HEADLINER: D-A-D
SUPPORT: CATALANO
DATE: MAY 23RD 2025
VENUE: THE TRIFFID, BRISBANE
PHOTOGRAPHER: MERT TYSON PHOTOGRAPHY
REVIEWER: MERT TYSON PHOTOGRAPHY
If rock ‘n’ roll had a physical form, it would’ve smashed through the walls of The Triffid, grabbed a beer, and started headbanging with the crowd. What a night! Catalano set the stage ablaze with a ferocious mix of hard-rock-glam-metal that had everyone in the room feeling like they’d stepped into a 1980s-time warp and the Danish masters D.A.D proved they are still riskin’ it all, still blowing minds—because Bad Craziness never fades, it just gets louder!
When Catalano hit the stage, it wasn’t just music; it was an electric storm of pure, high-energy rock mayhem. From the moment Mr. Roxx Catalano strutted onto the scene (wearing a “Motley Crüe” shirt, no less), you knew you were in for something spectacular. This wasn’t just a warm-up set—it was a full-blown riot of heavy riffs, thunderous drums, and screams that could break glass.
Roxx Catalano’s stage presence was nothing short of electrifying—a true glam rock star who had the crowd absolutely blown away. After the gig, I overheard punters in awe: “Wow, usually the first band’s cooked, but those guys—who were they again?” Mate: “Let’s Google them.”
“Catalano Dude!” — remember that name. They were bloody brilliant!
Danny Ritz—seriously, what can’t that guy do? He moves like gravity’s just a suggestion, like he’s got some secret deal with physics that lets him defy logic. If Cirque du Soleil ever needs a guitarist who can shred mid-air, they better call Danny!
His stage presence? Unmatched. An entertainer through and through, commanding the crowd like a rock ‘n’ roll acrobat, delivering every note with insane precision and pure showmanship. His reputation in the local scene is well-earned, and seeing him tear it up with Catalano? Absolute perfection.
Jackson tearing it up on the Frank Bello bass—mate, I’m a little envious myself! Here I was thinking that Charvel was a Fender… guess it’s time to book an eye test.
But seriously, what a performance! Jackson was absolutely smashing it—powerful bass lines, punchy riffs, and some elite-level hair flicks that deserve their own highlight reel. And alongside the drumming prowess of Arthur (who, by the way, FINALLY made it into some shots—nice work!), they created a formidable backline that held the whole set together like pure rock magic.
That combo? Absolute dynamite. Rock ‘n’ roll done right!
With every blistering solo and every guttural scream, the Queensland boys proved why they’re such a force in the scene, and the best part? They’re just getting started! If you missed them, don’t make the same mistake twice—Catalano are supporting The Night Flight Orchestra at Crowbar Brisbane next week, thanks to Hardline!
There’s not much left to say about D.A.D except, well… THEY’RE LEGENDS. If you’ve followed their 30+ year career, you know exactly what to expect—pure Danish rock chaos delivered with finesse, grit, and a whole lot of class! This is why Dane got the band tattooed on his hand! Legend Brother! You see this is what D.A.D mean to us!
Jesper’s raspy vocals? Iconic. Stig’s larger-than-life stage presence and bass arsenal? Jaw-dropping. Jacob on lead guitar? Smooth, stylish, untouchable. And Laust holding it all down on drums? A backbone of pure rhythm and power. The chemistry these guys bring to the stage is what keeps fans coming back decade after decade.
Jesper Binzer—what a legend! One of the most down-to-earth, fun guys you could ever meet, and yet, when he grabs that mic, it’s pure rock ‘n’ roll magic. (Also, naming your cat Jesper but ending up with Jasper? Mate, close enough—still a solid tribute!)
Last night, Jesper absolutely smashed the vocals, bringing that raspy, gritty, raw tone we’ve all come to love. Every song, every moment—on point, charged with energy, and delivered like only he can. Some singers perform, but Jesper? He brings the songs to life. A true rock genius who never misses.
D.A.D. wouldn’t be the same without him, and Brisbane got the full force of his talent last night. What a show!
What can’t you say about the one and only Stig Pederson—better known as Stigge Nasty! On the Insta! The man’s wardrobe is a spectacle in itself—somewhere between rock royalty and a fashion icon with a wild sense of humour. Honestly, insert any big-name designer here, and they’d probably be taking notes. And let’s not forget the bass guitars—each one more outrageous than the last, yet somehow completely fitting for the legend himself.
But beyond the style, Stig is the ultimate showman. He doesn’t just play bass—he owns it, commands it, turns it into a force of nature. Every slap, every riff, every stage strut—it’s pure entertainment. Watching him live isn’t just seeing a bassist at work; it’s witnessing a master of the craft, a larger-than-life presence who brings the party wherever he goes. Worth every single cent to experience him in action.
Jacob Binzer proved once again why he’s one of the most rock-solid, stylish guitarists out there. His playing? Absolute class. Every riff was dripping with groove, every solo was majestic, every rhythm had that unmistakable soul that makes D.A.D. such a force to be reckoned with. Whether he was tearing through high-energy tracks or locking into those hypnotic rock grooves, Jacob had the crowd hooked—no flashy gimmicks, just pure rock ‘n’ roll mastery.
And then there’s Laust Sonne—an absolute powerhouse behind the kit. The man doesn’t just play drums, he commands them. Brisbane got a full-scale masterclass in rock drumming last night, with Laust delivering a flawless, hard-hitting, charismatic performance. Every beat was locked in, every fill hit with precision, and let’s be real—the swagger alone deserves its own award.
Two musicians at the top of their game, fuelling a night of pure rock energy. Brisbane got the full D.A.D. experience, and mate—it was glorious!
The setlist was a glorious mix of classics and fresh cuts—Jihad, Girl Nation, Grow or Pay, brought the nostalgia and Ghost and Self-titled track from Speed of Darkness proved they’re still churning out killer songwriting. And then… BOOM—Sleeping My Day Away (insert crowd gang vocals here) and Point of View lit the place up like it was 1989 all over again. 35 years since No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims, and these guys still deliver like it’s their first tour. Unbelievable.
Bad Craziness was pure, unfiltered insanity—driving riffs, wild energy, the kind of song that makes you feel like you’re hurtling down the highway with no brakes. Rim of Hell came in strong, dark and brooding, dripping in attitude. Then there was Everything Glows, proving D.A.D. isn’t just about chaos—they can smooth it out, pull in that groove, and make you feel like you’re cruising through neon-lit streets.
And then, the grand finale—It’s After Dark. The perfect closer. That hypnotic build-up, the melancholic twang—it’s the kind of song that wraps up the night in pure, spine-tingling brilliance. That final moment as the last notes rang out? You could feel it—everyone in the room just soaking it in, knowing they’d witnessed something special.
This was one of those gigs where you walk out with ringing ears, aching feet, and a heart full of appreciation for two bands that gave absolutely everything on stage. Catalano made Queensland proud, setting the night up with pure power, and D.A.D reminded us all why they’re still legends after decades in the game.
Rock isn’t dead. Not even close. Brisbane was treated to one hell of a night, and if you ever get the chance to see either of these bands live—don’t hesitate. Sydney tonight (23/05) and then Melbs after that you are on the radar! Make it happen! Support the bands the venues, security, bar staff, crew, Metropolis touring and the countless people behind the scenes that make this shit happen. Big shoutout to my @hear2zen Fam for trusting me as always with sharp objects and a camera!
Until next time… Keep the volume at 11, the beer cold, good friends and Rock’n’roll!
Mert. 🤘🎸🔥🎤🥁⚡️
