KIP MOORE – FORUM THEATRE, MELBOURNE – 30 OCTOBER 2026
Review: Craig Eriksson. Photos: Rick Clifford
American country singer-songwriter Kip Moore is currently touring Australia and New Zealand on his Reason to Believe: Up Close World Tour, promoting his newly released album. Last Friday night, Kip and his band delivered an impressive, intimate and unforgettable sold-out performance at Melbourne’s historic Forum Theatre.
Living out his dream
Born in Georgia, USA, Kip Moore moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dream of becoming a country singer-songwriter. It took him seven years to secure a record deal, and his song “Somethin’ ’Bout a Truck” went on to become his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It has since become a quintessential country radio anthem. Kip has developed a strong connection with Australian audiences, affectionately referring to the crowds as “Crazy Aussies”. His honest, heartland country-rock style clearly resonates here. Now on his sixth visit to Australia, having first headlined CMC Rocks in Queensland in 2016, Kip has built a huge local fanbase over the past decade. His live performances have become must-see events for many fans.
Kingswood
Melbourne rock band Kingswood supported Kip Moore on his previous Australian visit in 2024 and were invited back to join him on this Australian leg of the tour. Kingswood released their eighth studio album, Midnight Mavericks, in May 2026, and the crowd got to hear several tracks from it. The band took to the stage to the Star Wars theme and opened with TWO LOVERS, the first track from the new album, featuring Fergus Linacre and Stephanie Greenwood sharing vocal duties. Their 30-minute, five-song set also included THE ACTION and JENNY. Interestingly, I noticed that regular guitarist Alex Laska was not on stage. Fergus later announced that the band had a fill-in lead player and backing vocalist for the night. Apologies, we didn’t catch his name. Kingswood delivered a dynamic, high-octane performance, driven by powerful rhythms and intricate guitar licks. Their songs bring together Southern-rock grit and classic country storytelling. The set also featured GOOD WHISKEY from Home (2023), followed by fan-favourite OHIO, an absolute banger that had the crowd singing along in perfect unison.
Kip Moore
The lights dimmed and the crowd was brimming with excitement as Kip Moore and his dynamic band, The Slowhearts, took to the stage to Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 1”. They launched into HIGH HOPES, a gritty, resilient anthem from Reason to Believe (2026), showcasing Kip’s signature gravelly and emotive vocals.
The energy inside the theatre was electric from the outset. Kip and his group were clearly determined to give the crowd everything they had, and that energy quickly became contagious. The alt-country rock anthem LEVEE followed, its driving guitar riffs prompting the audience to soak up every moment and sing along.
The set moved between songs of defiance and optimism, before the pace changed with a stripped-back acoustic version of SOLITARY TRACKS. It was a standout moment, highlighting Kip’s vocals and musicianship. The stage production and vibrant lighting complemented the mood of each song, adding to the atmosphere without distracting from the performance.
Kip explained that he had chosen smaller venues for this tour because he wanted the shows to feel intimate. He loved the energy these rooms created and the closer connection they allowed him to have with his fans. You could feel the genuine connection between performer and audience, with fans hanging on every lyric and singing along word for word.
The uplifting atmosphere continued with the high-energy country-rock anthem DAMN LOVE. The crowd erupted when Kip asked everyone to raise a glass during WILD ONES. He leapt around the stage, engaging with the audience and making everyone feel part of the experience. Later, he picked up his acoustic guitar and admitted he wasn’t sure what he was going to play next. He then launched into a song that wasn’t on the setlist. PLEAD THE FIFTH was an absolute ripper, with the crowd jumping and dancing along.
The infectious BEER MONEY brought another burst of energy. This blue-collar anthem tells the story of ordinary people working nine-to-five jobs and saving up enough money to enjoy a few cold ones and blow off some steam on the weekend.
The setlist was thoughtfully put together, giving Kip and The Slowhearts a great balance of familiar favourites and deeper cuts, while allowing room for acoustic moments and displays of musicianship. Kip spoke openly about his affection for Australia and was visibly moved by the strength of the connection he has built with local fans. It was clear just how much it meant to him that Aussies have embraced his music.
The Slowhearts are – Hank Born ((guitar/vocals), Will Lynde (keys/vocals), Erich Wigdahl (drums/percussion/vocals), Dave Nassie (lead/electric guitar) and Manny Medina (bass/vocals), and were all truly outstanding! They delivered powerful harmonies and impressive instrumental performances, with each musician given moments to shine. They played seamlessly as a unit creating a sound that filled the Forum with warmth and energy, while complimenting Kip’s vocals beautifully.
DIRT ROAD was a standout, showcasing Kip’s raw, emotive vocals. LONELY TONIGHT brought to mind the theatrical style of Meatloaf and Jim Steinman, while giving Will Lynde a chance to shine on keyboards. The crowd immersed itself in THAT WAS US and SWEET VIRGINIA. During FLOWERS IN DECEMBER each band member sang a solo of the chorus, showcasing the strength of each of their vocals. THE BULL had the audience jumping and screaming along, as did HEART’S DESIRE. When Kip launched into his biggest hit, the country-rock anthem SOMETHIN’ ABOUT A TRUCK, the Forum erupted. Hearing the entire crowd vocalise was a special moment. The band then left the stage, leaving Kip and keyboardist Will to perform a stunning version of COME AND GET IT. The full band returned to finish with a fine rendition of LAST SHOT, sharing a bottle of Jack Daniel’s as they played.
After a brief exit, Kip returned for what many fans thought would be a one-song encore, beginning with a stripped-down version of GUITAR MAN. But he stayed on stage for several more solo acoustic songs, including RUNNING FOR YOU and SOUTH, a fabulous way to close the night.
Kip Moore and The Slowhearts played for two hours and 15 minutes, with no lulls in the performance. This was a show built around unity, love, togetherness and strength. Fans left the Forum buzzing, having experienced something genuinely special.
UPCOMING SHOWS –
Australia (with special guests Kingswood)
- Fortitude Valley, QLD – Fortitude Music Hall
- Friday, November 6, 2026 (7:00 PM)
- Saturday, November 7, 2026 (7:00 PM)
- Sydney, NSW – Enmore Theatre
- Friday, November 13, 2026
- Saturday, November 14, 2026
New Zealand
- Christchurch – Christchurch Town Hall
- Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Auckland – Auckland Town Hall
- Sunday, November 22, 2026