Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist.
Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist.
Russell Morris is a name that resonates with every chord struck in the heart of Australian rock history. From his early days as lead vocalist for Somebody’s Image to his chart-topping solo hits like “The Real Thing” and “Sweet Sweet Love,” Morris has crafted a legacy that spans decades.
Now, Morris is back with a powerhouse lineup in The Fabulous Caprettos, a supergroup that sees him join forces with fellow Aussie rock legends Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets/The Angels), Jack Jones (Southern Sons), and Rai Thistlethwayte (Thirsty Merc/Joe Satriani/Sammy Hagar).
They’re hitting the road this October (including Friday 4th October at Twin Towns), bringing their combined musical prowess to the stage in a show that promises to be a celebration of some of the most iconic moments in Australian rock history. With a setlist featuring everything from Morris’ anthems to Southern Sons’ ballads, Thirsty Merc’s pop hits, and The Screaming Jets’ rock classics, The Fabulous Caprettos are ready to reimagine and rejuvenate the songs that have defined Australian music for generations.
Tell us about how The Fabulous Caprettos came about?
The Caprettos came into being— originally from Billy Thorpe. He wanted a number of us to form a band— and play and record as that band. It never came to fruition, but the idea didn’t die. Always hoped that down the track, it would come into fruition.
Featuring in Aussie rock bands spanning from the 60s to late 90s, what do you believe has changed on the Aussie pub music scene?
The scene has changed, because any week, in every capital city, there were numerous pubs, where bands could play— five days a week.
What’s your favourite gig memory from the Gold Coast?
My favourite memory from the Gold Coast was playing at the Playroom— always a rocking gig.
What can fans expect from your upcoming tour?
They will see a band that really cooks— all playing together and accompanying each other on our various hits.
Where does the band draw inspiration from for your new music?
We have diverse interests in music— so when we get together— it’s like a big minestrone soup.
What’s the plan for The Fabulous Caprettos in 2025?
How long is a piece of string? We really don’t know where we will take things.
Tell us your favourites on the Gold Coast:
Coffee spot: Bear Boy, Helensvale — coffee, and breakfast.
Dinner: Omeros Brothers, Main Beach
Favourite place to grab a drink: Destino, Sanctuary Cove
Favourite live music venue: Miami Marketta
When Spotify just isn't cutting it.
There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.
From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.
This Arundel’s brewery has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door at the end of 2022. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of tribute bands are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs.
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport
There’s always something happening at SOPO, the entertainment heart of Southport. Right in the centre of the CBD, this lively local is your go-to for everything from live music and DJs to trivia, bingo and special events, with something on the calendar day and night. Come the weekend, Seductions Lounge turns up the volume with a rotating lineup of talented local bands and performers every Friday and Saturday, delivering the perfect soundtrack for dancing, drinks and good times with friends.
Where: 36 Scarborough Street, Southport
Take the stairs to Level 1 and you’ll find one of Surfers Paradise’s most entertaining nights out. Hotel Jardin’s Piano Bar pairs expertly crafted cocktails with live piano sessions in a moody, intimate setting centred around a baby grand. Dubbed Surfers’ favourite sing-along piano bar, the resident pianist plays all your faves and happily takes requests, so whether you’re keen to belt out a classic, sip your way through curated wine flights at Sips & Sounds, or simply soak up the late-night energy, this is your cue. Live music kicks off from 5pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 6pm Thursday through Sunday.
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Open Tuesday to Sunday, Den Devine was awarded Gold Coast Live Music Venue of the Year 2025, and it’s easy to see why. Since opening in 2020, Den Devine has put live music at the heart of everything it does, celebrating both seasoned pros and rising local talent across jazz, blues, and a whole mix of global genres. The intimate, “music is life” vibe makes every visit feel like a front-row experience.
Fuel your night with UK & Irish fayre, European classics, USA favourites, and a stellar whisky selection. Seats fill fast, book ahead to catch the vibe.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended. But the entertainment doesn’t stop when the curtain falls.
Across the precinct, you’ll find live music lighting up Atrium Bar, Nineteen at The Star and Cherry, alongside the open-air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. From DJs and soloists to laidback acoustic sets and vibrant weekend sessions, there’s always a soundtrack to your night out.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.
