LIVE REVIEW: NIGHT AT THE BARRACKS 2025 HIGHLIGHTS: HOODOO GURUS & LIME CORDIALE

How Good! Chronicles
Sep 22
3 min read

Night at the Barracks in its 2nd weekend continues to be one of those gigs where the setting is half the magic. Being up at North Head, under the stars, with the ocean breeze and all that old military history around you—it just hits different. It's not your standard venue. The vibe is relaxed but kind of special, like you’re part of something that’s both low-key and epic at the same time.

Hoodoo Gurus - 19 September

The Friday afternoon was Hoodoo Gurus doing their Mars Needs Guitars! album from start to finish for its 40th anniversary. And wow—what a blast. Hearing those songs live, track by track, gave it this cool sense of flow. “Bittersweet” and “Like Wow – Wipeout!” obviously got massive reactions, but even the deeper cuts landed well. You could tell the band still loves playing. They weren’t just going through the motions—they had energy, jokes, big grins and the crowd was into it. Lots of singing along, lots of dancing (or at least a lot of shuffling and shoulder movement—this wasn’t exactly a mosh pit crowd).

The audience was mixed — longtime fans sporting Tee’s of old albums, younger folks who may have come for a hit or two, and people who simply love a great live show. Everyone seemed to find their groove. Although the show was a seated event, by the end it everyone was up and jumping about. They also threw in some aussie anthems classics like “What’s My Scene?” later in the set, and it was just pure joy. Finishing up the set with not just 1 but 2 encores!

HOODOO GURUS SETLIST

Mars Needs Guitars

Bittersweet
Poison Pen
In the Wild
Death Defying
Like Wow - Wipeout
Hayride to Hell
The Other Side of Paradise
Show Some Emotion
Mars Needs Guitars!
She

2nd Half

I Want You Back
The Right Time
Don't Try to Save My Soul
Death Ship (Audience request)
Come Anytime
Axegrinder
My Girl
Tojo
Miss Freelove '69
1000 Miles Away
I Was a Kamikaze Pilot

Encore 1

Form a Circle (Audience Request)
Leilani
What's My Scene
Be My Guru

Encore 2

Good Times

Lime Cordiale - 20 September

On the Saturday night, Manly locals Lime Cordiale took over and brought a completely different kind of fun. They’re naturals on stage—super playful, chatty, and clearly loving life. Their set was full of colour and bounce, mixing newer stuff with the crowd-pleasers like “Robbery” and “Inappropriate Behaviour.” The Leimbach brothers had everyone laughing and singing—classic Lime Cordiale chaos in the best way. It was a really nice contrast to the Gurus’ rock vibe—less gritty, more groove. And honestly, after a few drinks and a killer sunset, it was the perfect way to keep the night rolling. While Hoodoo Gurus was a seated event, Lime Cordiale floorplan was completely standing area.

The sound was surprisingly good for an outdoor gig—clear, loud without being harsh—and the whole event felt really well run. Everyone seemed just happy to be there, whether they were hardcore fans or just tagging along as they power walk to the front of the barricade. Highlights include the summer laid back tracks of Addicted To The Sunshine, Money and their cheeky version. Divinyls classic I Touch Myself with many innuendos displayed on the screen. Injecting their own flavour while still paying homage to the original. Colin, a tribute to one of the band’s earliest inspirations (and now close friend), Men At Work frontman Colin Hay, was a unifying sing along capturing the moment of youth which has become one of their recognisable hits.

This homecoming show had a stronger connection with their ability to blend light-hearted, feel-good tracks with more introspective moments made for a balanced and memorable performance. Seeing Lime Cordiale live is like stepping into a tropical indie-pop daydream — loud shirts, sax solos, and an audience full of screaming fans from start to finish.

LIME CORDIALE SETLIST