Zebrahead, Thomas Nicholas Band @ Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide 9/10/2025
It’s not the size of the crowd that matters, it’s getting hammered and having fun with your friends…
A finely tuned algorithm saw a small and staunchly loyal supporter base turn out for the return of Zebrahead at Lion Arts Factory. The energy, enthusiasm and intensity of the crowd was next level and more akin to that of a sold out crowd in this very venue. I hadn’t seen anything quite likes this and ultimately I think this made the difference between both bands just dialling it in but playing as if there was ten thousand in the crowd. No doubt, most people would have been around the corner for I Killed The Prom Queen but nevertheless this was a great show that exceeded all expectations.
Opening was that guy from the cult classic movie American Pie, Thomas Nicholas (aka Kevin Myers) and quite incredible that we were in amongst such company. Also, quite surprising that he was only here a few months as well proving there is much love for him in Australia. As well as an esteemed movie career he has built a music career from the ground up. The unfortunate thing was that there was not enough people there to experience it. I really liked the spirit he played with, no Hollywood ego, just forty odd minutes of good time, fun, rock music. There were some great songs in there with the likes of Tomorrow’s Gonna Hurt (written with Bowling With Soup), a cover of Lit’s My Own Worst Enemy and a re-jigged version of 1985 changed to 1999 complete with American Pie references last “longer than Jim did with Nadia”. Leaving Adelaide with one thing to remember “you’re welcome”. Looking forward to next time.
Zebrahead played a turbo charged set leaving literally nothing in the tank afterwards. It was one of those shows that if you were contemplating about going and didn’t, you really did miss out. The crowd might have been light but the crowd energy was big. Circle pits were continuous and it was like people were going off being the last show ever on the planet. Hats off to the band, they were terrific, engaging the crowd, whipping them up in to a frenzy, it was awesome to watch. Right from When Both Sides Suck, We’re All Winners and We’re Not Alright it was well and truly on. The mischief and mayhem continued on We’re Not Alright followed by Hello Tomorrow. It would be remiss to not mention the vocal dynamic between Ali Tabatabaee and Adrian Estrella which was a pleasure to watch.
Postcards From Hell was a highlight followed by the comment from Ben saying “we’re used to dudes on shoulders, not like chicks on shoulders flashing their tits at Motley Crue!” The crowd energy was endless amping up on the cover of the Beastie Boys Fight for Your Right. The bar on stage was cool with some fans invite up to partake in a social drink which was the perfect lead in to Drink Drink. Check, only played in Australia, inspired by Tony Hawk video games and as Ali suggested “it will be amazing to not fuck it up”.
Call Your Friends had a couple cool teasers thrown with The Ramones Blitzkrieg Bop and Green Day’s Basket Case. The crowd started chanting for an encore which seemed the perfect reward for the energy and enthusiasm this crowd brought playing Falling Apart and All My Friends Are Nobodies. As the band retired backstage it was Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You blaring on the PA to send fans home and the affinity that exists.
Live Review By Rob Lyon