From 5pm from Wednesday to Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
A true Gold Coast icon since 1883, The Wallaby Hotel is where cold beers, loud guitars and even louder singalongs collide. Fresh from a glow-up that still keeps its old-school charm intact, this Mudgeeraba fave is basically the unofficial HQ for live music lovers. Expect bands belting it out every weekend (and often midweek too), dance floors that don’t quit and plenty of boot-scootin’ opportunities. Whether you’re here for a chilled solo pint or a full boogie with the crew, good times are basically guaranteed.Where: 45 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
A fresh look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta
For live music lovers, Twin Towns delivers in a big way. Home to a 1,000-seat, state-of-the-art Showroom, this Tweed Heads icon hosts an ever-changing lineup of acclaimed Australian and international artists, with both daytime and evening ticketed shows on the calendar. Beyond the big names, there’s more than 50 hours of free live entertainment every week, making it one of the premier live music venues on the Tweed and southern Gold Coast. Head to The Stage for complimentary performances from talented local and touring acts, and settle in for an easy, music-filled day or night out.
Where: 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
Words by Belinda Symons
It’s got everything you Tweed and then some!
Okay so technically it’s New South Wales but you can’t blame us for wanting to claim it as our own when you see the treasure trove of goodies we’ve found that are local approved.
If you haven’t been down there lately then we’ll let it slide this time, but Tweed Heads brings a bit of everything to the table. It’s got all you need from Coast to Creek to Hinterland, so you have myriad opportunities to commune with nature while tucking into some of their signature nosh.
Come south of the border with us for guaranteed good times and even better food.
Riverland Kitchen
Fresh on Tweed’s foodie scene is Riverland Kitchen, a creekside haven bringing big foodie flavours to our favourite border town. If you like big buns and you cannot lie – burger buns that is – then their dedicated burger menu has your name all over it, with 10 to work your way through. But don’t be fooled, it’s not just a ripped burger joint. They’ve got all the café classics to fill the carb-shaped hole in your tum.
Where: 45 Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads
Still & Barrel
If you’re in the spirit for a seriously insta-worthy cocktail you’ll want to whis-key yourself away to one of the newest speakeasy style bars to hit Tweed’s nightlife scene. While the cocktails might be old fashioned by name the art deco interiors are anything but. Think luxe velvet finishing bringing the 1920’s to the 2020’s for a sultry, 007-esque vibe. We’ll take our martini shaken, not stirred in this case.
Where: Twin Towns, 2 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
Ivory Waterside
Overlooking Terranora Creek and the Ivory Marina, Ivory Waterside is the perfect spot to soak up some Vitamin D while you get ready to tuck into a hearty feed – and maybe a cocktail or two. The menu is brimming with options no matter what you’re craving, with loads of share-style options so you can treat yourself to a bit of this and a bit of that, along with pub-style classics like fish and chips for something a little heartier.
Where: 156 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
Baked at Ancora
You know, we’ve never met a baked good we didn’t love, so you can imagine how we feel about Baked at Ancora. Not only do they deliver on the best of the best pastries, but they also whip up a mean coffee. And what’s more brew-tiful than a mug of liquid gold to wash down one of their signature baguettes while you take in river views? Newsflash – nothing.
Where: 118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
Oyster Shed
What’s better than farm fresh oysters, shucked on-demand? Knocking back a dozen farm fresh oysters with a panoramic view of the Tweed River, clearly. Don’t be shellfish with your selection because there’s plenty to go around, and we really mean it, because Oyster Shed over looks their very own oyster farm in Birds Bay. Feeling thirsty? Shuck it, a Bloody Mary oyster shot should do the trick, or wine-not pair with your favourite glass of white.
Where: Birds Bay Dr, Tweed Heads
Delightful by Deluxe
A delightful and delish take on the classic deli-style sandwich, Delightful by Deluxe have made a name for themselves with sando’s known for being loaded with not just fillings but flavour. Obviously they’ve curated an epic selection of combos for you to get ready to grab and go but if you want to let the creative juices flow then try your hand at creating your own, one of a kind flavour sensation.
Where: 25 Stuart St, Tweed Heads
Rob Roy Deli
Well, hello there to the geniuses behind Rob Roy Deli because it’s like they knew we were missing the ultimate collab between deli goods and wine, and we’ll never not be grateful for them bringing this little haven to life. How did we not realise we needed a one stop cheese, charcuterie and cocktail stop until now? It turns out it’s the best thing since sliced deli meats. Not only are the European style deli subs deli-cious, they’ve got grape wines on offer – name a more iconic duo… we’ll wait.
Where: 20 Bay St, Tweed Heads
Bread Social
In the wise words of Taylor Swift, are you bread-y for it..? Or it goes something like that anyway. Bread Social is the name and hand-crafted baked goods are the game, because a slice of sourdough a day keeps the hunger at bay. Their bread and butter is – unsurprisingly – bread, but they dough-nt stop at just that, they also nail pretty much every baked good you can think of like you know, pies, pastries and of course the humble sandwich.
