Merpire
Sat 08.08.2026 19:00
Following the biggest headline shows of their career at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt and Brisbane's Riverstage, Boy & Bear are bringing their captivating Tripping Over Time tour to the regions!Boy & Bear swiftly catapulted onto the world stage releasing their double-platinum debut album Moonfire which went on to receive five coveted ARIA awards and worldwide critical acclaim. Their follow-up Harlequin Dream and Limit of Love albums both charted at #1 on the ARIA charts with Harlequin Dream also surpassing Platinum sales.Their latest album ‘Tripping Over Time’ (December 2025) was launched to over 5,500 Boy & Bear fans at the iconic Sydney Opera House Steps, landing at #1 on the Australian Album Charts, and further cementing the band’s glowing reputation as one of Australia’s most outstanding live acts and captivating musical exports.**Please be advised the Pier Bandroom is accessible only via stairs. Due to the structural layout, we are unable to provide wheelchair access. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.**
Performers
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Merpire
There’s something quite animalistic about Merpire’s music - the moniker of Naarm/Melbourne-based Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt - whose huge, gritty voice, whimsical turn-of-phrase and inimitable chord choices seem impossible to tame, were it not for a sobering honesty that could heal even the most stoic crowd. Merpire’s songs aren’t just effortless, catchy dark-pop anthems deserving of a home in the 90s Garbage or Caroline Polachek canon - soaring through every track is a subtext profound enough to stop you in your tracks.
It’s no wonder her debut album, ‘Simulation Ride’ (ADA Records), released in 2021, received high praise on BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders’ Future Artists, NPR, triple j, feature album on Double J, La Blogothèque, CLASH Magazine, NME, The Sunday Times and more. And Merpire’s captivating, queer, all-femme band has taken her dark anthems to the stage at PANAMA, Brunswick Music Fest, NYE on the hill, and supports for the likes of Julia Jacklin, Angie Mcmahon and Hockey Dad.
With powerful, versatile performances that are an emotional roller coaster to behold, it wasn't long before the word spread abroad, including to the hearts of Irish indie-rock outfit, Pillow Queens. After their double appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Pillow Queens took Merpire's band around the UK in May 2022 on a sold out, 8-date tour, collecting new fans eager for her return in her wake.
Now in 2024, Merpire has received funding from Creative Australia, taking her on her first headline tour around the UK in May. All building towards Merpire’s next undeniable gift.