The Living End + Private Function + The Prize @ Live At The Gardens, Melbourne 22-11-25
Images & Words: Rebecca Houlden @rebecca_houlden
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Australian rock royalty The Living End returned to their hometown of Melbourne on a warm but drizzly Saturday night to celebrate both their ninth studio album, I Only Trust Rock And Roll, and their iconic self-titled debut. As the first band to headline this year’s Live At The Gardens series in Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens, they couldn’t have asked for a more fitting setting. With lush lawns, food trucks, and a short walk from the CBD, the all-ages venue was perfectly suited for fans young and old.
The Prize
The Prize
Local supports The Prize and Private Function set the tone early. Private Function’s chaotic, high-energy punk set complete with an unexpected cover of Coldplay’s Yellow definitely got the crowd buzzing.
Private Function
Private Function
Private Function
The Living End took the stage just after sunset, launching into the first of two massive sets. The opening set tore through a mix of greatest hits and new material, including fan favourite Roller from I Only Trust Rock N Roll. While the band have largely stuck to the same setlist on this tour, Melbourne scored a surprise addition with Who’s Gonna Save Us? from 2003’s Modern Artillery.
The Living End
The Living End
The second set was the real treat: a full performance of their multi-platinum 1998 debut The Living End. This was only the third time they’ve played the album in full - following their 2012 Retrospective Tour and a one-night-only performance at Festival Hall in 2023. Many long-time fans missed out on those sold-out shows, and with the band’s audience expanding in recent years thanks to the Red Hot Summer tours, this was a rare chance for newer fans to experience something truly special.
The Living End
They opened the album run-through with Prisoner of Society, Growing Up, and Second Solution, with the crowd chanting every word. Then came the first twist of the night - they skipped West End Riot, signalling that they weren’t sticking rigidly to the album’s running order. Hearing lesser-played tracks like Save the Day and Fly Away was a highlight, and moving All Torn Down and West End Riot toward the end of the set proved a smart choice, ensuring the show finished on big, familiar favourites.
The Living End
The Living End
After a brief break, the band returned for an encore with White Noise from their 2008 album of the same name - the track that earned Chris Cheney a much-deserved APRA Song of the Year award in 2009.
The Living End
The Living End
Having seen The Living End across countless gigs and festivals small and large over the years, it’s clear they’re still performing at their absolute peak. Cheney remains a commanding frontman, delivering flawless vocals and guitar work. Scott Owen continues to defy physics with his airborne double-bass antics, and Andy Strachan’s drumming was tight and powerful throughout.
The Living End
Despite the rain, the crowd’s spirits never wavered. The all-ages format also meant that many long-time fans were able to bring their kids to their very first concert and honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better introduction to live music.
