Ups and Downs - 40th Anniversary w/ special guests The Crystal Set
Marrickville Bowling Club (Marrickville, NSW)
Saturday, 8 March 2025 7:30 pm
Renowned Australian guitar pop band Ups and Downs are playing a special set of shows in March 2025 to celebrate their 40th Anniversary, marking an astonishing four decades on the music scene. Formed in Brisbane in the early 1980s, the band quickly became known for their jangly guitars, melodic hooks, soaring harmonies and introspective lyrics, cementing their place in the hearts of indie music fans.
“It is incredible to think we started on this journey 40 years ago – and it’s not over yet. The band is sounding better than ever”, lead singer and songwriter Greg Atkinson said.
Ups and Downs gained attention with their breakout single The Living Kind, which became a staple of the Australian alternative music scene, topping the independent charts. Their EP Sleepless and album Underneath the Watchful Eye showcased the band’s ability to blend heartfelt songwriting with infectious guitar-driven sounds, drawing comparisons to the likes of R.E.M. and The Church. Tracks like In the Shadows and Lit by the Fuse demonstrate their knack for crafting memorable songs that resonate with fans of thoughtful, melodic rock offering a distinctive blend of indie and post-punk.
Video: The Living Kind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOLBFFpbYrg
Joining Ups and Downs on their 40th anniversary tour are very special guests The Crystal Set, another iconic Australian indie rock band from the 1980s, playing live for the first time in over 25 years. Known for their swirling atmospheric sound, The Crystal Set made a name for themselves with key songs like "Benefit of the Doubt," "Wholly Holy," and "A Drop in the Ocean." These tracks and their distinct post-punk and dream-pop influences cemented their status as pioneers in the Australian indie music scene.
Coinciding with the tour, Ups and Downs will be releasing a brand-new vinyl compilation album, Stained Glass Memories, a collection that spans their entire career, showcasing how the band’s sound has evolved while still retaining the essential elements that made them stand out.
“Our recent shows are full of people dancing, smiling and singing along to our songs - it is so great that people still find something in these tunes they can relate to”, Greg’s brother and drummer Darren said.
The 40th anniversary tour will take Ups and Downs and The Crystal Set to key East Coast cities, including Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, where they will perform a mix of their classic tracks, deep cuts, and some surprises that reflect their respective journeys through the years.
See them play at:
o Saturday 8 March: Marrickville Bowling Club, Sydney
o Friday 14 March: Brightside, Brisbane
o Saturday 22 March: Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne