I met Jane through another friend I met online, Ian Graves. Ian and I had been mates on Twitter for quite sometime before we finally met at the Now and Forever concert in 2023. Since then we’ve been really fortunate to attend several concerts as guests of Jane, something which we are both deeply grateful for.

On June 14th 2025 we had been invited to see Jimmy Barnes and his band play a show at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda. Jane had organised multiple tickets for us, and so I was able to invite my partner, Eleisha along, as well as some other online friends, as well as Ian of course.

We caught up with another group of people prior to the show at The Cross in St Kilda. I’d been there before when I went to see Midnight Oil, and it’s a short walk from there across to the Palais, so it’s a good spot for a feed and a beverage prior.

I was in high spirits when we arrived around 3pm, and proceeded to get even higher, if you get my drift. A few drinks and snacks, and I was feeling really pumped for the upcoming show.

Just before 6PM I got a message on Bluesky from Jane

“Hi Dave. If you and Ian want to come backstage for a very quick photo with Jimmy I may be able to organise someone to grab you at 8:15. Please keep in touch and send me your mobile number.”

OMG!

So it was with great anticipation that we eventually headed down to The Palais. Around 8pm I got a text message explaining where we needed to be, and both Ian and I were very excited as we waited by the side curtains for the stage manager to come and guide us backstage.

Jimmy was amazingly gracious, and spent lots of time chatting to Ian and myself, and Jane was her typical friendly self. They’re both really nice people, and it shows.

Everyone had an amazing night, and meeting Jimmy was very special, and something I am very grateful for. Meeting Jimmy Barnes backstage wasn’t something I had planned on, but it’s something I will never forget.

The post Meeting Jimmy Barnes appeared first on Dave Hooper.

The concert, which was held at Shepparton Showgrounds, boasted a stacked line-up, including Baker Boy, Hilltop Hoods, Paul Kelly, and Jimmy Barnes, among other Australian music icons. Comedian Sam Pang was on MC duties as a co-host.

The artists were not being paid for their contributions to the concert. Tickets were $21.50, and all proceeds went to a range of select charities and non-profit organisations.

Briggs had emphasised that the concert, which was for all ages and had an alcohol-free policy, was an inclusive event. “I wanted undecided people to come and see what we think, how it can be,” he said. “We have a once in a generation opportunity to write our future together, and the artists on the bill have signed up for that,” he began. “This is about celebration, inclusivity, solidarity, positivity and listening, as much as it is about a voice. In that spirit, everyone is welcome to the show—even the undecided voters.

Jimmy Barnes on the bagpipes!

One of the highlights for me from this entire day was watching Jimmy Barnes. In addition to putting on an amazing show (as always), he played a version of John Farnham’s “The Voice”, and then PLAYED THE BAGPIPE SOLO!

And of course we can’t have Jimmy Barnes without a little Working Class man (with Ian)

Meeting Ian Graves

One of the other highlights for me on the day was meeting Ian Graves, aka @xskinn from Twitter. I had followed Ian for some time on Twitter, and knowing that he’d be there, we arranged to catch up on the day. It was his birthday, which made the whole thing even more special.

He’s such a popular guy he was trending on Twitter that day.

Hilltop Hoods

Barkaa

Baker Boy

Albo

Paul Kelly

The post Now and Forever appeared first on Dave Hooper.