Rock band Custard returns to Top End for Darwin Festival 2024

The last time this band played the house down in the Territory was 1999 at the Darwin Ski Club. Returning 25 years later, they’re ready to throw it back once more. EVENT DETAILS.

Brisbane rock band Custard is performing in Darwin for the first time in decades. Picture: Supplied.

Nostalgia is running high for the members of rock band Custard, who are gearing up for their first Top End performance in decades.

The last time the popular rock band graced a Darwin stage was in 1999, when the Brisbane group played the house down at the Darwin Ski Club alongside Regurgitator and Resin Dogs.

Since the 90s, Custard have left their musical mark, having polled higher than any other local artist in Triple j’s Hottest 100 in 1995, with ‘Girls Like That (Don’t Go For Guys Like Us)’.

The 1999 poster of when Brisbane rock band Custard last came to Darwin. Picture: Supplied.

The band also achieved third place in the 1998 vote and, after briefly disbanding in 1999, returned to release four albums.

More than two decades since the memorable Territory experience, Custard have returned north to belt out their old favourites and new projects at the Darwin Festival on Wednesday.

Frontman Dave McCormack said the group of mates were thrilled to be back.

“We are gonna play a bunch of Custard “classics” and maybe even a few new ones from our soon-to-be-released ‘Suburban Curtains’ album,” Mr McCormack said.

“I’m pretty keen to dig out some deep cuts from our 1997 ‘We Have The Technology’ album as well, and also our long-suffering bass player Mr Paul Ivan Medew is going to debut his new song ‘My Name Is Paul Medew.”

Its been 25 years since the band performed in Darwin. Picture: Supplied.

Mr McCormack said the band was preparing for a big six months.

“The back half of 2024 is going to be huge for us. We’ve got a new (double) album coming out with 21 songs on it,” he said.

“It’s going to be available on CD, Cassette, Vinyl and 5 1/4 inch floppy disk.”

Custard is expected to play old favourites and new songs. Picture: Supplied.

Drummer Glenn Thompson said Territorians should prepare for “chaos”.

“Audiences can expect the unexpected/ Unless they’ve seen us before then it’s the usual musical chaos,” he said.

“We’ve got a new double album coming in 2024 – it sounds better than anything we’ve ever done (and) it’s (got) 21 incredible new songs.”

Custard’s performance will kick off at 9pm on Wednesday, August 14 on the INPEX Sunset Stage.

For tickets, visit darwinfestival.org.au.