[GIG REVIEW] letlive. + STEPSON@ MAX WATTS (MELB, AU), 7.09.25
Artists: letlive. Lead vocalist Jason Aalon Butler, Guitarists Jeff Sahyoun and Jean Nascimento, current touring musicians Sage Webber (Point North) – drums, Skyler Acord (Issues) – bass. Stepson (Brisbane, AU).
Date: Sunday 7th September 2025
Location: Max Watts (Melbourne, Australia)
Tour: The 'Sincerely Yours' tour started back in June with the Warped Tour, USA. Now, it's Australia's turn, next stop –Max Watts Melbourne.
Organiser: Phoenix.au. Adelaide and Perth are up next! Tix here: https://thephoenix.au/letlive/
Words: Mal Keecher
Photography: Mal Keecher
Neck: arthritic
Melbourne city on this Sunday night was calm and cool, with the residual vestiges of winter on their way out, and despite a lengthy drive into the city, there wasn't much more to do than just let go, (and letlive.). Part of the journey was pleasantly punctuated by listening to ISC's Brady chat to letlive. guitarist Jeff Sahyoun. Check out Brady's interview with prominent and prolific letlive. guitarist Jeff here.
Having favourably reviewed letlive.'s ‘Fake History’ album in 2011 and seen them briefly supporting Rise Against in Denver, Colorado 2015, my anticipation for tonight was one of pent- up excitement.
Consequently, it's been 10 years since I've seen letlive. perform, as they stopped touring as a band in 2016 and subsequently disbanded in 2017.
Local hardcore five-piece Stepson (Brisbane, AU) stepped up to the plate with a priming performance. Fronted by the towering Brock Conry, their new single Venom hits hard and is out now.
letlive.'s enigmatic frontman Jason Butler appeared onstage dressed in white, a contrast to the mostly dark- toned attire of this Melbourne crowd. With his back to the crowd, Jason and band ignited a metaphorical fire from the outset.
The energy only waned when there were intentional lulls in their set occasionally–a time for Jason to visibly show introspectively heartfelt gratitude for this moment that would go on to become an authentic exorcising of unfiltered emotion.
Fittingly, letlive. ferociously kicked off the night with Le Prologue from 'Fake History', a creation that propelled letlive. into the spotlight and gained them the backing of Epitaph Records. The lyrics have a resonant punch–"If you remain still, dont' expect restitution. Stand Up!" There exists a limited number of bands who can shake me out of my Sunday night sober stupor, and letlive. is one such band. I found myself headbanging, rocking and beaming as I soaked up the punk soul vibes emanating from Jason and band.
The initial welcome back applause from the crowd was unusually extensive –enough to visibly move Jason emotionally, before he roamed, spun, writhed and danced while wholeheartedly embracing the experience as much as the audience.
From thrashy to soul-punk, letlive. performed personal favourite tracks like Casino Columbus and the popular Banshee (Ghost Fame).
"Big shouts out to Stepson for playing with us this evening" exclaimed Jason.
Jason briefly sat down amidst the controlled chaos to wipe the sweat (and possibly happy tears), and to thank the audience. On another personal favourite Pheromone Cvlt, Butler poured out his heart and soul, with the moment and the meaning signifying something truly special.
"This song goes out to Melbourne punk rock" Jason emphasised as he and the band threw fuel on the fire with 27 Club, showcasing what pure visceral raw emotion can be when coupled with thoughtful lyrics and a cohesively brilliant band. Jason had once again transformed into the soul-punk showman of ten years prior, launching across the stage and tugging at the curtain for effect before ramping it up later.
This is where the crowd really lit up, singing along with letlive. on 27 Club with a frontman of an iconic band that looked and sounded like there was never a nine -year hiatus.
This wouldn't be a letlive. show without Jason getting up to the antics he has historically been synonymous with –ascending a structure with mic in hand.
Jason skilfully traversed the staircase, then to the balcony railing, creating an amusing spectacle while all looked on with delight. This is as entertaining a frontman as one will ever get to see, pushing the envelope of punk rock art and performance minus any malice– just pure sonic and kinesthetic entertainment. Jason paused on the railing over the sound booth, and unexpectedly, a loosely fitted shade came crashing down without much incident. "That's actually never happened before" Jason said with almost comedic timing-and I believe him.
By 10:30pm, Jason stood still with awe, water bottle in hand, with exposed and tattooed skin from the waist up, hand on heart with appreciation. The 'Sincerely Yours' reunion tour lived up to its name, and then some. Tonight, the sonic onslaught and overall performance brought about by letlive. well and truly thrilled the senses.
Tonight, we saw a frontman who has by his own admission emotionally grown. He is sincere in his approach and is obviously grateful to be given the opportunity to tap into that soul-punk spirit and embrace this cathartic journey with the band and fans.
After tonight's show, letlive. will have smashed out Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in three consecutive days. One day off (Monday here in Australia), then blitzing onto Adelaide and Perth stages, undoubtedly electrifying audiences there too. And then the second half of their 30- show tour begins.
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