If you were standing outside the State Theatre last August, you probably felt that weird, buzzing energy that only happens when a local act comes home. It’s different. Not like a stadium show where everyone is just a pixel on a screen. This felt personal. Seeing an Angus and Julia Stone concert Sydney show isn't just about the music; it’s basically a family reunion where the siblings happen to be multi-platinum folk icons.
Honestly, the "Living Room Sessions" tour was a bit of a gamble. How do you take songs that have soundtracked millions of breakups and road trips and make them feel new again? You strip them back. You put lamps on the stage. You make a grand, 2,000-seat theater feel like a dusty lounge in the Northern Beaches.
The State Theatre Residency: A Hometown Vibe
The duo didn't just play one night. They settled in for three back-to-back shows from August 7 to August 9, 2024. Most artists treat Sydney as just another pin on the map, but for the Stones, it’s where it all started.
Walking into the State Theatre, the first thing you notice is the smell of old velvet and the sheer gold-leaf intensity of the architecture. It’s dramatic. But when Angus and Julia walked out in total darkness, only to be hit by a single beam of light, the room went dead silent. You could hear a pin drop. Then, Angus took a sip of whiskey from a 1920s-style glass, and they drifted into "Santa Monica Dream."
It was perfect.
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What the Setlist Actually Looked Like
If you missed it, or if you're trying to relive it, the setlist was a wild mix of the new Cape Forestier tracks and the "must-play" classics. They didn't just stick to the hits, though. They played with the arrangements, making even "Big Jet Plane" feel less like a radio staple and more like a campfire confession.
- The Big Hits: "Chateau," "Big Jet Plane," and "For You."
- New Soul: "Cape Forestier" and "The Wedding Song."
- The Surprises: A very slow, haunting cover of Miley Cyrus’ "Flowers" and a communal version of Neil Young’s "Harvest Moon."
They used this cool "unplugged" setup for the encore, where the whole band huddled around a single condenser microphone. It’s a risky move in a room that big. If one person coughs, the spell breaks. But the Sydney crowd stayed in it.
Why Cape Forestier Changed the Game
The tour was ostensibly to support their sixth album, Cape Forestier. Julia has mentioned in interviews that this record feels like a "serene voyage home." After years of solo projects—Angus doing his Dope Lemon thing and Julia collaborating with Annie Clark (St. Vincent)—they seemed to have found a new rhythm together.
The title track itself, "Cape Forestier," acted as a bit of an anchor for the Sydney shows. It’s rootsy. It’s raw. It lacks the slick polish of their self-titled 2014 era, and that’s why it works. It sounds like the New South Wales hinterlands where they recorded it.
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The Dynamic on Stage
The sibling energy is still the biggest draw. Angus is the chill, hat-wearing guy who barely says a word but shreds on a lap steel guitar until the room vibrates. Julia is the storyteller. She’s the one reflecting the light in a sparkly dress, playing the trumpet one-handed while the crowd loses their minds.
There’s a specific moment in "Draw Your Swords" where the house lamps onstage glow orange and Angus just lets out this raw, emotional cry. It’s the kind of thing that makes you realize why they've won half a dozen ARIA Awards. You can't fake that kind of chemistry.
Practical Tips for the Next Sydney Run
While the 2024 Living Room Sessions are in the history books, the pair is notoriously active. They’ve already been spotted on the 2025/2026 festival circuits, including the Red Hot Summer Tour dates.
If you're planning to catch the next Angus and Julia Stone concert Sydney appearance, keep these things in mind:
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- The Venue Matters: They thrive in "theaters" (like the State or the Sydney Opera House) rather than arenas. The acoustics of the State Theatre were brilliant, but some fans complained the seats were a bit tight for a two-hour show. Choose your row wisely.
- Watch the Resale Markets: These shows sell out in minutes. If you’re looking at sites like SeatPick or Ticketmaster Resale, check the "VIP" filters early. Sometimes the price jump for a better view isn't as big as you'd think.
- Show Up Early: For the 2024 dates, doors were at 7:00 PM, but they didn't hit the stage until 9:15 PM. Use that time to grab a drink or browse the merch—the limited edition vinyls usually disappear by the interval.
What’s Next for the Duo?
As of early 2026, the Stones are leaning into more festival appearances and outdoor "winery" style shows. It’s a different vibe from the intimate theater sessions, but it suits their "rootsy" evolution.
There’s a reason people keep coming back. Their music isn't just a collection of songs; it’s a mood. Whether they're playing a covers set or debuting unreleased tracks like "Down to the Sea," they manage to make a massive city like Sydney feel like a small town for a couple of hours.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Track their 2026 Schedule: Keep a close eye on official newsletters and Bandsintown alerts, as "surprise" Sydney dates often drop around major festival appearances like the Red Hot Summer Tour.
- Listen to the Live Versions: If you want to prep for the vibe, check out their Live From Sydney album or the 2024 Spotify Sessions to hear how they've reworked their older catalog for the current tour.
- Check Venue Accessibility: If attending the State Theatre again, be aware of the historic layout; if you’re tall or need extra space, aim for aisle seats or the mezzanine for better legroom.