentiments proved they don’t take their rockstar lifestyle for granted, along with their obviously supportive fanbase.

Finishing the set with Quin and the crowd having an intimate one-on-one moment singing the chorus, the three best mates said their final goodbyes, saying if anyone needed to talk after the show, they would be happy to listen.

As The Grogans head off on their US tour with Ocean Alley, I wish them all the best on their music journey and thank them for all the inspiratoin along the way.