Ha’way the lad!
For fans, fourteen years is a long time between tours. Judging by the rapturous response inside Liberty Hall on Thursday night, Sydney never stopped saving space for Maxïmo Park. Returning to Australia for the first time since 2012, the Newcastle founded outfit were here celebrating the bands 20th anniversary and 20 years of the release of their Mercury Prize‑nominated debut A Certain Trigger. Let’s just say the love for that record remains fierce.
Twelve Point Buck
Before Maxïmo Park took the stage, Sydney’s Twelve Point Buck set the tone with a performance that felt unpredictable in the best way. The Blue Mountains four‑piece opened with deep riffs that leaned experimental, carrying a grunge edge before pivoting into a song about two cowboys in love. Somewhere between Weezer and Nirvana, with a dash of The Breakfast Club, their unique sound felt distinctly “Blue Mountains” – music seemingly honed at altitude with love and curiosity.
As their set unfolded, Twelve Point Buck proved themselves far more than an intriguing opener. There were moments of unexpected tenderness and fearless dedication, including one song offered to all transgender and queer people in the room. Mid-set the audience was treated to what could only be called a delightfully bizarre “cheese‑termission”. Complete with voiceover extolling the virtues of gifting cheese over flowers, it landed as both absurd and logical. By the final song, it was clear this was a band you wouldn’t forget in a hurry… and would likely be responsible for a spike in cheese sales for upcoming Mother’s Day.
Hits, hats and hips
When Maxïmo Park emerged, the crowd greeted them with immediate warmth. Lead singer, Paul Smith remains a joyous ball of Geordie energy on stage; expressive, sharp, and still putting those sartorial threads through their paces. The hat stayed firmly in place even during the jumps, the vocals were strong, and those hyperactive hips demanded attention… gird your loins ladies and gents!
Maxïmo Park sounded both tight and relaxed. The set leaned heavily on A Certain Trigger, but crucially, the deeper cuts carried just as much weight. B‑sides like “A19” song”, got an airing as did “Now I’m All Over the Shop” aka “the oddest rock song we’ve got”, a rarity not played for a decade.
The crowd showed just how deeply embedded this music is. Nearly everyone seemed to know every word, from first notes to final lyric. Just when one superfan was spotted, another appeared. “Versions of You”, “Going Missing” and “Grafitti” drew some of the loudest responses of the night. Softer sounds like “Acrobat” reminded us exactly why these songs endure – the direct, honest lyrics that articulate thoughts listeners feel but rarely say out loud.
With closing bows and waving to the crowd, Smith said he hoped they would be back again soon. Acknowledging the world is a crazy place with many unknowns, it felt less like an empty promise and more of a real truth. And just like that, they were gone leaving the crowd grinning and misty eyed. Maxïmo Park’s return didn’t just feel nostalgic, it felt necessary.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Photos from Pete Dovgan – see more photos from the night HERE
Reviewer attended 30th April 2026
