King Stingray play the regal Forum

If you have the opportunity to play at the Forum in Melbourne, you better bring it. And the Beddy Rays and King Stingray did just that when they played at the iconic Melbourne venue on Saturday 29 March 2025. They brought it – the energy, the enthusiasm, and most importantly the excellent tunes.

The night started with a short set from four-piece indie-rock band The Belair Lip Bombs, who I’m sorry to say I missed, though I heard their set slayed. The second support act of the night came from fun-loving musicians and Redland Bay natives, the Beddy Rays. The four mates got to work belting out a quick-fire round of short, punchy, punk-rock songs – of which they thankfully have no shortage.

Playing all their most beloved tracks including ‘Handful,’ ‘Milk,’ and ‘Better Weather’ to a captive audience, the Beddy Rays definitely won some new fans too. ‘Stay the Same,’ released in November 2024 and written about the passing of lead singer Jacko’s sister, brought raw emotional depth, while their cover of Thelma Plum’s ‘Better in Blak’ boasted edgy pop vibes. And of course the set wouldn’t be complete without the band playing crowd favourite ‘Sobercoaster,’ its soaring chorus and uplifting likeability the perfect end-of-summer track.

Pleasingly, the half hour break before King Stingray’s set didn’t dull the enthusiasm in the room in the slightest, in fact, the anticipation just made the audience that was already primed to have a good time, more eager to party. King Stingray definitely gave their fans what they were after, playing their much-loved hits like ‘Camp Dog,’ ‘Milkumana,’ and ‘Hey Wanhaka,’ but also throwing in some newer tracks off their latest album ‘For the Dreams’ including ‘Day Off.’

Beautifully showcasing their unique blend of Yolngu surf-rock with traditional didgeridoo and clapsticks, King Stingray kept the audience enthralled. While the amazing tones of Yirrnga were missing (the band having publicly announced that he and King Stingray had parted ways just before the commencement of the tour), new lead vocalist Ngalakan Wanambi brought the high energy levels and genuine spirit that King Stingray have come to be known for. A raucous encore and massive sing-along of ‘Lookin’ Out’ and ‘Let’s Go’ brought the night to a fitting, yet reluctant close (at least for the audience).

King Stingray are headed for a European summer tour in June and I know their fan base is just going to swell. Kudos.