The theatrical walkoff and triumphant return feels increasingly hollow in 2026. Maybe it's time bands just played their biggest hits in the actual set.
Picture this: you're at The Corner Hotel watching a band you love, they finish their set, walk off stage, and then everyone stands around for three minutes pretending they're not coming back. We all know they're coming back. They know we know. The venue knows. Even the sound guy's rolling his eyes.
The encore has become Australian live music's most pointless tradition, and it's time we talked about killing it.
Look, I get the history. Back when rock was dangerous and unpredictable, the encore meant something. Crowds genuinely demanded more, artists genuinely surprised them. But in 2026, when bands like 360 and Phil Jamieson are playing 38 and 36 shows respectively across the country, the encore has become as scripted as a McDonald's order.
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The Mathematical Problem
Here's the thing that pisses me off most: bands are literally withholding their best songs for a fake dramatic moment. You paid good money to see Regurgitator at The Tivoli, and they're going to make you wait through an awkward silence to hear 'Polyester Girl'? That's not showmanship, that's manipulation.
The worst offenders are the heritage acts. Jon Stevens doesn't need to pretend he's not going to play 'Jezebel'. We came specifically for that song. Just put it in the setlist where it belongs and give us a proper 90-minute show instead of 70 minutes plus theatrical intermission.
The Venue Reality Check
From intimate rooms like Wesley Anne to larger venues like Thebarton Theatre, the encore creates the same weird energy vacuum. Especially at smaller gigs – watching a band pretend to leave the stage at Bar Open while you can literally see them standing in the hallway is peak awkwardness.
And don't get me started on festivals. At Groovin the Moo, bands have strict time slots. The 'encore' becomes this rushed afterthought where they sprint back on stage for two minutes. Just play the damn song during your actual set time.
The Better Way Forward
Some artists are already getting it right. Watch how bands like Open Season structure their shows – they build to genuine climaxes without the theatrical bullshit. They understand that a well-crafted setlist flows like a conversation, not a manipulation tactic.
The best live experiences happen when artists treat their audience with respect, not like marks in a confidence trick. Play your hits when they serve the show, not when tradition demands it.
Maybe it's time we stopped pretending the emperor's encore has any clothes. Just play the bloody song.
Ready to experience live music without the theatrical nonsense? Discover genuine artists and authentic performances at musick.com.au – where the music matters more than the show.