Live Report: Gossip Rock Collins Barracks

In the beautiful setting of Collins Barracks, soulful punk-band Gossip serenaded their fans amidst a gentle sunset.

Front-woman Beth Ditto performed with quintessential elongated eyeliner and in-your-face queer aestheticism to adoring angsty fans.

Before the set began, the crowd scurried towards the front of stage, as mist shrouded the platform in anticipation. The band's front-woman was the first to emerge from backstage, and as she pranced on among the colourful smokey lights, phones went up to record, zoomed in on the singer.

As Gossip began their set with 'Listen Up' I felt immediately transported into a Black Southern Baptist Church, purely by the soulful nature of Ditto's voice. The instrumentals conversely sounded like a Bostonian Punk outfit, with deep bass and clanging cowbell complimenting the singer's vocals perfectly. The crowd cheered excitedly.

Ditto's personality is apparent from her playful stage presence, as she joked to the crowd that the "TK Maxx, doesn't have pantyhose," and snapping her thigh-highs saying, "this is pantyhose, THATS RIGHT..." before the band seemingly interrupted this by beginning to play in increasing volume, Beth's chatter turned into melody.

'Four letter word' felt like a tribute to 80s synths, with Bijoux Cone playing vintage pop-sounding notes on her keyboard. Teddy Kwo added to the dramatic ballad with his driving bass-line, which could be felt in one's chest throughout the venue.

Through both only began playing with Gossip in 2024, Cone and Kwo's musical talents and stage presence felt like a natural addition to the performance.

The band's other original member Nathan "Brace Paine" Howdeshell played guitar for the set, adding his high energy style to the performance.

'Give it up for love' from the band's latest album had a funky and upbeat energy that the audience couldn't resist as they danced to the tune. Howdeshell's riff was building, and his instrumentals seemed to enwrap Ditto's vocals, making for a delicious musical cocktail.

'Men in Love' added a funky sounding tune that had the crowd bumping along, Beth's vocal talent shone bright as she hit every vibrato. Her energetic presence kept strong throughout the performance, as she danced around the stage along with both guitarists, who bounced and nodded their heads excitedly.

Between songs Ditto joked that her fake pony tail is "gonna fall off at some point" and then referred back to her pantyhose situation, "I gotta pull my shorts, outta my crotch"

Through her silly banter, Ditto makes a genuine comment thanking her supporting acts SPRINTS and Nation of Language "All the bands, except for us, they were so good, I felt moved" Howdeshell clapped in agreement, and the crowd cheered encouragingly.

Ditto and Howdeshell appear to have reunited as creative partners despite the guitarist previously leaving the band (before returning) to become a born again Christian in their home state of Arkansas in 2012.

The band has been touring for the first time in a decade in support of their new album RealPower, their first studio album in 12 years.

Beth's vocal presence demands attention, sounding like if Stevie Nicks had the stage presence of a southern drag queen.

Gossip delivered an energetic and eclectic performance, which was crowning success. The band has re-emerged successfully, and with a playful bang. Rock on Gossip!