MJ Lenderman and The Wind delivered an unforgettable performance at The Forum in Melbourne on Friday, 21st March 2025, kicking off their Australian tour in style. The sold-out crowd was treated to a scorching two-hour set that covered every track from Lenderman’s stellar Manning Fireworks Anti- Records debut, as well as six songs from his breakthrough Boat Songs album.
The band’s live energy was palpable, with an almost Grateful Dead-like vibe, as they extended songs into groovy jam sessions, particularly on tracks like “Ghost of Your Guitar Solo” and “Rudolph.” A Sonic Youth-inspired noise coda led into “No Mercy” during “Bark at the Moon,” highlighting their adventurous approach to live performance.
Despite arriving just the day before and battling the time difference, Lenderman and The Wind were in high spirits, joking in the encore about the 7am time zone back home. The encore itself was a highlight, opening with a soulful cover of Bob Dylan’s “Something There Is About You,” followed by a rip-roaring “Hangover Game” and the introspective “Knockin’.” The night wrapped up with a drawn-out, captivating rendition of “Tastes Just Like It Costs,” leaving the crowd buzzing long after the final notes.
A stellar start to the tour, this performance confirmed that Lenderman and his band are a force to be reckoned with in the live music scene.
Full setlist:
Ghost of Your Guitar Solo
Joker Lips
Wristwatch
Manning Fireworks
On My Knees
Rudolph
Toontown
Inappropriate
SUV
Catholic Priest
Rip Torn
Basketball #2
You Have Bought Yourself a Boat
TLC Cage Match
She’s Leaving You
You Don’t Know the Shape I’m In
Bark at the Moon
No Mercy
Encore:
Something There Is About You (Bob Dylan cover)
Hangover Game
Knockin’
Tastes Just Like It Costs