When Bernard Fanning and Paul Dempsey released The Deluge—their first collaboration under the Fanning Dempsey National Park moniker—back in August, the unique sonic transformation they created immediately captured my attention. Beneath the excitement of two Australian rock legends joining forces, however, one key question went unasked: how would this new, synth pop mix and match project translate live? Fast forward a few months, and I’m standing at the foot of the stage at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall on a Friday night, that very question about to be answered. The anticipation in the air was palpable as a packed room of fans awaited the debut performance of these two icons and their new project.
To ease the building tension, the audience was first treated to the ethereal sounds of Merpire, the stage name of Melbourne singer-songwriter Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt. Steering away from her usual indie-rock arrangements, she opted for a stripped-back set featuring only her electric guitar and captivating voice. There was a vulnerability to the simplicity, her confidence radiating as the crowd sang along (and even wished her a happy birthday!). The intimate opener full with banter and chats was a treat, though the raw electric guitar begged to be accompanied by a full band . The understated performance was both soothing and intimate—perhaps an acoustic setup could have added some more variety, but the crowd seemed wholly enchanted and along for the ride.
As the stage emptied and the lights dimmed, the tension returned. What would this collision of two powerhouse frontmen bring? A bit of Powderfinger? Maybe Something for Kate? Neither? The answer came quickly as the band took the stage now awashed in a blaze of streaking neon lights and electric hues that filled the room. Fanning and Dempsey stepped out in matching suits, looking every bit the veteran performers, approaching their perfectly aligned parallel microphones.
Without delay they kicked things off with “The Deluge,” the title track and opener from their debut album. It’s often a gamble for “legacy” artists to lean into newer material where nostalgia typically reigns supreme, but there was no hesitation from the crowd, only appreciation. Tracks like “Strangers,” “Disconnect,” and the clear fan-favourite “Blood” were met with eager applause and plenty of singalongs. Not bad for the pairs “debut”. The material from their new album resonated powerfully, proving that the collaboration is a fresh evolution for both artists.
The band was also incredibly tight, with the wall of sound from dual keys and sometimes triple guitars never squashing the dynamics, and the rather complex arrangements of electronica never going missing in the mix. The German electronica x Aussie rock vibes absolutely ripped, and sounded super tight and controlled for a band on their first offical outing.
Between songs, Fanning and Dempsey’s onstage banter felt like witnessing the Australian music Avengers, their camaraderie built over many years on full display. The clear joy amongst fans realising in real time that this was in fact both of these artists on stage together, was palpable. “We don’t really know what we’re doing,” Fanning admitted with a grin, while Dempsey chimed in that it was time for some “covers”. A hint of mischief suggest what what was to come.
The first surprise came with Dempsey’s “Ramona Was a Waitress,” quickly followed by Fanning’s iconic “Wish You Well”, causing the venue to erupt. The two tracks carried a shared history that was both special and electrifying, as the communal joy amongst fans reached fever pitch.
Despite the fact that this was their first live performance together, Fanning and Dempsey exuded cool confidence, and their well worn professionalism shined through. If there were any nerves beneath their suit bearing, polished exteriors, they were well hidden.
But the surprises didn’t end there. The duo, armed with mirrored Telecasters, broke into an inspired cover of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” A clear throwback to the inspirations of the new album and their shared inspirations, it was a moment of pure joy,. Fanning admitted that he never imagined performing like that when he was gigging in Brisbane back in 1994. Dempsey echoed the sentiment, marvelling at how surreal it felt to be up there, performing music that had shaped his own musical journey. Surreal as it was, the cover was also 10/10, with Demspey showing his guitar chops as the pair tipped their hats to the legends before them.
The crowd’s enthusiasm surged once again as they segued into Something for Kate’s “Monsters” and Powderfinger’s “Pick You Up.” The balance between new material and classic hits was immaculate, keeping the audience on their toes, unsure of which direction the night would take next. The setlist was a seamless blend of old and new, familiar and fresh. The night certainly wasn’t carried on previous hits, and felt forward-looking while respectful of the hits that made the pair. The lighting design, dominated by vibrant neon, was also a perfect complement to the synthy goodneess, adding a visual flair that matched the new sonic output.
As the main set drew to a close, the band disappeared briefly, leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation for an encore. They returned with “King of Nowhere” from the new album. While the track may have been a slight misstep—its subdued tone felt a bit out of place after the energy of the previous songs—though any lull was quickly forgotten. The encore burst into life with a jaw-dropping rendition of Queen’s “Under Pressure.” The room loved every second, and the band nailed even the most tricky moments. Fanning and Dempsey truly tackled the song with precision and passion. It was a stand out moment in a night packed with plenty.
By the time the final notes of “Eyes Wide Open” rang out, the room was completely spellbound. Torn that it was over but equally satisfied that it happened, cheers rang out as the two legends and their band took their final bow. Disappearing as swiftly as they had appeared, the question lingering:”Why hasn’t this happened before?”.
The Fanning-Dempsey collaboration is something truly special—a rare convergence of two iconic voices that have shaped Australian music for decades. This project feels less like just another gig and more like a momentous chapter in both men’s storied careers. It’s a unique first in their respective musical histories, a collaboration that transcends the sum of its parts. For long-time fans, this partnership isn’t just something to be heard—it’s something that demands to be experienced live. The chemistry, the energy, and the sheer joy of seeing these two legends share the stage makes for an unforgettable experience. Missing this simply isn’t an option. Postcards and polaroids from the Fanning Demspey National Park simply don’t do it justice, you have to see it for real.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Fanning Dempsey National Park are touring nationally. Tickets and dates below.
Fri 18 Oct • Hindley Music Street Hall • Adelaide – Get Tickets
Sat 19 Oct • Forum • Melbourne • SOLD OUT – Get Tickets
SUN 20 Oct • Forum • Melbourne – Get Tickets
THU 31 OCT • Astor Theatre • Perth – Get Tickets
Fri 01 Nov • Astor Theatre • Perth • SOLD OUT – Get Tickets
SAT 09 Nov • The Tivoli • BRISBANE – Get Tickets
