Russell Morris is a name that resonates with every chord struck in the heart of Australian rock history. From his early days as lead vocalist for Somebody’s Image to his chart-topping solo hits like “The Real Thing” and “Sweet Sweet Love,” Morris has crafted a legacy that spans decades.

Now, Morris is back with a powerhouse lineup in The Fabulous Caprettos, a supergroup that sees him join forces with fellow Aussie rock legends Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets/The Angels), Jack Jones (Southern Sons), and Rai Thistlethwayte (Thirsty Merc/Joe Satriani/Sammy Hagar).

They’re hitting the road this October (including Friday 4th October at Twin Towns), bringing their combined musical prowess to the stage in a show that promises to be a celebration of some of the most iconic moments in Australian rock history. With a setlist featuring everything from Morris’ anthems to Southern Sons’ ballads, Thirsty Merc’s pop hits, and The Screaming Jets’ rock classics, The Fabulous Caprettos are ready to reimagine and rejuvenate the songs that have defined Australian music for generations.

Tell us about how The Fabulous Caprettos came about?
The Caprettos came into being— originally from Billy Thorpe. He wanted a number of us to form a band— and play and record as that band. It never came to fruition, but the idea didn’t die. Always hoped that down the track, it would come into fruition.

Featuring in Aussie rock bands spanning from the 60s to late 90s, what do you believe has changed on the Aussie pub music scene?
The scene has changed, because any week, in every capital city, there were numerous pubs, where bands could play— five days a week.

What’s your favourite gig memory from the Gold Coast?
My favourite memory from the Gold Coast was playing at the Playroom— always a rocking gig.

What can fans expect from your upcoming tour?
They will see a band that really cooks— all playing together and accompanying each other on our various hits.

Where does the band draw inspiration from for your new music?
We have diverse interests in music— so when we get together— it’s like a big minestrone soup.

What’s the plan for The Fabulous Caprettos in 2025?
How long is a piece of string? We really don’t know where we will take things.

Tell us your favourites on the Gold Coast:
Coffee spot: Bear Boy, Helensvale — coffee, and breakfast.
Dinner: Omeros Brothers, Main Beach
Favourite place to grab a drink: Destino, Sanctuary Cove
Favourite live music venue: Miami Marketta

There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.

From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.

Hound & Stag
The new kid on Arundel’s block has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door late last year. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of gigs, open mic nights and 90’s nights are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel

Southport Sharks
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping. Might we suggest first swinging by Mozza Mozza, apparently carb-loading is important before strenuous activity.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport

Vinnies Dive
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs (just leave the flimsy pluggas at home).
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport

The Avenue
When it comes to finding live acts and having yourself a good time on the central Gold Coast, you’ll be hard pushed to look past The Avenue in Surfers Paradise. From comedy nights, drag shows, DJ’s, karaoke and themed evenings, there’s something going down at The Avenue each and every night of the week.

Work week got you feeling flat? We recommend Tunes on Tuesday or Feel Good Friday’s to recharge with some dance therapy and pulse-pounding beats. Those vibes will be back on track in no time.
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Pavilion
Should you arrive by jet ski or by Uber, it doesn’t matter. Surfers Pavilion is your one-stop venue in the heart of Surfers Paradise for drinks, eats and catching a live DJ set or two. And not just any disc jockeys either; The Stafford Brothers and Peking Duk have both played to jubilant crowds here in recent times. Currently, the wheels of steel are spinning Thursday and Friday evenings and all through the weekend: perfect long weekend territory.
Where: 30/34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

HOTA
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior. For an impeccable way to kick off the weekend, it’s hard to go past Fridays on the Lawn. Grab a blanket, acquire a drink from their lawn bar, and relax in their sophisticated sun-kissed setting whilst being serenaded by some stellar local talent to celebrate the end of the working week.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Den Devine
Open Tuesday to Sunday for your listening pleasure, Den Devine feature jazz and blues artists from a talent pool right here in our city. This intimate, hidden venue is well-known amongst live music fans, so we definitely recommend booking in advance to nab a seat. Grab a some eats and sips from their serious selection of whisky (the perfect accompaniment to some moody blues) and the equally stacked Mediterranean menu, and vibe to a selection of the best performers on the Gold Coast six nights a week.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended.

