Letlive, Stepson @ Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide 9/9/2025
It was a celebration, not a farewell as trailblazing progressive soul punkers letlive. from Los Angeles triumphantly returned to Adelaide one last time giving fans the catch to experience their genre-defying sound and electrifying high-energy live performances. If this is the way any band is going to leave a lasting impression, this is exactly it. They absolutely nailed it bringing that chaotic yet cathartic stage presence to Lion Arts Factory. Backing up for a second night in the same venue made for just as equally compelling viewing.
After fifteen years the band split in 2017 and it makes you wonder what could have been in that time but no doubt since returning they have reignited that fire, that inner spark taking this reunion tour around the world one last time. It was a strong turnout and there is a sense of gratitude that the band included Adelaide (when so many don’t) which was the second to last stop on the tour.
Openers Stepson are a melodic hardcore five piece hailing from Brisbane who have been busily building a sold live reputation and they more than proved that tonight. It might have been short and sweet but Stepson pulled plenty of punches with plenty of wall shuddering anthems that could heard well down North Terrace. They have plenty of bullets to fire from the likes of Deeper Sleeper to Venom which was described by front man Brock Alan Conry as their heaviest song written which may well be a subtle hint to what the future might hold with new music. Leaving nothing on the table they topped off a killer set with Eraser giving new fans just enough to keep them eager for next time.
With letlive. it’s either all or nothing going full throttle for an entire seventy minutes and right from when singer Jason Aalon Butler took the stage you couldn’t help feel that something amazing was about to happen… and it did! Just the sheer ferocity, intensity and the chaos they bring to the stage is incredible to watch. The Sick, Sick, 6.8 Billion was turbo charged with the crowd lifting on Renegade 86′ head banging in unisom. Butler has incredible endurance and remarkable closing speed as he literally threw himself around the stage. It was exhausting watching but you couldn’t fault his endeavour. With the statement of gratitude “you guys gave a fuck enough to want us to come” they were intent on making this celebration with the “community of misfits” one to remember.
The intensity was relentless and literally no let up as The Dope Beat and Casino Columbus followed in quick succession. There was a moment of reflection after Banshee (Ghost Fame) where Butler boldly acknowledge his short comings learning how to love again having taken time away from this project adding the important message around respect for women and thanking his mum for showing him how to be a man. Perfect lead in to Muther which offered a temporary breather before kicking it up a notch on Good Mourning, America. Dreamer’s Disease, Pheromone Cvlt and set closer 27 Club were solid moments complete with circle pit action.
With the crowd chanting for more it was a career first, which happened in Adelaide, Jean Francisco Nascimento spoke in to the microphone for the first time ever catching everyone by surprise. There was a big cheers when Butler said “we should come back to Adelaide one more time”. The encore soaks up whatever energy is left in this crowd with I’ve Learned to Love Myself, Empty Elvis and Day 54. Leaving with one last thought “at the end of the day we wanted to make some space” they more than did that and no one will forget the band that is letlive. Yours Sincerely.
Live Review By Rob Lyon