Australian Tour

One of the most anticipated shows of the year finally arrived as Los Angeles-bred and Nashville-based alt rockers Badflower are finally visiting their fans down under for the very first time. After years of envying social media clips, it’s our turn to sing along with the four piece as they pull into Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. 

From the moment our friends at Destroy All Lines announced the tour, the band have been posting and keeping their fans engaged with Australia top of mind. From ‘Aussie Slang’ tests at skate parks, to trying Vegemite at Luna Park, the feeling of excitement appears to go both ways. 

Joining Badflower at Sydney’s Oxford Arts Factory tonight are Azure and Bad Neighbour. Bad Neighbour, who are on the entire Australian leg of the tour, took to the stage in front of a packed crowd on this chilly winter’s evening. Brandishing themselves as ‘Brisbane Sad Rock’, they sure encouraged a lot of smiles as their style hit home for many, having the crowd bopping along from the onset. Their debut album ‘Millions’ drops September 20th, I’m sure we’re about to hear much more about these local legends. 

As I’m still scanning the venue looking for the perfect viewing spot, the lights dim and our headliner has arrived right on time. Pre recorded audio introducing Badflower as they were wrestlers, fills the room the band members burst onto the stage kicking off the 2018 gem Drop Dead. While some bands save their new singles for later in the set, Badflower dives straight in, treating us to the fresh tracks Detroit and Teacher Has a Gun, both released this year. The fans, already familiar with the lyrics, belt them out with great volume, and guitarist Joey Morrow and bassist Alex Espiritu share knowing smiles as the crowd’s energy only intensifies.

Josh takes a moment to speak with the crowd, exclaiming just how much fun they’re having in Australia and telling us that we’re the best city and will be for the rest of the run. We don’t even mind that he may just say that to all them (even Melbourne!) but we’re cheering along! No time is wasted as we’re singing along again to expertly crafted tracks including Don’t Hate Me, Johnny Wants to Fight and White Noise. 

Drummer Anthony Sonetti beams with a smile from his elevated perch above the crowd, clearly enjoying the moment. The Oxford Arts Factory can be tricky for viewing due to its obstructive pillars, thankfully all members are jumping around during Promise Me and the groove infused Girlfriend, before Josh is left alone bathed in a spotlight for the heart wrenching Move Me. 

Even if he mentioned he is struggling with vocal issues this doesn’t stop him from delivering an emotionally charged, passionate performance before he is joined by his band mates for the grand crescendo.

The night already felt like it was filled with hits, but the big ones were still yet to come in the form of Family, Heroin and the fan favourite The Jester. The Jester may just be one of those perfectly crafted songs that transcend its recorded version when performed live. These four guys sure know how to make a catchy track.

Before Badflower took the stage tonight it was announced that the sold out sign was strewn across yet another date here in Sydney, making that four of seven. Not bad for a debut run! Although I am certain that if those who missed out knew how fantastic this show was tonight, it would’ve been a clean sweep.

When Josh announces that the next song will be the last, the crowd responds with loud disapproval. With a playful grin, he asks, “Could you all just pretend you think this is our last song?” as the band begin to introduce the chart topper Ghost. The range of this band is just incredible, and it’s very apparent that the crowd have been waiting far too long to share this moment with the band.

The part-hilarious, part-terrifying Stalker, Badflower’s modern day answer to Eminem’s super-fan ‘Stan’,  brought them back to the stage although Josh didn’t spend much of it on the stage. He jumped down to be with his new Aussie friends, as he thrashed his guitar, screaming the crazy lyrics in the faces of fans who were holding the microphone for him to truly unleash. Speaking of unleashing, the three band members left of stage took advantage of the space as they jumped around, spun their hair and sung with the crowd before Sonetti and Espiritu got a chance to show off on their respective drums and bass.

30, released in 2020 to mark lead singer Josh’s 30th birthday wraps up the show. A frank, unfiltered outpouring of existential angst in the face of ageing…something we can all connect with. 

As the crowd ebbed and flowed throughout the show I found myself right by the merch desk, where I quickly spent my pay cheque as the final notes rang out. 

I’m at a loss for words to fully capture the sheer astonishment of seeing Badflower’s debut Australian tour—though I’m not sure any words could do it justice. I was completely blown away and thrilled beyond measure to experience it. Their setlist was flawlessly curated and each band member left no crumbs. 

It may have taken them 7 years to visit us, but lets hope this is the beginning of a love affair that can’t keep us apart.