BILLY STRINGS – MARGARET COURT ARENA, MELBOURNE

BILLY STRINGS – MARGARET COURT ARENA – 15 JULY 2025
Review: Jason Rosewarne. Photos: David Harris

Last night, Melbourne was treated to a masterclass in musicianship as Billy Strings and his exceptional band took to the stage at Margaret Court Arena for their long-awaited Australian debut. Over the course of a thrilling three-hour set—complete with a 20-minute intermission and a powerful two-song encore—the Grammy Award-winning artist delivered an unforgettable performance that was equal parts virtuosic, heartfelt, and electrifying.

Billy Strings, born William Lee Apostol, has earned a reputation as a genre-defying force in modern acoustic music. Hailing from Ionia, Michigan, he is widely celebrated for his ability to push bluegrass into bold new territory, blending traditional roots with psychedelic, Americana, progressive, folk, and country-rock influences. And last night, he made it clear that his music needs no embellishment—only an open stage, five rugs, a few microphones, and a shared devotion to the craft.

With a stripped-back setup and no elaborate visuals, the focus was firmly on the music. Flanked by a stellar lineup—Billy Failing (banjo), Alex Hargreaves (fiddle), Jarrod Walker (mandolin), and Royal Masat (upright bass)—Billy led the charge from centre stage, showcasing not only his blistering flatpicking technique but also the band’s astounding cohesion and improvisational flair. It’s notable that he played his Preston Thompson Billy Strings signature model dreadnought guitar for the duration of the concert and never changed it up for something else.

One particularly intimate and powerful moment came during the first set when all instruments were set aside. A single vintage microphone was placed at centre stage, and the five musicians gathered around it to perform a series of a cappella numbers. With no accompaniment, their voices blended in seamless harmony, revealing that each member is not only a master instrumentalist but also a great singer in his own right. The purity of their harmonies filled the arena with warmth and drew one of the evening’s most heartfelt responses from the crowd.

Touring in support of his 2024 album Highway Prayers, Billy’s set featured four tracks from the record, woven seamlessly into a diverse tapestry of genres and eras. From traditional bluegrass standards to psychedelic reinterpretations, the band delivered everything with fearless precision and soul. Standout covers included an ethereal take on Pink Floyd’s Fearless and a searing rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s Love or Confusion, proving that great songs know no stylistic boundaries.

One of the clear audience favourites of the night was Dust in a Baggie, one of Billy’s original compositions. As the familiar opening notes rang out midway through the second set, the crowd visibly lit up with excitement, cheering and singing along as the band tore into the fan-favourite with blistering energy and a tight, playful groove.

The concert’s sound quality was impeccable—every note, every harmony, every nuance rang clear and full, thanks to a top-tier mix that respected both the venue and the players. Lighting was kept tastefully minimal, adding just enough atmosphere without distracting from the artistry unfolding on stage.

Often called the “future of bluegrass,” Billy Strings lived up to—and exceeded—that lofty title, honouring tradition while breathing new life into it with fire and finesse. The second set demonstrated their improvisational prowess, with extended jams and a few clever musical nods (including a tease of King Gizzard’s Rattlesnake) that had fans on their feet.

In an age where arena shows often rely on spectacle to dazzle, Billy Strings proved that all you really need is five world-class musicians, a deep love of music, and a willingness to push the envelope.

Setlist

Set 1: