The Church

The Church never disappoint, and this was yet another spectacular example of their long standing talent and musical magic. Whilst it was a rather steamy night with the weather (record heat wave) the Church’s performance ignited the Grog stage and held their fans steadfast with entertainment despite the humid air! Their song list did not falter, and many of their earlier songs were performed (such as The Unguarded Moment, Electric Lash, When you Were Mine, Tear It All Away, and so many more!) with a dreamy psychedelic precision. Steve Kilbey’s voice was phenomenal, as if decades had not passed us by so quickly, both Ian and Ashley were spot on with each of their amazing guitar talent, and Nicholas never falls short with his impressive talent on the drums! Had it not been for the strict city parking ordinances on the adjacent street where my mates and I parked, we would’ve definitely stood watch close to the tour buses and shared precious moments with the band, quite possibly capturing some memorable photos with them as well if not collecting autographs on their poster I bought at the merchandise stand and persuading Ian to autograph my PowderFinger cd!! 🤟🏻🎸 I’ve seen them perform six times, the first was in 2015 in Flagstaff AZ along with The Psychedelic Furs.

Terrific show! Steve Kilbey in excellent voice backed by a wall of guitars and percussion! I congratulated the guys at the mixing desk as I left the theater because the sound was outstanding to my ears! The crowd was smallish (Kilbey alluded to Monday night concerts being tough to promote), but vocally responsive and band/The Church songs knowledgeable. The Church easily has the goods to fill two sets and an encore with quality songs… and so they did — set one 1 hr 10 min, 20 min intermission, and set two + encore 1 hr 15 min. Truth — I’ve seen other bands adjust the length of a show based on crowd size — MUCH RESPECT to The Church going all out for those on hand! Steve, keep those long winded anecdotes coming! Song highlights (among many) for me: The Unguarded Moment, Metropolis, It’s No Reason, Western (I love bands playing new, soon-to-be-released music), and Sacred Echoes (Part Two). Definitely a show and band you need to consider catching in 2026!

1) The Guy at the mixing board did a superb job! 2) Marty and the guys were in Top Form! They sounded like they were all 22-years-old! 3) The first half of the show emphasized the classics - "Reptile"; "There's No Reason"; "Columbus"; and on & on! It was one great song after another! 4) They saved the haunting, enigmatic "Destination" for the second half of the show. 5) They then played 2 or 3 new songs - which were actually quite appealing! 6) The crowd was in full-throat and very, very enthusiastic! I got the feeling that Marty Wilson-Piper was a little surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reception they received! 7) Of course, they played "Under the Milky Way" 2nd-to-last! When I say everyone sang along, I mean EVERYONE sang along - perhaps Marty got a little misty-eyed - I think the rapidly formed bond with the audience really affected him! 8) They chose not to play 2 of their Great Songs: "Spark", which is THE song about the Life-Force . . . "No repairs are needed, JUST - A - SPARK!" & "Grind" - the entire song is like an exquisite understatement, especially considering that the band stops playing at one point & a single piano deftly arises out of the Silence, as if Frederic Chopin had written the piano part just for The Church! 9) They ended with "Tantalized", which was amply tantalizing! This concert was perhaps 1 of the 10 best I've ever attended . . . and I've mindfully attended at least 2,500 concerts, since about the age of 13! Superb! Rocking at times. Nuanced at other times. And I believe they played for about 3 hours!!! This was very Special, Indeed! - Kevin Tangney

Played songs from the early years dating back from the first four albums. A 3 hour show with intermission left us all wanting more. Highlight was the song - the blurred crusade with blistering guitar work. Enmore theatre p a was sounding great, beautifully balanced sound where all instruments could be heard and the bass drum punching through, driving the band. Abosoluety blown away by the performance once again.

I loved how the band mixed older music with the newer. Steve Kilbey showed he has a great sense of humor introducing the serious music from the new album. His band performed at a high level of excellence. I last saw the Church in 1988 and was thrilled that I got to see them again. Variety Playhouse is one of the best venues in town and it seems more serious music lovers attend shows there than other venues in town. I highly recommend THE HYMNOGUE, the newest album by the Church.

