4ZZZ presents ZED51
4ZZZ presents ZED51
Come market another day celebrating the furthering years of our beloved 4ZZZ radio station… and the cultures they generate from that power transmission of a nucleus.
As sure as day becomes night, 4ZZZ slips into the streams of creative diversity, as the risers of this vibrant ZED51 doorstep, cross over into another 50 years of a Brisbane community of media-active cultural spaces. In light of this ever-evolving radio station, and that idiosyncratic warmth of inner glow all were left with post October ‘25 ZED50 celebration… it was hard to not continue this energising inclusive trip into our Meanjin futures.
Presented by 4ZZZ, Saturday 24th October 2026 is ZED51 – 13 bands once again cloaking the hills of Roma Street Parklands with music, stalls, and that incredible community spirit. Two stages, no crossovers, open to all-ages along with markets stalls, food etc running from midday to 10pm. Join us in such humble entreaties…
“Last year 4ZZZ turned 50, to celebrate we hosted a plethora of events, across three months, that resulted in one heck of a birthday party.
One such event was Zed50, a nod to the market days of old and a showcase of the sound of our community – past, present and future. “Do it again next year” the crowd screamed, well, you yelled and we listened, so we are gearing up to do it all again at Zed51.
This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. It recognises how far 4ZZZ has come since 1975 and where it is headed post 50th. Music is a universal language and we here at 4ZZZ look forward to sharing some of our favourite acts, from near and afar, with you (our community) at Zed51.” – (Nick, 4ZZZ station manager.
MUDHONEY played a show for 4ZZZ in 1990 at East Leagues Club March 10 with Proton Energy Pills and Alien Virus to about 600 people… and then that same year ventured back for the December 8th LIVID FESTIVAL at the RNA along with TISM, Died Pretty, Jackfrost, Falling Joys, Clouds, Xero and more in lieu of the 4ZZZ 15th birthday celebrations. Last year Mark Arm from Mudhoney fronted The Saints 73-78 at last year’s 50th anniversary… and now moments converge with those progenitors of grunge once again heading back to Brisbane to play ZED51. Touch me… this is sick!
Joining them in this burgeoning moment for Brisbane to rejoice in the love of culture will be the pop time goodness of Brisbane’s very own CUSTARD running riot in the apartments caught between having the technology and a Wisenheimer… music is never crap. It is fun. Thank your lucky star for that. Get ready for a full fry up.
A matriarch of rap… proud Malyangapa, Barkindji woman BARKAA takes a good bite from the hand that feeds provoking all with a rollicking air of tiddas time, and a “handle on storytelling that is unshakably confident and honest”. King Brown, Preach, Our Lives Matter, …we up!
THE MARK OF CAIN finally return to Brisbane in the opening salvo of a new era – there is nothing like a good blast of TMOC to start the day and an even better one to finish it off. 25 years on from “This is This” will attribute such rumblings with all that and more. Tell me.
CASH SAVAGE & THE LAST DRINKS rack up the tunes and knock back the best so no soul is left unturned by these Naarm heavyweights. Cathartic. Communal. With Cash looming hard centre of this emotional storm. “A fucking spectacular live phenomenon” (Beat Magazine).
SHONEN KNIFE return from Japan and re-cut their sugar saturated, food obsessed power pop-punk fusion they have been tasting Australian with since their first visit touring the BIG DAY OUT in 1997. Touring off the back of the re-recorded debut album Let’s Knife Re-Cut. Come ride the rocket!
I HEART HIROSHIMA – those dark smouldering skeletons of a Meanjin life without buildings – Sullivan, Matt and Cameron – make this once in their times reformation to torch London in Love, Shakeytown, Punks… like kicking embers down streets of departure. Tuff Teef. The Rip. They were maps of our shadow territories. Witness.
In the provocation of this… erase backgrounds with Meanjin’s TAPE/OFF amid the wild swept oscillation of their 2025 album Fort Sensible; DEM MOB hot off the back of 6 months touring with Regurgitator, imminently about deliver their debut album wake the power of music with the most remote hiphop ever delivered; MITCH, PLEASE crash cats and fizzy drinks in a Disney-whimsical nerd-punk free for all – providing the spicy toppin’ on the 2025 4ZZZ HOT 100!
