The Rockpit saw 171 gigs in 2019 from Australia, the US and the UK in various genres crossing from hard rock, metal, folk, blues and anything with a guitar strapped to the musicians on stage. A few misses were seen but for the most part, everyone we saw was in fine form which made picking out our favorite shows a challenge. Here is our list for the year on what we thought were the top shows for 2019.
TOP 10 HARD ROCK SHOWS OF 2019 – AUSTRALIA
1. The Rockpit 10th Birthday – Melbourne, October 12th 2019
Featuring Palace of the King, Warbirds, Echo Del Tusker, The Silent Deeds & Cicadastone. The night marked the 10-year anniversary for The Rock Pit boys and it’s safe to say the team celebrated in style! Mark, Sean & Andrew, hand-picked extremely talented musicians and chose The Evelyn Hotel as ground zero for the event. There were no free-loaders on this bill. These bands were chosen for good reason and at 20 bucks a ticket, it was terrific value for money. Further to that the boys were auctioning off awesome prize packs and souvenirs to us rather spoilt fans.
2. Buckcherry/Hardcore Superstar – Melbourne, October 11th 2019
After rave reviews from the first couple of shows on the Australian tour, the hard rock juggernaut trio of Buckcherry, Hardcore Superstar and Bad Moon Born was too good to miss in the fair city of Melbourne on a Friday night. Was it as good?
3. John Corabi – Melbourne, March 29th 2019
One of the best things about live music is it’s innate ability to transport you to another place. Though sometimes when you anticipate a show for such a long time it’s hard for it to ever live up to your lofty expectations. Sometimes though it happens, though its only on rare occasions that you find yourself on a night out rocking with a few hundred similarly disposed reprobates and you realise you’re part of something bigger.
4. The Animals – Perth, November 28th 2019
No we’re not talking about the Rod Stewart hit it’s the night that any music lover whether young, old or anywhere in-between, should be heading down to Bar 1 at Hillarys to catch the Animals at their last gig in WA. For those who may have lived in some other planet for the last 50+ years they were, and still are, one of the greatest, correction, In my view the greatest, bands to head out of the 60’s and conquer the world as part of the UK British Invasion.
5. Beth Hart – Perth, February 14th 2019
Valentine’s Day + Beth Hart = A pretty faultless combination and this was evident with a near full house at Mt Lawley’s Astor Theatre, as the singer songwriter opened her Australian Tour in Perth. Beaufort Street was a bustle with couples clamouring for restaurant tables in the anticipated build-up to the return of one of the finest vocal talents to come out of the US.
6. Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators – Perth, February 3rd 2019
It was the final show of the Australia & New Zealand tour for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators in Perth on Sunday night. Never have these guys been a let down and tonight may have been one of the best performances yet.
7. Ross The Boss – Perth, November 24th 2019
Ross The Boss brought one of the most definitive heavy metal albums of the 1980’s to Australia, the 1984 Manowar release “Hail To England” with a final stop in Perth. This is about as close as anyone will get to see Manowar this side of the country so Perth fans rocked up in suitable battle gear to witness the iconic album in full.
8. The Sisters Of Mercy – Perth, October 25th 2019
It had been seven years since the Sisters of Mercy headlined an Australian tour so it was a long time coming for this highly anticipated show with tickets being announced halfway through last year, the night was finally here. First show of the tour, an almost sold out show and a line that was out the door.
9. Jon Stevens – Perth, August 18th 2019
A packed Astor theatre saw Jon Stevens take us on a musical journey through what is only just part of his legacy, but arguably the most conspicuous – the music of INXS and Noiseworks – two of Australia’s most iconic bands.
10. The Screaming Jets with The Poor, Perth
The Screaming Jets roared into town on their one-show WA leg of the ‘Dirty Thirty’ Tour, as they celebrate thirty years of rocking the world with their rip-roaring Aussie pub rock that has made them so successful, not only here in Australia but also throughout Europe, the UK & the World.