Having seen The Church 12+ times since 1982 I was somewhat reluctant to see them with both Piper and now Koppes gone. Haug has proven himself with the last two gigs I've seen. Ash won me over completely. Ash put his own mark on 'You Took' as did Ian on Grind and Tantalized - they did not play as just members of an (almost) covers band they put their own flavours to the more adventurous songs. Kilbey's in between songs banter was hilarious. The pre Unguarded story was a gem (SK I don't need to hear it either - but quodos to you for making a more fun/positive story so as not to offend those who do like it !) Loved it!

The show was the best concert I've been to. I loved the guitar acoustics and variations, the drums with their variations in sound. They all played like nothing I've heard before. It wasn't just about the songs it was everything combined to create perfect harmony, sight and sound. It left me with goose bumps and on an absolute high. Thank you The Church, it was a great nights entertainment, and that it was. 10/10

Excellent show. Band was fantastic-full, bright sound combined with beautiful visual display created an immersive experience. First time hearing the new material, and it was wonderful, also great to hear some well known older material. Venue was excellent, we were able to park close by, but easily accessible with public transport too. Seating and facilities were great - venue was pretty full, but no crush at the bar or queue for the toilets, friendly staff and patrons. Location is ideal for pre show dinner nearby or a post show drink.

Seeing The Church at Twin Towns felt a little incongruous - traipsing past pokies and all that goes with that was just odd. That said, the auditorium for the concert was spacious, and the sound and lighting was excellent, so no complaints. As for The Church - this iteration of the band is superb! The three guitarists fleshed out their sound in a way that much of their multi-layered and textured music cries out for. I'm no mind reader, but I could swear at one point of the evening Steve Kilbey was looking around his band mates thinking - "this sounds exactly like what was in my head!" As for Kilbey himself, his bass playing was as energetic and central to the sound as ever, while his voice has lost nothing of it's timbre and tone. There was an excellent mix of 'hits' (Kilbey laconically sharing their last one was back in 1990), back catalogue album tracks and a generous helping from their new album, "Hypnogogue" - which for the record is well worth the investment itself. They vinyl has been a little hard to come by and I was pleased to pick up a copy at their merch stand. The band played for nearly 3 hours and the jam on the final track of the evening ("You Took" from "The Blurred Crusade") was just epic - at least 10 minutes - superb! If you get a chance to see The Church on this tour you will certainly not regret it. They remain at the peak of their powers and deliver much more than a trip down nostalgia lane. This is a band just as vibrant as they have been at various other peaks during their lengthy, impressive career. Final footnote - check out the videos to "Hypnogogue" and "There's No Other You" by Red Tape Pictures (aka Clint Lewis) - b****y fantastic!

If the venue had been better, it would have been so much more enjoyable. Too much of the audience was talking loudly, really loudly, and it was hard to hear when Steve Kilby was talking, which I really wanted to hear. Why go to a concert and talk through the whole thing?! The band was great, as they always are…from what I could hear. Mr. Kilby and The Church, please go back to the Sellersville Theatre, where you are appropriately appreciated!

This was the most perfectly mixed concert I have ever attended. I cannot believe how incredible they sounded, even front and center. Normally there, even in the past at this very venue, at the very least you get faded vocals front and center. But every single part of their sound was crystal clear the whole night. They had a couple minor technical problems during songs that they fixed efficiently without out throwing off the grove of the rest of the the band playing or the audiences vibes. And the technical skill? Oh f**k, their talent knows no ends! This blew bands I've seen like A Perfect Circle and Porcupine Tree out of the water

I’ve seen the Church many times and this will be my 5th time. They are such a good life band, and I recommend anyone to go see them. Even though I’m seeing the same band experience has been different every time. As for this particular show, the band was really tight they sounded great and the venue they play that was a great place for this band. They played a lot of the new album but also put in the favorites. This was a special time because the church was the very first band me and my husband saw back in the 90s when we were first dating. This time around we brought my 15-year-old son to come see him and he love them as well.

Outstanding concert, the band never fails to impress. Adding a percussionist//second drummer and a 3rd guitar/keyboards creates enormous sonic depth. Having two of Australia's finest guitarists in Ash Naylor and Ian Haug doesn't hurt either! Incredible energy from the band matched by the crowds enthusiasm, which was rewarded with two encores. We drove across from Melbourne just to give our teenage daughter the chance to see one of her favourite bands, and it was well worth the effort. We'd probably go to the Northcote gig as well if it was an all-ages event but for some reason Melbourne pub gigs are always strictly 18 plus. Annoying!

Awesome rock band from down under Led by musician and main songwriter Steve Kilbey on bass guitar, his band continues to be relevant even today They played some expected hits Almost with You, Tantalized and Under the Milky Way, while continuing to showcase quite a few new songs from the release of an upcoming album Steve is now the only original member backed by two lead guitarists and a third guitarist and keyboard player. All musicians also like to create unearthly sounds with the feedback created using their guitars and nearby amplifiers 40 years later, still rocking $ creating new music! ZosoandZep Somewhere in California…

Really enjoyed the show, a nice balance of new and old music, with a cordial Steve Kilby fronting the band. The dual guitarists along with Kilby make the signiature sound of the band. Yes the drummer is new, and he did an admirable job, I'm sure he'll work into the groove more over time. I'm just glad to see this band so far down the line, their melodic dynamism thrills me to the core! The venue was alright, too!

Another top notch performance from the prolific and legendary band The Church. Steve vocals and prowess on stage was in top form playing classics from the 80s , 90s and modern classics from recent albums . We were even treated to 3 new songs from the yet to be released new album Hypnagoge! Lots of cool shirts to pick from at the merch table! Truly a special night even had the opportunity to interact and hang out a little with band after the show!

The show at the Commonwealth Room was another memorable moment of Church history in Utah. The new drummer who looked like he was plucked straight out of a pharmacy in New Zealand, played with the confidence and aplomb of a veteran drummer, who as Steven Kilbey confided to the audience was only playing his fourth live show. No other band paints an aural landscape like The Church. So cheers mates, job well done.

Fantastic show, as most Church shows I’ve seen over many years. Even through band member changes, Steve Kilbey is the constant and he’s always a great entertainer and musician. His voice penetrates deeply and his bass playing is superb. It was nice to see him happy and exuberant to be playing live shows again. Ian is also fantastic! He filled the spot left by Marty very well. The other members are brand new; drums filled in for the recovering Tim by Barton, who made a remarkable last-minute display. SK complimented him many times. New guitarist Ashley holds his own, however he has big Peter Koppes shoes to fill, which will probably take some time. I trust in Steve Kilbey, though, and he usually makes good choices, musically. The venue looked questionable at first, but turned out to be a nice place for this show, although a better menu would be nice- (candy, chips and soda only). All in all, a great night.

I’ve been a huge fan since my teens in the 80’s. Seeing this show in an intimate venue such as the Heights was fabulous! I’m just not sure the crowd was not as lively as previous shows because of city or crowd age LOL nonetheless, the CHURCH, Steve Kilbey did not disappoint! Thank you for including my new city of residence to give me the opportunity to see one of my faves again! Great evening!

Pretty great show, playing the entirety of Starfish, 2 from the newest album and samples from no fewer than 10 other albums! 3rd show in 3 nights at altitude seemed be taking its toll on Steve Kilbey who was less talkative than usual. Related or not, SK did t quite give Spark/Starfish it proper due. I know it was Marty Willson-Pipers song and all but come on, give it a little more or have somebody else si g it. Musically, you cant beat it with a stick, Ian is masterful on an array 12 strings and Peter was a cool cat filling in the atmosphere.