To keep you bopping in-between headline acts, there’s also live and free tunes going down on the reg, in the open air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. Every weekend, the beats come courtesy of DJ’s, soloists, and if you time it just right, the likes of world-class powerhouse vocalist, Lisa Hunt on select Fridays. Goosebumps incoming.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Nightcap
Having duly stamped its authority on the Nobby Beach bar scene as the place to go for frolic fuelled nights, these guys will have you rocking out until the wee hours with a live band or DJ every night of the week. The venue also offers new bands the chance to get themselves out there, so keep an eye out for fresh talent!
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Highway, Nobbys Beach

Miami Marketta
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.

From 5pm every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Nightjar
Burleigh’s original back alley after-hours haunt is always an epic time. Nightjar is known for late-night revelry and an often stellar line-up of weekly live music. With drink specials aplenty, come and enjoy local acts as they take to the floor and keep the swinging yet sultry atmosphere going long into the night.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads 

Mo’s Desert Clubhouse
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Town Hotel
A fresh af new look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

Soundlounge
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin

The Coolangatta Hotel
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Kellie Leader.

The Southern Gold Coast has been keeping a pretty big secret because tucked away in Currumbin is one of the best live music spots on the Gold Coast. Soundlounge is where music comes alive with everything from bands you know and love to emerging talents. The intimate space feels like home and there’s good reason why it has found its spot in the heart of live music lovers and comedy fans.

Perched above Currumbin Creek, you get the best of the southern GC’s coastal feel with the benefit of epic food at your fingertips (hello Currumbin RSL) as well as banger after banger from a range of local, national and international artists. What a dream.

Get ready to rock, Gold Coast because the May and June lineup at Soundlounge is looking *chef’s kiss* with an impressive lineup of upcoming events that’ll get you grooving and moving. Legendary Australian hard rock titans, Wolfmother are popping in to take you to another Dimension on Friday 31 May.

Since their meteoric rise with their debut album in 2005, Wolfmother has continued to dominate stages worldwide, gathering a dedicated fanbase with their dynamic sound and raw power. Their show at Soundlounge is expected to be a Colossal rock and roll experience, showcasing their biggest hits and fan favourites. No joking and thieving around here, unless it’s the song of course.

Aussie rockers British India are calling Soundlounge home for one glorious night on Saturday 22 June and if you don’t already know them, you’ve been looking in the Wrong Direction. Don’t be Blinded by the name, these legends are Melbourne-born and we love ‘em.

Can’t wait that long for your live music hit? This Friday 3 May get ready for the soulful tunes of The McCredie Brothers, followed by a tribute to the iconic rock band U2 with The U2 Show Achtung Baby on Saturday.

And just in case you missed it, Soundlounge is not just the home of tunes, they’re also pros at delivering the lols with comedy nights aplenty – because who doesn’t need a laugh, right? This might be where you discover the next big thing. With a mix of newbies on the comedy scene alongside fan favourites like Arj Barker, Akmal and Denise Scott you know you’re in for a treat.

What’s even better? By supporting Soundlounge, you’re supporting the community. As part of the Currumbin RSL group, they aim to give back to the veteran and wider community with monetary contributions, in-kind and support and more, making it a win-win for music lovers and the community.

Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or just looking for a night of entertainment Soundlounge is your place. With its epic lineup of live music and comedy, this is one venue that hits all the right notes. Rally the troops and get the crew together for a night out that’s got more to offer than just a beer and a bite to eat.

Get your tickets for Soundlounge gigs here.

Where: Currumbin RSL (2nd Floor) overlooking Currumbin Creek, 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
When: Various dates, see Soundlounge website for upcoming events.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

STORY SPONSORED BY CURRUMBIN RSL