SUPERHOTEL are 5 pieces of meanjin strained through observational poetry and alt-country rock – recently caught guestin’ with Flight of the Conchords’ Bret McKenzie; the atypical STILL FULL FROM LUNCH embrace the biggish band play off while 14 arms swing free from the hills hoist… with 7 of them this is vast, and all termites; and Grace from Nice Biscuit returns with the psychedelic folk of her side project BABY COOL shimmering in light of latest album Infinity Baby.
Power this all up for another lush day of community transmission!
Spread that feeling.
ZED51
Onwards to more years of that people powered radio 4ZZZ
SAT 24 OCT 2026
ROMA ST PARKLANDS
Albert St, Spring Hill, Brisbane
TWO STAGES no crossovers ALL-AGES*
Tickets from OZTIX – JUNE 23 sign up for preregister
4ZZZ Subscribers only presale: Wednesday 24 June midday
General Public Onsale: Thursday 25 June midday
https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/a104674f-86bd-47a1-8a0c-16ce8ff71f04
This is an all-ages event. As a condition of entry, all persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
featuring… MUDHONEY (from the US), BARKAA, CUSTARD, THE MARK OF CAIN, CASH SAVAGE & THE LAST DRINKS, SHONEN KNIFE (from Japan), I HEART HIROSHIMA (one show reformation only), TAPE/OFF, DEM MOB, MITCH, PLEASE, SUPERHOTEL, STILL FULL FROM LUNCH, BABY COOL.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577161976014
https://www.instagram.com/zedfifty/
MUDHONEY (from the USA)
“When it comes to grunge or even just Seattle, I think there was one band that made the definitive music of the time. It wasn’t us or Nirvana, but Mudhoney. Nirvana delivered it to the world, but Mudhoney were the band of that time and sound.” – Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam)
Seminal Seattle four-piece Mudhoney return to Australia this October to play a bunch of club shows and headline 4ZZZ FM’s “Zed 51” Festival. The grunge pioneers also add a handful of New Zealand dates for the first time in over a decade. Since forming in 1988, Mudhoney quickly became the flagship act for legendary independent label Sub Pop and to date has released over 25 official primary releases spanning over three decades. Their provocative debut single ‘Touch Me I’m Sick’ and 1992 hit ‘Suck You Dry’ cemented them as pioneers of the late 80’s early 90’s grunge explosion, with their sound an instrumental foundation of the era. In 2023 they released their 11th studio album ‘Plastic Eternity’ showing no signs of slowing down.
https://mudhoneyonline.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mudhoney
https://www.facebook.com/MudhoneyOfficial
https://x.com/mudhoney
BARKAA
At a time of uncertainty, BARKAA’s debut proved to be the shake up the Australian music scene needed. Taking her first steps forward in 2020, BARKAA served an introduction with impact; an artistic vision and handle on storytelling that was unshakably confident and honest. In a short period, the Malyangapa, Barkindji woman became one of Australia’s most exciting new hip hop artists – her voice balancing unbridled passion with an aggression the game had previously side-stepped with care. Audiences first heard BARKAA’s clever lyrical game with For My Tittas, before Our Lives Matter made her voice nationally recognised and embraced. Her acclaimed debut EP Blak Matriarchy (2022) led to two ARIA nominations and a National Indigenous Music Award. 2024 was BARKAA’s biggest year to date – releasing Big Tidda, selling out the Sydney Opera House for VIVID, a national tour, major awards and ARIA nomination for Best Live Act. She opened 2025 performing to crowds of up to 90,000, solidifying herself as a formidable force in Australian music.
https://www.barkaa.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/MCBARKAA
https://www.instagram.com/barkaa__/
https://www.youtube.com/c/Barkaa/
CUSTARD
Substandard bio. CUSTRALIA! Combining science, aesthetics and microphone technique, few bands can sum up the current socioeconomic malaise like Brisvegas stalwarts Custard. Bring together their love of psychology with a passion for social media, Custard have long been regarded as the Microsoft Word of Australian indie rock. Colloquially known as the “Politburo of Pop”, Custard are highly regarded amongst their remaining peers for their “no-nonsense” approach to songwriting and “winner takes all” touring strategies. Confidently lounging upon a swollen back catalogue of universal hits like “Sinatra Theory” and “Piece Of Shit”, this is global rock and roll presented in a distinctly suburban framework. Tense up!