Notable mentions
Perth Rocks Festival 2019 – Perth, July 27th 2019
Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul – Perth, April 13th 2019
Belinda Carlisle – Perth, February 19th 2019
Red Hot Summer Tour :Jimmy Barnes, Joan Jett and more – Swan Valley, January 13th 2019
Love Him Madly: The Doors Reimagined – Perth, August 2nd 2019
TOP METAL SHOWS OF 2019 – AUSTRALIA
Download Festival – Sydney & Melbourne, March 9th & 11th 2019
The second ever Download Festival in Australia made it’s much anticipated return this long weekend with Sydney being added to the run after last year’s sole show in Melbourne. The iconic city played host first on Saturday to an even bigger lineup which boasted the likes of Airbourne, Anthrax, Devilskin, Rise Against, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Judas Priest, Ghost and the final tour ever of thrash metal giants Slayer who took over the headline spot after the cancellation of Ozzy Osbourne.
Review of Sydney | Review of Melbourne
Slayer, Anthrax, Behemoth – Adelaide, March 13th 2019
When Download Festival continued it’s expansion into Australia it was no surprise that Adelaide was not part of the festival circuit. Hey, …we made our bed, we lie in it. But with Slayer on their final tour the announcement of a ‘sideshow’ in Adelaide in conjunction with fellow big-4 member Anthrax, and demi-gods of darkness Behemoth… it was music to bloodied ears to the local metal fraternity.
Max & Iggor Cavalera – Fremantle, March 17th 2019
Sepultura has always had, as many metal bands tend to have, a hardcore fanbase who always go back to the early years of the band and as much as Roots had an impact on many people, many fans have been screaming for a reunion of sorts so that they can get taken back to the golden years of thrash. For Sepultura, it has always been Beneath The Remains and Arise, two landmark albums that are the pinnacle of thrash metal in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Max and Iggor took the reigns on those demands and brought to us a throwback to that era of the band before stylistic changes catapulted the thrashers into new levels. We caught the first show of the Australian tour in Fremantle and it was everything many of us dreamed of.
Slayfest w/ Phil Anselmo & The Illegals – Perth, March 24th 2019
Perth has always been a hit and miss affair as far as metal gigs are concerned, the pulling power determined by a number of factors. But when something like Slayfest comes along along with the right bands, the right people involved together with a sense of camaraderie, it clicks together like a puzzle piece. 2019 saw Slayfest return with a huge lineup that was headlined by Phil Anselmo & The Illegals plus King Parrot, Pathogen and more.
Girlschool, Raven, Tank – Sydney, June 28th 2019
Girlschool touring Australia after 40 years is certainly an event of note. Never mind all-girl bands, not many bands can match the sheer bloody-minded determination that has seen them from the late 70s until now. The bill also included the New Wave of British Heavy Metal alumni Raven and Tank (replacing Venom Inc.) which promised to be an education if nothing else.
Static-X w/ Wednesday 13 & Dope – Fremantle, August 27th 2019
One of the most anticipated metal tours of the year ended it’s Australian run in Fremantle to a packed crowd featuring the reunited Static-X in honour of the late Wayne Static who has been sorely missed by legions of fans since his passing in 2014. Coming along for the ride was New York industrialists Dope and horror rock act Wednesday 13 who some may say stole the show on the night. But for the diehard Static fans, it was all about the Wisconsin Death Trip anniversary.
Devildriver / All That Remains – Perth, August 28th 2019
The Devildriver tour machine hit Perth on the last show of the Australian run and it’s been a long time coming with more than a few years since their last visit. Tagging along was All That Remains who continue to push their latest album plus NSW metallers Lycanthrope who make their WA debut.
Apocalyptica – Sydney Opera House, September 29th 2019
Arguably one of the most unique and captivating metal bands on earth, Apocalyptica returned to Australian shores to play the biggest rooms they have ever played in Australia. Our resident Perth metal photographer flew to Sydney to catch the last show of the tour, held at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
The Mark Of Cain – Perth, October 24th 2019
Widely considered an institution in the Australian heavy rock scene, particularly in the underground, The Mark Of Cain were in some ways ahead of their time when they first appeared back in the 80’s, making a mark with their debut album “Battlesick” in 1989. That was 30 years ago and still to this day that album has a certain resonance that holds up really well. The band celebrated the anniversary with a tour around Australia performing the album in it’s entirety plus a few notable classics.