The Church never disappoint, and this was yet another spectacular example of their long standing talent and musical magic. Whilst it was a rather steamy night with the weather (record heat wave) the Church’s performance ignited the Grog stage and held their fans steadfast with entertainment despite the humid air! Their song list did not falter, and many of their earlier songs were performed (such as The Unguarded Moment, Electric Lash, When you Were Mine, Tear It All Away, and so many more!) with a dreamy psychedelic precision. Steve Kilbey’s voice was phenomenal, as if decades had not passed us by so quickly, both Ian and Ashley were spot on with each of their amazing guitar talent, and Nicholas never falls short with his impressive talent on the drums! Had it not been for the strict city parking ordinances on the adjacent street where my mates and I parked, we would’ve definitely stood watch close to the tour buses and shared precious moments with the band, quite possibly capturing some memorable photos with them as well if not collecting autographs on their poster I bought at the merchandise stand and persuading Ian to autograph my PowderFinger cd!! 🤟🏻🎸 I’ve seen them perform six times, the first was in 2015 in Flagstaff AZ along with The Psychedelic Furs.

Terrific show! Steve Kilbey in excellent voice backed by a wall of guitars and percussion! I congratulated the guys at the mixing desk as I left the theater because the sound was outstanding to my ears! The crowd was smallish (Kilbey alluded to Monday night concerts being tough to promote), but vocally responsive and band/The Church songs knowledgeable. The Church easily has the goods to fill two sets and an encore with quality songs… and so they did — set one 1 hr 10 min, 20 min intermission, and set two + encore 1 hr 15 min. Truth — I’ve seen other bands adjust the length of a show based on crowd size — MUCH RESPECT to The Church going all out for those on hand! Steve, keep those long winded anecdotes coming! Song highlights (among many) for me: The Unguarded Moment, Metropolis, It’s No Reason, Western (I love bands playing new, soon-to-be-released music), and Sacred Echoes (Part Two). Definitely a show and band you need to consider catching in 2026!

1) The Guy at the mixing board did a superb job! 2) Marty and the guys were in Top Form! They sounded like they were all 22-years-old! 3) The first half of the show emphasized the classics - "Reptile"; "There's No Reason"; "Columbus"; and on & on! It was one great song after another! 4) They saved the haunting, enigmatic "Destination" for the second half of the show. 5) They then played 2 or 3 new songs - which were actually quite appealing! 6) The crowd was in full-throat and very, very enthusiastic! I got the feeling that Marty Wilson-Piper was a little surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reception they received! 7) Of course, they played "Under the Milky Way" 2nd-to-last! When I say everyone sang along, I mean EVERYONE sang along - perhaps Marty got a little misty-eyed - I think the rapidly formed bond with the audience really affected him! 8) They chose not to play 2 of their Great Songs: "Spark", which is THE song about the Life-Force . . . "No repairs are needed, JUST - A - SPARK!" & "Grind" - the entire song is like an exquisite understatement, especially considering that the band stops playing at one point & a single piano deftly arises out of the Silence, as if Frederic Chopin had written the piano part just for The Church! 9) They ended with "Tantalized", which was amply tantalizing! This concert was perhaps 1 of the 10 best I've ever attended . . . and I've mindfully attended at least 2,500 concerts, since about the age of 13! Superb! Rocking at times. Nuanced at other times. And I believe they played for about 3 hours!!! This was very Special, Indeed! - Kevin Tangney

Played songs from the early years dating back from the first four albums. A 3 hour show with intermission left us all wanting more. Highlight was the song - the blurred crusade with blistering guitar work. Enmore theatre p a was sounding great, beautifully balanced sound where all instruments could be heard and the bass drum punching through, driving the band. Abosoluety blown away by the performance once again.

I loved how the band mixed older music with the newer. Steve Kilbey showed he has a great sense of humor introducing the serious music from the new album. His band performed at a high level of excellence. I last saw the Church in 1988 and was thrilled that I got to see them again. Variety Playhouse is one of the best venues in town and it seems more serious music lovers attend shows there than other venues in town. I highly recommend THE HYMNOGUE, the newest album by the Church.

