LIVE: WHEATUS – Fremantle, 24 Jan 2026

Shane | 25 January 2026 | Reply

LIVE: WHEATUS – Fremantle, 24 Jan 2026
Freo Social, Fremantle, Western Australia
Reviewed & photo by Tia Pinnegar

TEENAGE DIRTBAGS! Or maybe middle aged dirtbags now… but it’s the spirit that counts and that’s exactly the spirit they brought, “running on 2 hours sleep and loads of Freo coffee”. Wheatus were supported by the Thomas Nicholas Band, who warmed up the stage with his unmistakable growly voice for the unparalleled nostalgia Wheatus brought to Fremantle.

It was a concert that felt no less than a backyard hangout with a garage band practice – though without the mistakes, as this performance was flawless. Frontman Brendan B. Brown stopped midway through the set to say “it’s a little less formal then you’d thought it would be isn’t it?” receiving an immediate roar in response.

Brown walked on stage and immediately started pointing and asking the audience what they wanted to hear first. The whole set list was ultimately decided by the fans who screamed out song titles throughout the night. Opening with 2 of their classics, Leroy and Sunshine, followed by a rendition of Punk Ass Bitch, led by the three backup vocalists. As the song ended, Brown apologised as he’s gotten distracted thinking about how Billy Joel plays guitar – lacking Metallica-style power riffs. This triggers a competitive riff-off between Brown and Milligan (with Milligan the victor).

While they still stuck to their 25th anniversary theme and played their entire debut album, they threw in some pearlers by request like Lemonade and BMX Bandits, as well as some fabulous cover renditions, including Madonna’s Material Girl, AC/DC’s Rock and Roll Damnation and The Temptations’ My Girl.

Brown was the lynchpin, of course, the band completed by guitarist Matthew Milligan, back up vocalists Gabrielle Sternbenz, Karlie Bruce and Joey Slater, stand in drummer Guy Fuentes (who Brown informed us played the entire set with minimal rehearsal – and he killed it), and keyboardist Brandon Ticer. Every member embodied the “teenage dirtbag” spirit and would not have appeared to sound in their mid ’50s if you hadn’t been told. Brown continues to flawlessly switch between his regular voice and his impressive higher pitch – his vocal cords are still going strong.

To introduce Hump ’em and Dump ’em Brown jokes the song is about Clark Kent’s landlord, to then break out in a rendition of Madonna’s Material Girl mid song. The audience screamed and cheered at every chance, along with the obvious obscenities being screamed out alongside such asides as “take your shirt off” and the SpongeBob theme tune. Brown returned friendly banter with every remark he could without turning the concert into a Q&A (although I’m sure no one would have minded).

Wheatus finished the night of pure joy and nostalgia with Hey Mr Brown and then screaming “IT’S TEENAGE DIRTBAG TIME!!”, performing a spectacular rendition of the song, complete with backup vocals from every member in the audience. It was an amazing night. 25 years ain’t got nothing on them.