Crowbar – Sydney, December 6th 2019
The city is covered in smoke, colouring the moon a vivid orange, and with the humidity coating everything like a wet blanket, New Orleans’ heavyweight champions of sludge should be in their element tonight… not to mention that they’re playing a venue that shares their name.
TOP ROCK & BLUES SHOWS OF 2019 – AUSTRALIA
Sean Bennett selection
The Teskey Brothers – Margaret River, November 30th 2019 | Review
Beth Hart – Perth, February 14th 2019 | Review
Buckcherry, Hardcore Superstar – Perth, October 8th 2019 | Review
Echo Del Tusker – Sydney, March 16th 2019 | Review
Jon Stevens – Perth, August 18th 2019 | Review
The Rockpit 10th Birthday – Melbourne, October 8th 2019 | Review
Lloyd Spiegel – Perth, November 7th 2019 | Review
The Baby Animals & The Angels – Perth, November 29th 2019 | Review
The Screaming Jets & The Poor – Perth, May 18th 2019 | Review
Legs Electric – Scarborough, April 6th 2019 | Review
Notable mentions
Led Zeppelin Masters – Perth, August 3rd 2019 | Review
Suzi Quatro – Perth, October 28th 2019 | Review
Perth Rocks Festival 2019 – Perth, July 27th 2019 | Review
TOP ROCK SHOWS OF 2019 – EAST COAST AUSTRALIA
Interstate selection
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Melbourne, January 16th 2019 | Review
Paul Laine w/ The Radio Sun – Melbourne, January 17th 2019 | Review
Butch Walker – Melbourne, January 25th 2019 | Review
Loudness – Melbourne, May 9th 2019 | Review
Avantasia – Melbourne, May 14th 2019 | Review
Graham Bonnet & Alcatrazz – Melbourne, June 7th 2019 | Review
The Struts – Melbourne, August 22nd 2019 | Review
Greta Van Fleet – Melbourne, September 7th 2019 | Review
The Superjesus – Melbourne, September 20th 2019 | Review
Halestorm w/ Villainy – Melbourne, December 10th 2019 | Review
TOP METAL SHOWS OF 2019 – NORTH AMERICA
Corrosion Of Conformity – Minneapolis, February 8th 2019 | Review
Godsmack & Volbeat – Minneapolis, April 22nd 2019 | Review
Black Label Society – Denver, April 25th 2019 | Review
Rocklahoma – May 24th-26th, Oklahoma | Review
Knotfest w/ Slipknot, Volbeat, Gojira, Behemoth – Chicago, August 11th 2019 | Review
Iron Maiden – St. Paul, Minnesota, August 26th 2019 | Review
Exit 111 Festival w/ Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd – Manchester, TN October 11th-13th 2019 | Review
Lacuna Coil – New York City, September 15th 2019 | Review
King Diamond – Chicago, November 18th 2019 | Review
Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, At The Gates – Chicago, October 7th 2019 | Review
TOP ROCK SHOWS OF 2019 – NORTH AMERICA & UK
Kris Barras Band – London UK, February 23rd 2019 | Review
FM / Dare – Leamington Assembly UK, March 2nd 2019 | Review
Billy Idol and Steve Stevens – New Jersey, March 4th 2019 | Review
Whitesnake – New Jersey, May 7th 2019 | Review
The Winery Dogs – Minneapolis, May 20th 2019 | Review
Live / Bush – New Jersey, June 15th 2019 | Review
Runaway To Paradise with Jon Bon Jovi – August 2019 | Review
Kiss – Des Moines & St. Louis, September 2019 | Review
Tom Keifer Band w/ LA Guns – Minnesota, November 1st 2019 | Review
Alice Cooper – Prior Lake, Minnesota November 29th 2019 | Review