Melbourne’s live music scene is about to explode as we close out 2025 with a spectacular lineup of indie, alternative, and rock acts hitting stages across the city. From legendary alt-rock pioneers to buzzing indie darlings, here’s your essential guide to the coolest shows you won’t want to miss.
November: The Indie Invasion Begins
Jeremy Zucker – Friday, November 14
Venue: Forum Melbourne
Tour: Welcome To The Garden State Tour
The New Jersey-born, LA-based singer-songwriter brings his emotionally resonant indie-pop to Melbourne’s iconic Forum Theatre. With his third album, “Garden State,” released in August, Zucker promises an intimate evening of mellowed-out acoustic sounds. Known for his gentle vocals and introspective lyrics, this multi-platinum artist has amassed over 210 million Australian streams across his catalogue.
BANKS – Tuesday, November 18
Venue: Forum Melbourne (18+)
Tour: Off With Her Head Tour
California-via-Seattle alt-pop visionary BANKS returns with her moody, electronically-charged sound, celebrating her latest album “Off With Her Head.” Known for her haunting vocals and magnetic stage presence, BANKS crafts dark, emotionally charged performances that blend alternative pop with contemporary R&B. Expect atmospheric production, expressive choreography, and vocals that soar from whispered confessions to fierce declarations.
Pixies – November 19 & 20
Venue: Festival Hall
The legendary alt-rock icons return for two massive nights. On November 19, they’ll perform their classic albums “Bossanova” (1990) and “Trompe Le Monde” (1991) in full, while the second night features a cross-catalogue set plus songs from their new album “The Night The Zombies Came.” With 35 years of influence behind them, the Pixies remain as relevant and thrilling as ever.
Kaiser Chiefs – Tuesday, November 25
Venue: Festival Hall (18+)
Tour: Employment 2025
UK indie icons Kaiser Chiefs are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their seminal debut album “Employment,” one of the best-selling UK debut albums of all time. The band will perform the 7x Platinum record in its entirety alongside their greatest hits, including “I Predict A Riot,” “Oh My God,” and “Ruby.” This is their first Australian visit since 2012.
Franz Ferdinand – Friday, November 28
Venue: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Support: Teenage Dads
Show: Live At The Gardens
Scottish indie/post-punk pioneers Franz Ferdinand bring their “The Human Fear” tour to the stunning Botanic Gardens for an outdoor summer celebration. The band, led by frontman Alex Kapranos, were at the forefront of the mid-2000s post-punk revival and continues to deliver their signature infectious sound.
December: The Grand Finale
Justice – Friday, December 5
Venue: John Cain Arena
French electronic duo Justice bring their Grammy-nominated album “Hyperdrama” and their pulverising audio-visual spectacular to Melbourne. Following their triumphant Coachella comeback in 2024, their live show has been earning rave reviews worldwide, with Rolling Stone UK describing it as “a pulverising audio-visual spectacular that deserves to go down in history.”
Dominic Fike – Tuesday, December 9
Venue: Sidney Myer Music Bowl (All Ages)
Tour: Comedy Tragedy Parody Tour
The “Babydoll” and “3 Nights” hitmaker returns to Australia for the first time in nearly two years with his largest-ever Australian run. The “Euphoria” star has been releasing a steady stream of new tracks, fusing his signature warm and confessional sonic palette. Expect an intimate, genre-blending performance that spans indie rock, R&B, and alternative pop.
Garbage – Thursday, December 11
Venue: Palais Theatre (Licensed All Ages)
Alt-rock legends Garbage return to Australia for their first headline performances since 2016. Led by the fearless Shirley Manson alongside Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig, the band will perform in the ornate Palais Theatre, celebrating their acclaimed eighth studio album “Let All That We Imagine Be The Light.” With over 20 million albums sold and era-defining hits like “Only Happy When It Rains” and “Stupid Girl,” this is a must-see show for long-time fans.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – December (Multiple Dates)
Tour: Phantom Island Tour
Melbourne’s own electrifying, prolific psychedelic rock collective returns home with a bang after more than two years away. The tour features dual-headed shows with both mind-bending orchestra performances led by conductor Chad Kelly with 29-piece ensembles, and traditional rock shows. These aren’t your typical concerts – expect experimental and immersive experiences from one of Australia’s most innovative bands.
Molchat Doma – Wednesday, December 17
Venue: Forum Melbourne (18+)
Belarusian post-punk trio Molchat Doma return to Australia supporting their latest recor,d “Belaya Polosa.” Known for their dark, atmospheric sound that blends post-punk with synth-driven melodies, the band delivers an immersive sonic experience that’s been captivating audiences across their global tour.
Get Tickets via Frontier Touring
Whether you’re into atmospheric indie-pop, legendary alt-rock, electronic bangers, or post-punk vibes, Melbourne’s closing months of 2025 offer something for every indie music fan. Don’t miss your chance to catch these incredible acts in some of the city’s most iconic venues.
