Powderfinger’s Reunion Offered Warmth And Nostalgia When We Needed It Most

On Saturday night, nearly 10 years after they called it a day, Brisbane icons Powderfinger reunited for a one-off gig.

The One Night Lonely set was organised to raise funds for music charity Support Act and mental health organisation Beyond Blue, and, of course, to “put some smiles on faces” while we’re all in lockdown due to COVID-19.

Due to the nature of the lockdowns around the country, this wasn’t your average gig. All band members were scattered around the country: Bernard Fanning was in northern NSW, guitarist Darren Middleton was in Melbourne, drummer Jon Coghill was on the Sunshine Coast, and guitarist Ian Haug and bassist John Collins were in Brissy.

But the production was impeccable, with no awkward lagging or delayed connections or missed marks. It felt, as much as it could, like a well-oiled performance. The band ran through a slew of fan favourites: ‘Sunsets’, ‘My Happiness’, ‘Already Gone’, and the always gorgeous ‘These Days’, which closed the set.

The performance was reportedly streamed 350,000 times, with $427,000 in donations being raised before the set ended.

If you didn’t manage to catch it, the full gig is on YouTube — watch it below. While you’re at it, donate to Beyond Blue and Support Act, if you can.