Two years ago The Hold Steady brought their Weekender to Melbourne and I was happy to fly down and attend one of the three shows. It was totally worth it. In 2024 they did it all over again and I flew to Melbourne to attend the third night of the Weekender. It was at the intimate Stay Gold in Brunswick. And what a wonderful night it was. The Hold Steady have been around for 21 years and thus have a large catalogue to draw on. Interestingly they are happy to play many old favourites. But I really love their latest two albums and I would have loved to hear more from those albums. But I’m certain the enthusiastic crowd loved every minute, as I did. We sang our hearts out to ‘Stuck Between Stations’ ‘Chips Ahoy’ and ‘Stay Positive’. It’s a dedicated fanbase, The Unified Scene. It’s real and not fake. If you hadn’t seen front man Craig Finn before you might think it’s a bit of an act. But it’s not, it’s all genuine. Finn speaks about the unique connection between band and fan. It’s truly unique. Long may The Hold Steady reign. 

Set List

Hornets! Hornets!

Constructive Summer

Magazines

Same Kooks

Family Farm

Party Pit

Don’t Let Me Explode

Sequestered in Memphis 

Carlos is Crying

Girls Like Status

We Can Get Together 

Yeah Sapphire

Chips Ahoy!

Modesto Is Not That Sweet

Denver Haircut

T-Shirt Tux

Stuck Between Stations 

Massive Nights

Unpleasant Breakfast 

Your Little Hoodrat Friend

Most People Are DJs

Certain Songs

Entitlement Crew

Stay Positive 

Killer Parties