To be honest the pundits confirmed in the anonymous comfort of group chats they’re just a damn fine pop band. As Glenn declares, “I like to dance around to almost any sound.”
https://www.facebook.com/CUSTAR0/
https://www.instagram.com/custar0/
https://www.youtube.com/@CUSTARD
THE MARK OF CAIN
Last seen in the summer of 2023-24 touring their 1995 opus “Ill At Ease” in its entirety, The Mark Of Cain make a return this October for ZED 51, paying tribute to the 25th anniversary of their heavy rock masterpiece “This is This” plus new material, as they prepare for the recording of album #6, their first album since “Songs of the 3rd and 5th” in 2012.
https://www.instagram.com/themarkofcain/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTMOC
CASH SAVAGE & THE LAST DRINKS
Naarm/Melbourne heavyweights Cash Savage & The Last Drinks’ legendary live shows are an overwhelming flood of emotion and sound, with magnetic frontwoman Cash at the centre of the storm. Savage’s band The Last Drinks are a powerhouse of fierce and brooding energy, every bit as committed to her songs and message. Each performance by this band is as epic as it is honest, raw and human. A cathartic, communal experience that refuses to give the audience an easy ethical bypass, but challenges listeners to ask themselves the hard questions and step up.
www.cashsavage.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/savagedrinks
https://www.facebook.com/savagedrinks
SHONEN KNIFE (from Japan)
Shonen Knife, one of the leading Japanese pop-punk bands from Osaka, was formed in Osaka with Naoko (Vocals/Guitar) at its core. In the 1990s, they garnered immense support from artists such as Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and Redd Kross, and subsequently expanded their touring and record releases worldwide. Since their formation in 1981, as influenced by US punk band Ramones, UK punk pop The Buzzcocks, 1960s girl groups and more, they have consistently toured and recorded, establishing a unique position in the rock scene around their love of food and cute animals.. Even now, when “international expansion” by Japanese musicians is no longer uncommon, no other Japanese artist is as beloved by rock fans around the world as Shonen Knife.
In 2026, their breakthrough album “Let’s Knife Re-Cut,” a fully-realized re-recording of their album “Let’s Knife,” will be released.
https://www.shonenknife.net/
https://www.instagram.com/shonenknifeofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/ShonenKnifeOfficial/
I HEART HIROSHIMA (one show reformation only)
“We were so honoured to be asked to play this show that we immediately got together after almost 10 years away to see if we are still up to the task. We are!
We always said that we’d play again if the right opportunity came along, and there was never a warmer embrace for us than the one we got from 4ZZZ right from our first recording. We are very excited to pay back a little of the faith by joining the party for Zed 51! “
From Brisbane/Meanjin… came a three piece – I HEART HIROSHIMA. Sullivan (drums/voice), Matt (guitar/voice), & Cameron (guitar/voice/art). Shared vocals and a microphone. A ragged joy of guitars and drums. They emerged in the party of back streets mid-2005, to carve a trail through the bark releasing two EPs – 3 Letter Word for Candy and Cut in Colour – and two albums – Tuff Teef, and The Rip – along with numerous tours & festivals around Australia, Europe and Asia; touring with Conor Oberst, Ratatat, Gang of Four, Shonen Knife, Regurgitator, The Grates, Peaches, Maximo Park, The Mint Chicks and more… fashioning them into a winding thread of rock beat craze! After time apart two more EPs emerged Dreamin’ Heavy and Spillin’ the Light. End.
https://www.ihearthiroshima.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ihearthiroshima/
https://www.facebook.com/ihearthiroshima/
TAPE/OFF
Some bands make easy, forgettable music. A rarer few demand commitment — music that refuses to fade into the background. Tape/Off firmly belong to the latter. Their 2025 album Fort Sensible found them at once more accessible and more acerbic than ever, oscillating between the stifling torpor of their sub-tropical home and the anger it breeds. The response from fans and critics was rapturous, their live shows drawing an ever-growing fanbase. Spanning full-on noise assaults to delicately intimate melodies, Fort Sensible redefined what modern Australian rock can be — the thinking person’s response to the world we live in. It doesn’t disappoint.
