Original Aussie Rock

“These guys put on a show to envy many of the International Acts I have seen at The Triffid in recent times.” - Marc Austin-Zande, Shadowplay Photography.  

“ILLICIT SYMPHONY is a band hailing from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. They are causing quite a stir in the music scene. They have been compared to the likes of U2, AC/DC, THE SCREAMING JETS and are here to make a musical statement.”  - by Jim Allford  Steel Notes magazine in the USA.

"For over 10 years there have been a lot of references and comparisons to other bands in days gone by for Illicit Symphony (as you can see above) ...our sound is influenced by decades of great gutsy rock music from the '70's until today ...but Aussie Rock has a unique feel and delivery to it ...it's edgy, punchy and honest and it roars like a '71 XY GT flat stick down Conrod Straight ...it's born in Garages and Pubs around the Country and feels at home playing to 20 people or 2,000 people.  We like to think we bring a 'stadium sound' to our tracks ...and we'll deliver every show the same way ...as big as we can".

-  Anton Nebert ...lead vocalist

2015 - 

ILLICIT SYMPHONY more commonly and affectionately referred to as “I.S.” (Mk1) started their journey with its roots on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia circa 2015.  The band was originally spearheaded by vocalist Andrew Man (R.I.P 2021) ex-Mantra …and Wayne ‘Elvis’ Hall Bass player.

2019 - 

Debut album (self titled) was released in 2019 with "Hot body" as the featured release and it received glowing reviews and the band was tipped to be the next Aussie Rock band on everyone’s lips.  I.S. supported the Radiators, Choirboys, Moving Pictures and others …also headlining their own shows.

2020-21 - C19 arrived  …and then a band member passing away  

The momentum and hype faded away just as it was building …members left and sadly the band fell apart with the unknown duration of C19 bringing doubt and consternation with band members.

Over the next 4 years ...the band was doing everything it could to hang on by it's fingernails to try and maintain it's identity and re-build it's personnel and find that magic again ...enter I.S. Mk2 ...it was a tough time for the entertainment industry and sadly a band member passed away unexpectedly in 2021. Further issues of personnel and production plagued I.S. and it was decided to strip the band and brand back to re-ignite the magic ...and that brings the band to the next chapter ... I.S. Mk3.

Fast Forward 2025 - 

Original bass player Wayne Hall and new lead vocalist (2022) Anton Nebert (I.S. Mk 2, Ol' Mate, NS4U) decided it was time to reignite the fire and get the whole shooting match back to where it had left off in 2019 ...i.e. ...back on the radar recording rock music and on the road again.

I.S. recruited Willie Strike lead guitarist (7-Strike Band, ATB, Funk Knuckle, Just the way) we believe he is one of the hottest players in the country.  Willie has a 14,000 strong following on FaceBook from his home country of Myanmar driven by his past performances as a pro player back home ...his families survival story is an amazing account of human spirit in getting to Australia.  

2026 - 

Illicit Symphony is now set to release its 2nd Album ~ Alter Ego ~ in June and we hope to promote with live performances from the Sunny Coast to the Gold Coast and all points in-between.

You'll find some reels in here of what's on the 2nd Album and we hope you'll love both this coming Album ...our first Album ...and more to come.

2026 - 2nd half ...

We have recruited Phong Rum an experienced rock drummer (formerly ATB) from Myanmar known for his explosive and dynamic performances.  He has featured on Albums in Myanmar and he brings a powerful groove to the I.S. mainframe.

Ivy (Phong's wife) has also featured on Albums in Myanmar and has a following amongst the Lisu ethnic community ...known for her powerful voice and cultural influences ... Ivy joins the line-up as a particularly welcome backing vocalist to fill out our live gigging requirements and rehearsals begin in April specifically for the Album release in June and the promotional gigs that lie ahead.

Both Phong & Ivy are welcomed with open arms into the I.S. fold and will become part of the I.S. family & journey into the future.

What's next??...

I.S. has already started writing for their 3rd Album ...if you like what you hear stick around and become an I.S. insider ...join our mailing list (bottom of page) to be the first to get all the inside gossip and updates.

Rock on you good things ...we'll catch ya around the traps real soon.

ILLICIT SYMPHONY  

XOX.

SIDE A

Trk 01:    Stars - A story about a wanna-be Rock Star who forsakes the love of a personal relationship for the love of Rock n Roll itself …and the vain hope of Fame that lies somewhere hopefully …within reach

Trk 02:   Let’s go - The follow on story from …“Stars” that has our dreamy Rock star to be …never wanting to be tied down to any one person or place for fear of losing his identity

Trk 03:   House wins - A story about gambling the ups & downs (mainly downs) and the characters and boozy long nights trying to be a big winner …but the House always wins

Trk 04:   Sister - A song about the loss of a sibling

Trk 05:   Take down - A life filled with excitement & danger lived by a Lady and her Man & their seedy associates & friends

SIDE B

Trk 06:   Lucy - She’s been a naughty girl …and she’ll always let you down …when you’re out of town 😉

Trk 07:   Devil’s daughter - No connection to “Lucy” but definitely with “Take down” she plays hard & fast …takes no prisoners & wants nothing from anyone

Trk 08:   Lost for words - The lead singers time running a hotel security (bouncers) business and all the shenanigans & trouble makers that come with a job like this …some people just leave you speechless

Trk 09:   I’m too late - A fantasy based love story of ‘mortal boy meets vampire girl’ …and the complications of a daytime versus nighttime lifestyle …but love conquers all

Trk 10:   Freaks (zombie apocalypse) - says it all really