Thirsty Merc are one of Australia’s most beloved bands and reaching the end of their national tour, it was time for them to return to one of the favourite venues, the Oxford Art Factory for a completely sold-out show. The venue was packed as the band took to the stage and launched into a performance of their greatest hits. 

They opened strongly with “Now or Never”, which set an energetic tone right from the start. Frontman Rai Thistlethwayte was in fine voice, commanding the stage with presence and authority as he switched seamlessly between keys and vocals. The crowd was hyped from the very first note, but things really went up a notch when the band played “I Wish Somebody Would Build a Bridge (So I Can Get Over Myself)”, with the audience chanting along as the band bounced around the stage with a bubbly energy.

The band’s musicianship was clearly on display, with each member in perfect sync with the others and executing his part to precision. They continued their set with “Mousetrap Heart”, another fan favourite, before slowing things down to “Someday, Someday” which created a beautiful sing-along moment that felt perfect in such an intimate venue.

“My Completeness” really showed off Thistlethwayte’s vocal range, with his soaring high notes resonating especially well in the Oxford Art Factory. The acoustics of the venue are superb and this was perfect for a band like Thirsty Merc where every little detail was considered and executed. It was clear that the band were feeding off the energy of the crowd, who were boisterous and vibing through the whole set, to the point where the band were quite visibly chuffed. This only meant that the level got higher and higher as the band harnessed the crowd to transcend to new heights. 

Toward the end of the set, Thirsty Merc pulled out some of their biggest hits. “Tommy and Krista” brought a huge response from the audience, someone even holding up a sign reading “please play Tommy and Krista” for the entire set.

While there wasn’t a whole lot of extended banter through the set, one of the more touching moments came when Thistlethwayte told a story about a friend to whom his mother taught piano, who was in the audience. This led him to dedicate “20 Good Reasons” to his mum and then more broadly to all mothers. It was a beautiful moment, and the ensuing performance was note-perfect, with strong support from the rest of the band, as they perfectly balanced the rocky vibe of the show with gorgeous vocals. For the encore, they closed with “In the Summertime”, which was a wonderfully energetic way to end the night. 

Overall, this was a great night of music which showcased quintessential Aussie rock at its finest. The band showcased outstanding musicality, wonderful songs, beautiful vocals and a wonderful vibe, leaving everyone in the audience spellbound by their talent. Thirsty Merc are always a treat, being one of the best live acts out there and this was no exception. A truly brilliant performance as always. 

Rating: ★★★★★

Thirsty Merc – Oxford Art Factory – 14 November 2025