https://tapeoff.net
https://www.facebook.com/tapeoff/
https://www.instagram.com/tapeoff/
DEM MOB
…are the most remote hip-hop group in the world, bringing the languages and stories of the APY Lands and Torres Strait Islands to stages across Australia and internationally. Performing in Pitjantjatjara, Kalaw Lagaw Ya and English, the group deliver a powerful live experience where hard-hitting hip-hop, culture and storytelling collide. Renowned for their commanding stage presence and ability to bring entire crowds together, DEM MOB have performed everywhere from WOMADelaide and Dark Mofo to New York’s Lincoln Center, Primavera Pro in Spain, the International Indigenous Music Summit in Canada, and a national tour alongside Regurgitator. Bringing together the red dirt fire of the desert and the saltwater spirit of the Torres Strait, DEM MOB’s music speaks across cultures, generations and communities. Equal parts celebration, resistance and connection, their live show is a powerful expression of language, identity and community, creating moments of genuine unity through the shared energy of music.
https://www.instagram.com/dem_mob/
https://www.youtube.com/@demmob
https://www.facebook.com/DEMMOBadl/
MITCH, PLEASE
Mitch, Please is a Brisbane-based nerd punk band sitting somewhere between pop punk and hardcore in the genre spectrum. Elements of fast-tempo melodic pop meet heavier metal riffs and vocals that range from thrash-heavy to Disney-whimsical, with many levels in between. Their latest EP Yes, Thanks draws humour from everyday quirks like puzzle addiction, over-consumption of fizzy drinks, and hoarding band shirts. Known for high-energy shows and witty, thoughtful lyrics, they’ve garnered a dedicated fan base in Australia’s underground punk scene. Latest single All The Rage was recently Number 1 in the annual 4zzz Hot 100 countdown for 2025. With Kayla Philp on drums, Steve Reed and Matt Sim on guitar, Nick Bragg on bass and Polly Cooke on vocals/keys, Mitch, Please are a diverse cast of definitely humans making songs about cats and fizzy drinks and of course, mathematics.
https://www.instagram.com/mitchplease.band/
https://www.facebook.com/mitchplease.band
https://www.youtube.com/@mitch.please
https://mitchplease.bandcamp.com/
SUPERHOTEL
Super Hotel is your Meanjin/Brisbane band for meanders, sits and stands. Their bent blends of observational poetry and alternative country rock should palliate your ailments by a sort of merry melancholy, like taking a jaunt by a rainy river or sharing a nod with your local bus driver. Having recently released their debut EP, self-recorded in a time of personal upheaval and riddled with hazy melodic riffs and honest vocal lilts, the Hotel leans into loss and losing with a sense of warmth and dry humour. Renowned for unique storytelling, crafty genre and tempo combinations, and an affable onstage presence to boot, you do not want to miss this fresh five-piece live!
https://www.instagram.com/superhotelband/
https://superhotel.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/superhotelband/
Still Full From Lunch is a local seven-piece with an atypical lineup featuring flute and trumpet. Their eclectic influences and varied songwriting bring a live set full of surprises, featuring intricate instrumentation and vast dynamics. The act’s ambitious debut EP ‘Hill’s Hoist’ and exciting live show have cemented them as one to watch.
https://www.instagram.com/stillfullfromlunch
https://youtube.com/@stillfullfromlunch
https://stillfullfromlunch.bandcamp.com/
BABY COOL
Grace Cuell writes songs as a way of making sense of the world around her. On Infinity Baby, her second album as Baby Cool, she takes a gentle look at what it means to be human as the pendulum swings between shadow and light. Where her debut Earthling on the Road to Self Love felt almost whimsical in its search for meaning, Infinity Baby is more grounded and honest. The songs move through desire, cynicism, devotion and surrender, sometimes defeat, but always circle back to a kind of hope. It’s a record about patterns: the ones we inherit, the ones we repeat, and the ones we choose to keep.
https://www.instagram.com/babycool.music/
https://www.facebook.com/babycool.music/
https://babycool.bandcamp.com/
