Enmore Forever, Forever Enmore
The Hives, live at the Enmore Theatre, Wednesday 23July 2025
Some nights just hit differently, and The Hives’ show at the Enmore Theatre was one of them. The evening kicked off at Palomino Lounge, where I met Jameel and Sam from FANGZ alongside local artists Sindy Sinn and Noni Cragg for a pre-gig cocktail and the usual chat about which songs might make the setlist. From there, Noni, Sindy and I grabbed a quick slice at Epic Pizza before stopping in at The Magpie for a beer to warm up for the night ahead.
Inside the Enmore, the room was already alive. Melbourne punk trio CLAMM tore through their set, delivering heavy riffs and raw energy that perfectly set the tone. With a Newtowner in hand, Sindy and I made our way to the front left of the stage, right in front of guitarist Vigilante Carlstroem. The lights dropped, and the chaos began.
Promoting their latest album The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives, the Swedish five-piece wasted no time launching into their trademark high-octane frenzy. Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist had the crowd eating out of his hand, pacing the stage with wild precision and feeding off every shout and fist pump. Chris Dangerous punished the drums with relentless force, while Niklas Almqvist filled the room with pure electricity. The set was packed with fan favourites like “Walk Idiot Walk”, “Main Offender” and “Hate to Say I Told You So”, alongside new anthems that had the whole theatre moving.
By the end, I was drenched in sweat and slightly cursing the decision to wear a leather jacket. We spilled out onto Enmore Road buzzing, heading back to Palomino to relive the madness over another drink and swap stories about past Hives gigs. The night ended, as all great Enmore nights do, at Sultans Table with a chicken kebab, chilli and hommus in hand.
It was the perfect reminder of why this strip has become the beating heart of live music in Sydney. Enmore Road delivered in every way, once again proving it is the true home of international rock and roll.
By Lachlan Bruce, massive Hives fan & Creative Director at Good Decisions
Enmore Theatre
118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042
@enmore_theatre
enmoretheatre.com.au