One of Australia's Most Revered Rock Bands Celebrating Happy 50th Anniversary Tour in 2025

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer 

During the first decade of their radio dominance Little River Band had 13 songs make the Top 40 with 10 of their hits cracking the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. With their 2025 tour appropriately title the 'Happy Anniversary Tour', Little River Band who began their journey in 1975 are celebrating their 50th year on the road. And much like a fine wine, the band has aged well. 

According to the band's website the anniversary tour began in February, and before it's all over Little River Band will make stops in 35 states coast to coast, performing solo shows as well as teaming up with fellow veteran rockers Orleans, John Waite, Ambrosia, and Three Dog Night. For fans of soft and yacht rock, catching a live performance of Little River Band is nothing short of spectacular.

I caught their show recently (March 21st) at the Max King Center in Melbourne, Florida, and it was pure entertainment. A near sell-out crowd made up of mostly baby boomers, enjoyed a two hour blast from the past, as Little River Band offered up their greatest hits including a couple of tracks from their 2024 release 'Window to the World'.

Fittingly the show kicked off with 'It's a Long Way There', the band's first ever American Top 40 hit in 1976. Comprised of five very capable musicians who double as lead vocalists, Little River Band ripped through 17 songs including 'Man on Your Mind', 'Reminiscing', 'Take It Easy on Me',  and 'Help Is on the Way', in addition to an awesome drum solo by Ryan Ricks that preceded 'The Night Owls' from 1981.

Proving their voices are well tuned and in sync, the guys ditched their instruments for a four song a cappella set composed of 'Heartache Tonight' (The Eagles), 'Circles' (Post Malone), 'Right and Wrong', and 'The Air That I Breathe' (The Hollies). Smooth as silk!

Chris Marion's keyboard solo provided a nice segue leading into the culmination, as Little River Band offered up three concert friendly songs, leaving fans with 'Cool Change', 'Lady', and perhaps easily their most popular song overall 'Lonesome Loser'. While more than a 1000 plus fans sang along to familiar choruses throughout, the entire capacity crowd were on their feet during the final number.

Led by long time (1980) bassist Wayne Nelson, Little River Band continue to be a fan favorite year after year. Veteran guitar player Bruce Wallace and lead guitarist Colin Whinnery complete the quintet, with every member of the band having worked with a who's who of rock n' roll, country, and Christian music artists.

From a small night club in Melbourne, Australia to the 2000 seat Max King Center in Melbourne, Florida and countless large arenas in between, Little River Band who now call Nashville home have solidified their place in rock n' roll. The band who emerged from down under and came of age amid the disco era, and continued to find radio success during the new wave and MTV generation have been thrilling appreciative audiences for five decades.

Take it from me, it was easy to see. I was getting lost in the crowd, as Little River Band were singing out loud. Judging by their Florida tour stop, they still have several years for 'reminiscing' (both musical puns intended) with fans.

Much like their songs Little River Band are timeless, and remain one of the most cherished touring acts year in and year out. If you want to take a musical trip down memory lane than I recommend catching one of their shows in 2025. Their 'Happy Anniversary Tour' runs well into December. If you want to discover where and when they'll be playing in your neck of the woods than visit https://reallittleriverband.com/