Words by: Dakota Griffiths
Photos by: Cameron Stemmler
‘From the first note to the encore, Spacey Jane delivered a soul-stirring set that proved their bond with fans runs deep, and Adelaide was ready to feel every second of it‘
A buzzing sense of anticipation filled the air as fans of all ages spilt into Hindley Street Music Hall on Saturday for night one of the sold-out shows that had clearly been circled on calendars for months. From the moment the doors opened, there was a collective rush to the barricade to secure prime viewing spots for what would become an unforgettable night of live music headlined by one of Australia’s most beloved acts, Spacey Jane.
Opening the night was Sydney-based Phoebe Go, who delivered a mesmerising set built on layered harmonies, effortless percussion, and a vibe that fused ‘90s alt-rock with contemporary folk. Moving fluidly between new releases and older favourites, she brought a raw warmth to the room that made it easy to see why she’s steadily gaining momentum on the national stage.
Next up, The Moving Stills kept the energy climbing. Their unreleased single, Tsunami, was met with a roaring reception, but it was their clever cover of Everybody Wants to Rule the World that left a lasting impression with established and new fans. With a tour in August and September for their upcoming EP Half Moon Bay, their set was a sharp reminder that this band knows exactly how to work their crowd. They closed with fan favourite Westside, before leaving the stage to thunderous applause.
Then came the main event, and as the lights dimmed and the opening notes of Through My Teeth rang out, the crowd exploded into cheers. It was clear from the moment they set foot on stage, Spacey Jane hadn’t just returned to Adelaide, they were welcomed back like old friends.
From the first strum to the final note, the Fremantle four-piece radiated a contagious kind of joy that swept through the venue. They might have kept crowd banter to a minimum, but they made every second count, delivering each track with heartfelt intensity and a tightness that comes from years of touring the globe. There was a particularly wholesome interaction between songs, when a fan held up their tie to show they were matching with lead singer Caleb Harper, prompting laughter and smiles all around.
With a setlist stacked with fan favourites like Booster Seat, Thrills, and Sawteeth, and plenty of fresh tracks from their latest album, the band showcased their growth as songwriters and performers. Whether you were there for nostalgia or the new era, there was something for everyone to hold onto.
One standout moment came when the band stopped mid-set to assist an injured audience member after someone threw a glass into the crowd. Harper immediately called for medics and security, reminding the audience to take care of each other. It was a sobering moment that highlighted not only the dangers of careless behaviour, but also the band’s unwavering commitment to their fans’ safety and well-being.
Sonically and visually, the performance was flawless. The lighting design elevated each song’s emotional weight, while the sound mix gave every riff, beat and lyric its place in the spotlight. There was a real sense of cohesion between band and crew, resulting in a show that felt as emotionally resonant as it was technically refined.
Spacey Jane’s return to Adelaide wasn’t just a concert; it was a shared release. A reminder of how music can connect, uplift, and electrify. And judging by the buzz in the air as fans spilt onto Hindley Street, one thing’s for sure: the countdown is already on for their next visit.
PHOEBE GO
THE MOVING STILLS
SPACEY JANE