Where: 12 Bay St, Tweed Heads
Whale Watching
Whale, whale, whale – we’d forgive you for thinking there’s not much more to the Tweed than seriously good food, but did you know it’s also one of the best spots to catch the Humpback Highway in action? Yep, this stretch of coastline has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean where you can catch a glimpse of the annual whale migration up and down the East Coast. Winter is when you’ll want to pick your place to get the best view while you watch adults and their calves splash around in the sea.
Where: Point Danger
Coolangatta-Tweed Tenpin
Fancy letting your competitive side out? Then Coolangatta-Tweed Tenpin will be right up your alley. Come with a little or a lot of time to spare because they’ve got 16 full-sized bowling lanes for you to live life in the fast lane. We guarantee hours of fun for the whole fam, but bonus points for the fact they’ve got a licensed bar because a tipple always helps us up our lane game.
Where: 55 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
Gallura Italian
Say ciao to a taste of Sardinia with Gallura Italian’s authentic fare, think handmade pasta and local produce that’s big on flavour but low on fuss. If you want to see your meal come to life then take a seat at the Chef’s table so you can get in all the behind-the-kitchen action. Our picks are the local chargrilled octopus and sardo tasting plate to kick things off, with the 8 hour slow cooked wild board pappardelle a crowd favourite for good reason. Of course the wine list is graced with Italian drops and we’re partial to a bottle of Chianti if we do say so ourselves. Grazie!
Where: 1/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads
Jack Evans Boat Harbour
Get in loser, we’re going picnic-ing! Perch up on the promenade at Jack Evans Boat Harbour for the ultimate picnic spot where the sun meets the sea. There’s loads of space to spread out and let the kids run wild, with a giant playground to keep the fun going. It’s also home to the Waterfront Markets that pop up on the 1st Saturday of the month so you can get your hands on farm fresh produce, artisan foods, boutique fashion and handcrafted goodies.
Where: 6 Coral St, Tweed Heads
Epic Skate Rink
We can see why Epic Skate Rink got its name because it’s exactly that. Get the crew together for a free-range skate sesh or if you want to up the ante, book a learn to skate session with a master of the roller rink for a wheel-y good time. If the little ones can’t get enough of tearing up the rink why not book it in your next kids party to keep the good times rolling?
Where: 23 Enterprise Ave, Tweed Heads South
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
We chat with the local lass taking the music world by storm.
Amy Shark is a born and bred Gold Coaster who has taken the music world by storm over the last few months.
After releasing her debut single Adore in 2016, Amy became a household name going on to claim second place in Triple J’s Hottest 100 and last week, announcing an Australia-wide tour.
We sat down for a chat with Amy to find out how her life has changed and what she loves most about being a Gold Coaster.
It’s been a whirlwind few months for you, how are you feeling about it all?
I’m still Amy, but I get to write and play music full time now so I’m in the clouds!
You grew up on the Gold Coast, how has the culture here shaped your musical career?
The Gold Coast music scene was obviously not as savvy as the major cities but in a way it was kind of nice, there was never any pressure and I loved being able to write a song in my bedroom, then randomly ride to the beach and back. Growing up here was all about warm summers, sleepovers, theme parks, beach hangs and pool parties.
How did you come to be where you are today? Any defining moments?
When I finally took myself seriously, focusing on my sound and perfecting what I wanted people to feel when they listen to my music.
How did it feel to hear your song on the radio for the first time?
I was super proud! I will never forget that night.
What’s it been like trying to break into the music scene?
Well I kind of gave up ‘trying’ to get noticed, and it was the best decision I ever made. I finally channeled all my energy on my music.
If I were an aspiring artist on the Gold Coast, what steps would I take to get where you are?
Be brutally honest with yourself. Do you want to be a musician to be rich and famous or do you want to be a musician because you can’t stop making music? Cause if it’s the first one you’re probs gonna crash.
What do you love most about the Gold Coast lifestyle?
It’s chilled, it’s warm and there’s avocado on every menu.
You’re not a Gold Coast local if you haven’t….
Thrown some tins in your bike basket and rode to Burleigh Hill.
Being a local we have to ask for your favourites…
Beach: Currumbin
Restaurant: Romanos
Pub: D’Arcy Arms
Coffee Shop: Society of Florida
Music venue: NightQuarter
Tour dates and tickets available here.
