3. “The Most Australian Band Ever” Hard-Ons Movie @ Avalon Cinema
The racism and bullshit these guys put up with (and their ability to speak candidly about it and continue to make great music) has me pumped for the second movie of theirs , “Harder and Harder”, that I I haven't seen yet .

4. East Coast Low – “Badlanding” album
With production by Rob Younger and the band, this is a leap forward. With the addition of a brass section, some great songs and Spike’s vocals and lyrics (which are consistent stand-outs), there’s a true dual-guitar attack by Geoff and Al while the thumping engine room  of Chris and Adam delivers again.

5. Nick Barker @ The Midnight Special, Enmore, NSW
Great songs from a seasoned performer with the crowd singing along to many classic Australian anthems. Sorry, I have forgotten the name of the young guy doing the support slot. An educational lesson about songwriting. 

6. Coffin @ The Vic On the Park, Marrickville, NSW
A great band and “Australia Stops” is a killer album. The cover of “Riff Raff” by AC/DC thumped. There was a most diverse crowd at the gig: the young, the old and everything in between. The future is in safe hands. 

7. Shakamoto  @ “The Sounds Of the Gong” compilation launch
There were lots of good bands but these young guys energy ,songs and tunings (with hints of King Gizzard) caught my attention at this show. I had a little chat with the band outside. They are personable ,polite and talented .

8. The Lismore Rock ‘n’ Roll community
Shout out to The Blah Bar, particularly, and cheers to Dave Slade for introducing me to this community that has survived two floods and great adversity yet continues to treat bands and independent artists with the sort of support and generosity that was impressive. 

9. Evan Dando’s book “Rumour Of My Demise”
A gift for Xmas and an interesting read. 

10. Asteroid B612 @ Avalon RSL, NSW
Great to see this band again and they were full of Chuck Berry riffs and hip-swaying rock ‘n’ roll. They have great songs and a new album that I truly enjoyed.  Grant on vocals, Benny thumping the drums and Johnny shredding with an international bass player and second guitarist. Great to see girls and boys on the dance floor.

Thanks to lots of people who have supported Van Ruin throughout 2025. You know who you are. It means a lot!! Merci.