It’s a big call to say a gig feels like home, but Trophy Eyes have a way of making that happen. Whether it’s their unfiltered honesty or their gut-punching riffs, they’re a band that gets under your skin in the best way. Their stop in the Gold Coast was no exception, pure energy, pure connection, and pure chaos.
Before the Newcastle heavyweights even hit the stage, the vibe inside Miami Marketta was already buzzing. With an opening double act that shouldn’t be overlooked, indie-rock up-and-comers Melaleuca set the stage with a tight, atmospheric set that had the crowd hooked early on. Then came Bloom, and if you weren’t awake before, you definitely were now. Their set was an electrifying blast that sent bodies moving and hands flying.
But before the main event, something unexpected: the entire venue belting out The Black Parade in unison. A collective, nostalgic nod to our emo roots, and let’s be real, what better way to set the tone for a Trophy Eyes gig?
Trophy Eyes Take the Stage
Opening with Figure Eight, Trophy Eyes wasted no time getting into it. The sound was huge, every note perfectly dialled in, creating a wall of sound that wrapped around the crowd. Floreani’s vocals were as raw and powerful as ever, and the crowd matched that intensity with everything they had.
Between tracks, John Floreani took a moment to share some real talk:
“Life’s hard. With this cost of living crisis, thank you for choosing to spend your hard-earned money on seeing us tonight.”
It wasn’t just polite stage banter—it felt genuine, and the crowd knew it. In a time where live music feels like a luxury, that gratitude hit home.
A Nod to the Underdogs
One of the standout moments of the night came when Floreani encouraged fans to support the bands that came before them. He asked the entire crowd to pull out their phones and follow Melaeluca and Bloom on social media, an unexpected but refreshing move. In an industry where smaller bands often struggle to get noticed, Trophy Eyes made it clear they’re here to lift others up, not just themselves.
The Setlist We Needed
As the night rolled on, the band worked through a mix of old favourites and newer tracks, keeping the energy high and the emotions even higher. Tracks like You Can Count On Me and Chlorine hit just as hard as they did when they first dropped.
Despite Floreani’s known reluctance towards You Can Count On Me, the crowd wasn’t about to let it slide, every lyric was screamed back at him with an intensity that felt like a collective “thank you.”
Ending the night with Chlorine was the perfect send-off—a song that feels like both an exhale and an explosion, and the Gold Coast felt it all.
Final Thoughts
Trophy Eyes’ Gold Coast gig wasn’t just another stop on their tour, it was a reminder of why we turn up, why we scream our lungs out, and why their music matters. They’re a band that doesn’t just play a set, they bring you into their world, even if just for a night.
If you missed it, you missed out. But something tells me they’ll be back, and when they are, you’ll want to be there.
