Boy & Bear

This was the final night of Boy & Bear’s 2024 European tour, and the fact that all five UK events sold out indicates that the men from down under may have underestimated their popularity and reputation here. They really should be playing bigger venues, and the cavernous hold of The Thekla really didn’t do justice to the clean sound of the band’s gentle, lyrical music. David Hosking has an extraordinary voice which beautifully expresses the of the band’s songs on recordings, but at times it was difficult to hear his words as the overall sound echoed off the walls. Nor was there room on the cramped stage for the five band members to be visible to all. Drummer Tim Hart was tucked away, stage right, behind a huge hanging amplifier, out of sight and a strange disembodied voice when he spoke. This allowed him to tell an amusing anecdote about how he blocked out a classmate in an old school photo, so maybe the universe was getting its own back on him tonight. The tour has been promoting the band’s eponymous 5th studio album, released in May last year, and many of the songs on tonight’s set list were drawn from that album, which I consider their most accomplished work to date. There were several requests from the audience for old favourites, which the band politely explained they couldn’t accommodate, but they did play a few classics from earlier albums and some old songs dusted down again. There was even a crowd-pleasing cover of Simple Minds’ “Don’t you forget about me”, although I felt this number showed up the limitations of the venue more than any other: it’s a stadium anthem, and felt diminished in the confines of The Thekla. Boy & Bear would make a great stadium or festival band. Their music would lift the spirits of any massed audience. Maybe someone needs to have a word with the Eavis family to invite the band to play Glastonbury … Finally, I must mention the support act, Boo Seeka, who got the party started with a rousing set of their electro-pop songs. While this isn’t really my genre of music, I must admit the duo engaged with the audience and got them dancing and singing along to some infectious rhythms. They later made some impromptu appearances in Boy & Bear’s set, joining in with some harmonies and generally having a blast. It was all part of the celebratory end-of-tour party atmosphere that pervaded the event. The Thekla may not have the best acoustics or facilities, but it is a great place for a party, and the 400 strong audience certainly had a hell of one tonight.

Boy & Bear were great. Flawless vocals, instrumentation, and production. Crowd was hyped too. But they could be more discerning with their supporting act. The act’s songs sounded the same.

Excellent show . The atmosphere was amazing . Boy and Bear always give a good show and Boo Seeka , fantastic,what a showman . Amazing night of music . Thank you

Boy & Bear never fails to deliver an energetic performance live, which makes you look forward to their next gig. Thanks for the memories. Come back to Melbourne soon.

Spent the most amazing evening with Boy and Bear last Tuesday night getting to know more things about them as band members in a relaxed, funny but informative interview with Bridgette Hustwaite and then witnessed a spectacular acoustic set by the boys to be finished off with them signing their newly released incredible new self titled album and in my case, a couple more albums, I happen to have 😆 thanks boys. 🥰 It was truly a night I will remember forever so in the words of Molly Meldrum “ do yourself a favour and rush out and get this album and see one of their upcoming shows, you won’t regret it! Very impressed with Northcote Social Club too as a venue. 👍🏼

It was magical - the new songs as well as the old, the incredible quality of the delivery - they sounded so good, the insight they offered into their creative process and songs…😊🔥

Loved the show! They are amazing live performers. Did find the audience a bit ‘loose’ - even as described by Dave himself. Wish the audience was slightly more respectful.

The boys are always great but I didn't rate the venue, a narrow boat, poor acoustics and to top it off got stuck at the back where everyone was talking. Grrr

What a brilliant show. Their sound live is just like from the studio. The Enmore is one of those special places and Newtown is their home suburb. The atmosphere was great. I felt privileged to be part of the last Australian show before the guys jet off to the UK and Europe later in the year. Good luck. You can get the Tour Playlist on Spotify!

Six stars, not five. These guys know how to put on a show. Superlative musicianship. I'm very late to the party, this was my first Boy & Bear gig even though I've known about them for years, and now I wish I could stalk them around the world and see every show.

Boy and Bear were fantastic live, they sound the same which is so great. The atmosphere at the venue was awesome, being a smaller venue I liked the more intimate feel.

This is the third time I have seen Boy and Bear and they never fail to impress. Dave's vocals are out of this world amazing. The band are so humble and have a great vibe.

What an amazing heartfelt night with a beautiful band. Just can’t wait for when we can all dance again at shows! Thank you Boy & Bear, and State Theatre

They were fantastic. The band was tight and the vocals were spot on. Just beautiful. We had an amazing night being able to see B&B at such a great little venue

Great performance and venue but the sound was disappointing, especially considering I was standing next to the desk. But it was great to hear these songs live at last. Our Exes Live In Texas were a fabulous opening act.

Fantastic show as always. could've done with better sound/acoustics... but hey, what are you gonna do?Not sure why these guys aren't HUGE, getting the venues that can offer what they deserve!

I love them! I wish wish wish that they would play fall at your feet - crowded house cover. they're amazing musicians...but for the 99% expat crowd, we'd lose our shit!

Good band with great music! Songs were played almost exactly as on the record, not adventurous musically which can come over as clinical. But if you don't mind that you will enjoy a concert by Boy & Bear. No encore, no introduction to the members of the band. Support act Alice Phoebe Lou (also) suffered with the noise of talking visitors, why come to a show if you don't listen to the music? Very annoying! Regarding some negative remarks I enjoyed myself.

Boy & Bear exceeded anything I thought about prior to attending. The singer is amazeballs & the band is so knitted together in harmony. Sigh! Can I please go again?

Not quite a five mainly for the venue & sound system the band played for about an hour with a solid set I believe in this band and expect thay will go into the studio and record the best album of their young career so don't expect to pay only fifteen dollars for a ticket cach this band if thay come to your town.