Come Together Big Bash – Civic Theatre, 12 December 2025: Review & Photo Gallery

Rev Orange Peel and Photos by Leonie Moreland

13th December 2025

Come Together Big Bash 2025 finishes the year with Rock’n’roll firepower with many classic NZ and Aussies iconic anthems.

It was a game of two halves, and the trans-Tasman rivalry was stoked from the start when it was announced that the evening would start with Kiwi challenge first, followed by the Aussie reply in the second half.

In truth it was all superlative and barnstorming music. If you want to judge, there were more people standing for the second half than the first, but that would well be the lubricating effects of alcohol and good cheer.

The core backing band take their places, New Zealand’s own version of the famous Wrecking Crew that powered Phil Spector’s timeless music. They may yet start to produce albums.

Jol Mulholland guitars and musical director, Brett Adams guitars, Mike Hall bass, Matthias Jordan keyboards, Alistair Deverick drums. Joined tonight by their regular horn section of Finn Scholes trumpet and keyboards, and Nick Atkinson saxophone.

I must give some huge kudos to the sound desk tonight who have managed a monumental sound without being overpowering or battering. In truth this standard has been maintained with all three feature shows this year, Neil Youngs Live Rust, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of The Moon, and Led Zeppelin II.

Five singers deliver the goods tonight and the evening’s hostilities begin with Milan Borich (Pluto) as he manhandles DD Smash’s Outlook for Thursday. The guitars dominate over the top but eventually the mix brings up his voice.

Huge cheer for Jon Toogood, as he’s welcomed to the stage and does a powerful rendition of Hello Sailors’s Gutter Black with the band quickly hitting top gear. Accents from the horn section add a little Ska colour.

Jennie Skulander (Devilskin) then emulates a much earlier Jenny Morris on the belting version of Crocodile’s Tears.

This is the first time Ed Knowles (The Checks, Racing) has appeared on the Come together bill, and its for another DD Smash classic Whaling. Elevated by some high tone trumpet flourishes.

EJ Eliza Jane Barnes helms Fur Patrol’s Lydia. The tempo is slowed for a beautiful torch song … baby don’t you want me anymore. The daughter of Jimmy Barnes gives this one a great emotional reading. Sympathetic support by a nice bass guitar lead

Julia Deans (who wrote this song as leader of Fur Patrol) is not on-stage tonight, along with the other regular Dianne Swann.

The first time the audience stands up is when Toogood says it is mandatory for one of the many highlights of the evening, Dragon’s April Sun in Cuba. The insistent simple chugging riff which defines the song.

Castro in the alleyway/ Talkin’ ‘bout missile love/ Talkin’ ‘bout JFK.

Seamus Johnson (Seamouse) was a sensation especially with the Led Zeppelin material from the two prior Come Together tributes.

Has a similar vocal tone to Dave Dobbyn for Be Mine Tonight, where the band lock into the ringing drone riff and extend out on the vamp.

Then he lets it rip on the Datsun’s MF From Hell. Does his best Robert Plant screams and the band follows up with some relentless Rock riff pacing on Split Enz’s Shark Attack.

At one point Toogood is left alone on stage with a (very loud) acoustic guitar to give an astonishing rendition of Shihad’s Home Again.

Borich closes off the first half and kicks to touch with Dragon’s Rain. A great power pop tune.

There has been a kick to the festive atmosphere, and when the band return, everyone is up for Men at Work’s Down Under. A bit of a Reggae lilt to the main hook.

EJ Barnes does her father’s legacy proud when she takes on Cold Chisel’s Khe Sanh

I Need You Tonight (from INXS) has a powerful drum intro, and the band works up some Funk rhythms.

The singers take a break, and Adams helms the vocals on The Angel’s No Secrets. I recall the incendiary set these guys played at Sweetwater’s in the early 80’s.

It seems like most of the crowd are into party mode now and most on the stalls patrons on the ground floor are up on their feet for the rest of the night.

Of course, I have no view of the vast circle area from here, but they are all standing at the front row.

And it is no wonder as they roll out more classics.

Jimmy Barnes Lay Down Your Guns has a huge voice from Skulander, and Johnson and EJ do a great two-hander on Good Times. The original from Jimmy Barnes and INXS.

Must also make an honourable mention to Midnight Oil’s Beds Are Burning, AC-DC’s Back In Black, Australian Crawls Reckless. So many riches.

This is an ensemble that gives all the material they do a remastering polish. They do not sound derivative. They sound fresh and vital. That is what we love about this ensemble.