Do What You Wanna: Beddy Rays Concert Review

It was back in March at The Fortitude Music Hall when Beddy Rays let the crowd at King Stingray’s most recent tour that they would also soon be releasing their album, Do What You Wanna and taking it on its own roadshow following that. Well, soon couldn’t have arrived soon enough and we’re now lined up outside The Princess Theatre in eager anticipation for a stacked line-up, with the heart and soul of Redland Bay about to treat the hometown crowd. I’m excited to see what we’ve got in store for us tonight, with tunes from their last set still ringing happily in my head.

This is what happened at Beddy Ray’s Do What You Wanna show at The Princess Theatre on August 16, 2025.

PURÉE

Adelaide four-piece Purée made an explosive start to the evening’s events, gathering the crowd closer for their invigorating set that is everything you hope to see at a show! Featuring Matthew Holland (vocals, guitar), Mackenzie Adcock (bass guitar, vocals), Jack Foale (lead guitar), and Liam Woolcock (drums), the band showcased not only their strength with a solid indie-rock catalogue, but also their charismatic sense of humour and ability to diversify for the sound in both emotional and hilarious ways. This was a great introduction for newcomers, with the crowd showing as much energy by the end of Purée’s set as you might expect them to for a headline act. If you didn’t get a ticket for Beddy Rays, you still have a chance to catch Purée at a Bigsound show or supporting Bean Magazine later in the year and I definitely recommend doing so!

Fave song: Inspired To Do Nothing

HOPE D

First to rep Brisbane tonight was Hope D, who does our city so proud! The band didn’t hold anything back for their last show of the tour and I’m feeling sorry for the cities that won’t have Hope D supporting. Joined on-stage by guitarist Ainslee Dimmock, drummer Jenna Goy, and bassist Jess Cameron, Hope played all her hits and then some, allegedly performing two recent releases, Nervous and Hits So Hard, live for the first time (easy to do at your alleged first ever show). Of course, we couldn’t have a Hope D gig without their incredible rendition of Brittney Spear’s Toxic, and based on the crowd’s reaction that’s going to be a hard cover to top! The band’s chemistry and playfulness while delivering a powerful rock performance are so endearing and a great reason to follow along with the upcoming shows! Every Hope D set leaves me wanting more immediately, so hopefully the wait isn’t too long between their next run of shows.

Fave song: Nervous

BEDDY RAYS

In a surprising move, the curtains were pulled shut as the stage crew prepped for the headline set of the night. The mystery of what could possibly be lurking behind the curtain excited the crowd and when the clock struck 9.45PM a montage of Beddy Rays’ best hits sounded out around the theatre. The band, silhouetted against a white sheet, took their places on stage to begin with the opening chords of All I Wanna Do, greeting the roaring crowd as the curtain fell away to reveal the lads!

I loved being amongst some of the Rays most loyal fans, surrounded by people who knew every lyrics to every song and matched the energy of the band. The sneak peak at the King Stingray concert earlier this year showed how committed the band is to making sure their fans have a good time and memorable experience, with lead singer Jacko leading the charge with his on-stage quips and stories. The familiar jokes from guitarist Lewy, the palpable enthusiasm from bassist Bradley, and the explosive energy on the drums from Benjamin make you feel right at home, as if you’re longtime friends with the band.

Dipping into the classics for a moment, the band treated the fans to Wait A While and Milk, before returning to their showcase of the newest album with A Million Times. This was one of my favourites out of the new songs, with their classic rock sound taking a nostalgic, wistful turn. Barring a brief interlude into the legacy of the band with On My Own, the midsection of the set was a great chance for the crowd to get better acquainted with what will surely become future classics from the new album, like Red Lights and the short and playful Pocket Rocket.

The band’s antics continued during the mosh pit in Sort It Out, which even Jacko seemed… impressed with, to put it lightly. Vices and Silverline brought about a calmer energy, showcasing the band’s talent for transforming delicate emotional reflections into full rock ballads. This was best exemplified in the passionate Stay The Same, with the heavier themes continuing in fan favourite Like A Version, Better In Blak by fellow Meanjin artist Thelma Plum.

Although Sobercoaster seemed to take the place of the epic conclusion to the exciting affair, the fans would not let up once the band retreated backstage. I haven’t heard a chant as loud as tonight’s for ‘TEN MORE SONGS’ in quite a while! The crowd had to be happy with a three-song encore with some of the band’s iconic tunes – Handful, Better Weather and Week On Repeat. Truth be told, I think we could have continued for another hour, so intense was the fervour of the crowd! I don’t think it’ll take as long for Beddy Rays’ next Brisbane show to sellout in future, and if you’re thinking of going you’ll have to be in line early to get a good spot, because this band is packing them to the rafters already!

Fave song: A Million Times

SOUNDS GOOD?

Beddy Rays only have one more night of their tour! But their album is jam-packed with some of the best the Beds have done, so make sure to give it a listen if you haven’t already. And if you want to spend another night rocking out, give these artists a listen before their next gigs so you don’t miss out on tickets:

The Smith Street Band – Another band that does not hold back with a heavy rock sound, The Smith Street Band have just announced a massive east-coast tour! With clever and emotional lyrics and outrageous passion embedded in all of their sound, they’re great to catch live.

Dune Rats – Another Brisbane band who show up and show out every show, Dune Rats have the same energy on-stage with a darker sonic expression. Keep an eye out for their next Australian dates, but you better start memorising the lyrics so you can scream them back from the crowd!

Skeggs – Skeggs have a similar coastal rock vibe to Beddy Rays but emphasise a carefree and youthful aspect to their music, perfect for long drives and days at the beach. You can catch them soon at Rolling Sets – Central Coast only, but for that lineup and the chance to see Skeggs, well worth the drive!