MGK ‘Lost Americana Tour’ @ Qudos Bank Arena Sydney 14/04/2026.

I know it’s a bit Cliche but let’s see if the musical transition from Hip-Hop to Alternative/punk rock works for Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), or if it comes off a bit well, Cliche. 

MGK bring his latest album release featuring trying on these new musical clothes as such, ‘Lost Americana’ to Australian arenas, his first Aussie tour in four years!

An attention-grabbing psychedelic guitar riff shortly followed by a full-bodied baseline, brings forth the nights’ first song ‘Outlaw Overture’. In this opening song I notice a few things in the mix of sound, first is that MGK’s lead guitarist really knows her shiz that’s for sure! Secondly, the sound mix highlight’s the instruments beautifully, and when MGK takes to the mic, his voice is certainly loud and clear enough, although because I’m picky I’d personally increase it ver so slightly, but my issue is something else to do with his vocals to be honest. I don’t know if it’s just for this first song, but it sound like MGK’s either using a vintage or cheaper microphone or adding some kind of filter to his vocals through the sound mix, giving his voice a more vintage rough layer which personally isn’t my cup of tea if this is intentional. Of course it could just be that the sound mixer didn’t set something as well as they should have or something, but regardless, MGK is still owning it already!

After ‘Outlaw Overture’ the alternative punk-rock vibe continues for another few songs, setting the nights’ energy high and just what I was hoping for, as I definitely appreciate and admire MGK’s earlier Hip-Hop tracks sure, but they’re honestly not my cup of tea, I’m more into his newer stuff personally, so the first few songs setting the theme of the newer-styled MGK is ace in my opinion! In this bunch of songs, we’re also treated to the Malcum In The Middle theme song cover MGK released ‘Spaceman’, which makes the crowd erupt in mass sing alongs which MGK takes the reigns of perfectly.

When MGK drops some Hip-Hop tracks, they don’t seem to stick out like a sore thumb in the mix I feel, as they’re played with a six piece band (seven if you include MGK himself), so even with the stark genre shift it works. What I feel doesn’t work, is that there’s a long stream of seemingly shortened “taster” tracks which I feel doesn’t really work in a predominately rock show. Unless of course MGK released several 90 second-2 minute tracks in the early days.

Don’t get me wrong, even with the negative points outlined thus far and yes, the vintage sounding vocals continue throughout the set, the show is still a heap of fun with plenty of positive attributes that I’m about to mention just before you decide to stop reading! All of the negative points I’ve mentioned are of course my personal opinion, and the crowd don’t seem to have an issue with anything, on the contrary, there’s so much positive energy to get your hollies off to, proven by the couple in the mosh not too far away from me who are well, uhh

, needing some privacy to put it delicately. The very graphic description of the act to security from the outraged lady was very uhm, climactic, and anything but delicate! Now where was I before that lovely display of when a mummy and daddy love each other very much penetrated my recount… oh that’s right, other feel-good points of the show.MGK harnesses the audiences enthusiastic energy brilliantly as he prompts us to jump to the raucous beat in songs like ‘Forget Me Too’ and ‘Maybe’, to ramping up the crowds sing alongside in hits like the collaborative singles like ‘I Think I’m Okay ft Yungblud’ and ‘Lonely Road with Jelly Roll’. The audience in the most part, sing along pretty constantly throughout the set, but songs like those and other hits like ‘Drunk Face’, ‘Bloody Valentine’, ‘My Ex’s Best Friend’ and ‘Cliche’ plus a sneaky cover of Paramore’s ‘Missery Business’ which sorry, but MGK really butchered the choruses of, raise the sing alongs so much more!

Other points worth mentioning include how MGK makes good use of the main stage area and the catwalk runway, spreading his energy to more of the audience. Also, apparently there’s a cool inflatable Statue Of Liberty head with a cigarette in its mouth, which MGK triggers to blow smoke at times after he pretends to light it. On top of that, several costume changes and lots of baseball cap rotations from MGK and lots of pyrotechnics, ‘cause who doesn’t love a bit of pretty fire at a rock show?

Finally all throughout the one hour-45 minute set with no cliche encore, MGK constantly connects with us, during songs as he controls the crowds energy and between songs, telling us stories of his career and life in general. Apparently there’s a lot of fans with signs here tonight, not including me with my good ol’ drumstick sign. MGK points out one, held by a small child that reads “I’m 3 and this is my first concert” which is pretty special. He also points out another young looking kid, who upon MGK talking to him is nine years old. He also gets lots of girls up on stage apparently at one point too! All this together adds to the all-round happy vibes shared by everyone across all walks of life and all without any injuries or other incidents, well, other than that couple making a few fans a tad uncomfortable.

In summary, tonight had something for almost everyone I feel, and even though it wasn’t perfect in my personal opinion, was heaps of fun and well worth the time and money! MGK teased that his next album that he’s currently working on is more rap-rock inspired by Limp Bizkit adding a cool flavour to the MGK mix and one that I’m very much down for, so I for one am very happy I was able to come tonight and will be keeping a Keen Eye out for more MGK coming soon!