Dear Seattle TOY Tour

Gig Review: Dear Seattle – TOY Tour Doubleheader Leaves JIVE Shaking.

Adelaide’s JIVE was treated to something rare on Saturday night: not just one, but two high-intensity performances from Australia’s emotionally charged alt-rockers, Dear Seattle. Playing their second show of the day to yet another sold-out crowd, the band proved that endurance and authenticity can go hand in hand—and that they’re far from running out of steam.

The night kicked off with a dynamic trio of support acts that covered all bases. Lucky opened with gritty, heartfelt rock that earned instant nods of approval. Local favourites TOWNS brought a sugary hit of high-octane pop-punk nostalgia, bouncing across the stage and keeping spirits high. Then came Ohio’s Heart Attack Man, who tore through their set with sharp-edged riffs and chaotic energy, leaving the crowd primed and buzzing.

When Dear Seattle finally took the stage, they did so with purpose. Despite it being their second performance of the day, there was no fatigue in sight—only fire. They opened with “Nothing Stopping Me Now”, a track that feels like a statement of intent, and one that set the room ablaze.

Setlist Highlights

• “Cut My Hair” delivered one of the most anthemic moments of the set, with the crowd matching every lyric in volume and intensity.

• “Try” sent the energy skyrocketing and triggered the first of many crowd surfing waves that would continue through the night.

• The emotionally driven “Day Time TV” served as a brief but powerful downshift, reminding everyone of the band’s songwriting depth.

• The biggest surprise came during the encore: a cover of Missy Higgins’ “The Special Two.” Pumped up and emotionally raw, it was a bold, favorite choice that landed perfectly with the crowd.

Live Atmosphere & Performance

The atmosphere inside JIVE was electric—sweaty, tightly packed, and totally committed. Crowd surfing was practically constant from the halfway mark on, with bodies flying overhead during nearly every song. What stood out was not just the volume of the crowd, but its connection to the band. Dear Seattle have cultivated a loyal following who aren’t just fans—they’re emotionally invested participants in the music.

Brae Fisher’s performance was particularly noteworthy. His vocals remained strong, even in the heavier tracks, and his between-song banter added levity and sincerity in equal measure. Addressing the crowd mid-set, he spoke candidly about the backdrop of TOY, and the challenges that shaped it, offering a heartfelt moment of connection that grounded the chaos in something real.

A fearless encore, and a crowd that gave everything right back, this night will sit high on the list of live highlights in Adelaide’s alt-rock memory. Dear Seattle’s TOY Tour may be built around a deeply personal record, but live, it becomes a collective experience—especially in intimate venues like JIVE. Their second show of the day didn’t feel like a repeat; it felt like a reset. Louder, looser, and more alive.