SEASICK STEVE – A VERY SPECIAL NIGHT IN LISMORE
Two Mates Brewing. 6th November 2026
Report and photos by Lisa Gough
Some gigs are bigger than the room they’re played in. And some nights are a little harder to put into words. Friday night, Lismore NSW was treated to something genuinely special, with internationally renowned blues musician Seasick Steve taking to the stage at Two Mates Brewing for an intimate, one-off Australian performance.
The show sold out almost as soon as it was announced. No real surprise there. Opportunities to see an artist of Steve’s calibre in such an intimate setting don’t come along every day, particularly when this was his only Australian performance at the time.
But this wasn’t just another gig. There was a much more personal reason behind Steve’s visit to Lismore. His son, Paul, lives here, and the opportunity to spend time together and share a stage made the evening all the more special.
The original plan was to bring the show to Blah Bar, a venue that has become an important part of Lismore’s live music story. Sadly, Blah Bar isn’t currently operational, but that chapter isn’t finished just yet. Two Mates Brewing stepped up to host what turned out to be a memorable night for the local music community.
Setting the tone for the evening were the support acts. Paul, Seasick Steve’s son, opened the night with an acoustic folk set featuring beautiful, deeply emotional songs. Isaac Vincent then joined him on stage with his fiddle for a few songs, adding another layer to the performance.
Next up were Brodie Button & The Button Collective, warming up the room with their old-timey Australiana, delivering tales of scoundrels, love and hard times. Both acts gave the audience a taste of the musical talent we have right here in our own backyard.
There was something particularly lovely about seeing Paul share the bill with his dad. Music has a way of bringing people together, but seeing that family connection play out on stage added another layer to an already special evening.
When Seasick Steve took to the stage, the atmosphere was everything you’d hope for from a night like this. Intimate, entertaining and full of character. No enormous production or stadium-sized spectacle needed. Just a remarkable musician, his music and his stories.
It was a reminder of what live music is really about: connection, stories, shared experiences and those rare moments when you find yourself somewhere special, witnessing something you know you won’t get to experience quite the same way again.
For Lismore, still rebuilding and finding its feet after losing so much of its live music infrastructure, nights like this mean a little more.
A sold-out room, an international artist with a personal connection to Lismore, local support and a community coming together around live music.
A very special night indeed.
SET LIST
Cut My Wings
My Donny
St Louis Slim
Hobo Low
Boot Straps
Last Season of America
Our White House
Dark
Surfs Flat
Matilda
Last Po Man
Bring It On
Walking Man
Tricks
Dog House