Having seen The Church 12+ times since 1982 I was somewhat reluctant to see them with both Piper and now Koppes gone. Haug has proven himself with the last two gigs I've seen. Ash won me over completely. Ash put his own mark on 'You Took' as did Ian on Grind and Tantalized - they did not play as just members of an (almost) covers band they put their own flavours to the more adventurous songs. Kilbey's in between songs banter was hilarious. The pre Unguarded story was a gem (SK I don't need to hear it either - but quodos to you for making a more fun/positive story so as not to offend those who do like it !) Loved it!

The show was the best concert I've been to. I loved the guitar acoustics and variations, the drums with their variations in sound. They all played like nothing I've heard before. It wasn't just about the songs it was everything combined to create perfect harmony, sight and sound. It left me with goose bumps and on an absolute high. Thank you The Church, it was a great nights entertainment, and that it was. 10/10

Excellent show. Band was fantastic-full, bright sound combined with beautiful visual display created an immersive experience. First time hearing the new material, and it was wonderful, also great to hear some well known older material. Venue was excellent, we were able to park close by, but easily accessible with public transport too. Seating and facilities were great - venue was pretty full, but no crush at the bar or queue for the toilets, friendly staff and patrons. Location is ideal for pre show dinner nearby or a post show drink.

Seeing The Church at Twin Towns felt a little incongruous - traipsing past pokies and all that goes with that was just odd. That said, the auditorium for the concert was spacious, and the sound and lighting was excellent, so no complaints. As for The Church - this iteration of the band is superb! The three guitarists fleshed out their sound in a way that much of their multi-layered and textured music cries out for. I'm no mind reader, but I could swear at one point of the evening Steve Kilbey was looking around his band mates thinking - "this sounds exactly like what was in my head!" As for Kilbey himself, his bass playing was as energetic and central to the sound as ever, while his voice has lost nothing of it's timbre and tone. There was an excellent mix of 'hits' (Kilbey laconically sharing their last one was back in 1990), back catalogue album tracks and a generous helping from their new album, "Hypnogogue" - which for the record is well worth the investment itself. They vinyl has been a little hard to come by and I was pleased to pick up a copy at their merch stand. The band played for nearly 3 hours and the jam on the final track of the evening ("You Took" from "The Blurred Crusade") was just epic - at least 10 minutes - superb! If you get a chance to see The Church on this tour you will certainly not regret it. They remain at the peak of their powers and deliver much more than a trip down nostalgia lane. This is a band just as vibrant as they have been at various other peaks during their lengthy, impressive career. Final footnote - check out the videos to "Hypnogogue" and "There's No Other You" by Red Tape Pictures (aka Clint Lewis) - b****y fantastic!

If the venue had been better, it would have been so much more enjoyable. Too much of the audience was talking loudly, really loudly, and it was hard to hear when Steve Kilby was talking, which I really wanted to hear. Why go to a concert and talk through the whole thing?! The band was great, as they always are…from what I could hear. Mr. Kilby and The Church, please go back to the Sellersville Theatre, where you are appropriately appreciated!

This was the most perfectly mixed concert I have ever attended. I cannot believe how incredible they sounded, even front and center. Normally there, even in the past at this very venue, at the very least you get faded vocals front and center. But every single part of their sound was crystal clear the whole night. They had a couple minor technical problems during songs that they fixed efficiently without out throwing off the grove of the rest of the the band playing or the audiences vibes. And the technical skill? Oh f**k, their talent knows no ends! This blew bands I've seen like A Perfect Circle and Porcupine Tree out of the water

I’ve seen the Church many times and this will be my 5th time. They are such a good life band, and I recommend anyone to go see them. Even though I’m seeing the same band experience has been different every time. As for this particular show, the band was really tight they sounded great and the venue they play that was a great place for this band. They played a lot of the new album but also put in the favorites. This was a special time because the church was the very first band me and my husband saw back in the 90s when we were first dating. This time around we brought my 15-year-old son to come see him and he love them as well.

Outstanding concert, the band never fails to impress. Adding a percussionist//second drummer and a 3rd guitar/keyboards creates enormous sonic depth. Having two of Australia's finest guitarists in Ash Naylor and Ian Haug doesn't hurt either! Incredible energy from the band matched by the crowds enthusiasm, which was rewarded with two encores. We drove across from Melbourne just to give our teenage daughter the chance to see one of her favourite bands, and it was well worth the effort. We'd probably go to the Northcote gig as well if it was an all-ages event but for some reason Melbourne pub gigs are always strictly 18 plus. Annoying!

Awesome rock band from down under Led by musician and main songwriter Steve Kilbey on bass guitar, his band continues to be relevant even today They played some expected hits Almost with You, Tantalized and Under the Milky Way, while continuing to showcase quite a few new songs from the release of an upcoming album Steve is now the only original member backed by two lead guitarists and a third guitarist and keyboard player. All musicians also like to create unearthly sounds with the feedback created using their guitars and nearby amplifiers 40 years later, still rocking $ creating new music! ZosoandZep Somewhere in California…

Really enjoyed the show, a nice balance of new and old music, with a cordial Steve Kilby fronting the band. The dual guitarists along with Kilby make the signiature sound of the band. Yes the drummer is new, and he did an admirable job, I'm sure he'll work into the groove more over time. I'm just glad to see this band so far down the line, their melodic dynamism thrills me to the core! The venue was alright, too!

Another top notch performance from the prolific and legendary band The Church. Steve vocals and prowess on stage was in top form playing classics from the 80s , 90s and modern classics from recent albums . We were even treated to 3 new songs from the yet to be released new album Hypnagoge! Lots of cool shirts to pick from at the merch table! Truly a special night even had the opportunity to interact and hang out a little with band after the show!

The show at the Commonwealth Room was another memorable moment of Church history in Utah. The new drummer who looked like he was plucked straight out of a pharmacy in New Zealand, played with the confidence and aplomb of a veteran drummer, who as Steven Kilbey confided to the audience was only playing his fourth live show. No other band paints an aural landscape like The Church. So cheers mates, job well done.

Fantastic show, as most Church shows I’ve seen over many years. Even through band member changes, Steve Kilbey is the constant and he’s always a great entertainer and musician. His voice penetrates deeply and his bass playing is superb. It was nice to see him happy and exuberant to be playing live shows again. Ian is also fantastic! He filled the spot left by Marty very well. The other members are brand new; drums filled in for the recovering Tim by Barton, who made a remarkable last-minute display. SK complimented him many times. New guitarist Ashley holds his own, however he has big Peter Koppes shoes to fill, which will probably take some time. I trust in Steve Kilbey, though, and he usually makes good choices, musically. The venue looked questionable at first, but turned out to be a nice place for this show, although a better menu would be nice- (candy, chips and soda only). All in all, a great night.

I’ve been a huge fan since my teens in the 80’s. Seeing this show in an intimate venue such as the Heights was fabulous! I’m just not sure the crowd was not as lively as previous shows because of city or crowd age LOL nonetheless, the CHURCH, Steve Kilbey did not disappoint! Thank you for including my new city of residence to give me the opportunity to see one of my faves again! Great evening!

Pretty great show, playing the entirety of Starfish, 2 from the newest album and samples from no fewer than 10 other albums! 3rd show in 3 nights at altitude seemed be taking its toll on Steve Kilbey who was less talkative than usual. Related or not, SK did t quite give Spark/Starfish it proper due. I know it was Marty Willson-Pipers song and all but come on, give it a little more or have somebody else si g it. Musically, you cant beat it with a stick, Ian is masterful on an array 12 strings and Peter was a cool cat filling in the atmosphere.