They have sold more than a million albums, shared stages with rock legends like AC/DC and Rose Tattoo, and been a household name since the 1980s.
Now, The Radiators are heading to Caboolture for one unforgettable night of Aussie pub rock at the Sundowner Hotel on Thursday, 12 September.
Known for their raw energy and gritty lyrics, The Radiators have built a loyal fan base that spans generations. And if there’s one thing they know how to do, it’s turn a good night into a great one. For bassist Geoff Turner, performing live is just as thrilling as ever.
“Oh, it just feels great,” Geoff said. “We’re really enjoying it and we just keep going until no one comes to shows anymore or they start throwing things at us!”
Fresh off a run of Queensland shows, the band has been met with an outpouring of love from fans, both old and new.
“People swamp us at the end of shows,” Geoff said. “Everyone’s got a story to tell, when they were 18 and first saw us, what our songs meant to them. It’s incredible. That’s the reason we keep on going.”
And keep on they do. The Radiators’ performances are high-energy, filled with hits like No Tragedy, Gimme Head, and Coming Home, which Geoff calls “a favourite” for the way it gets the crowd absolutely pumping.
After forming in 1978, the band still plays with the same passion and pride, refusing to settle for anything less than their best.
“You’re only as good as your last show,” Geoff said. “If we don’t quite click, we double down on the next one.”
Despite the years (and the occasional hand cramp), Geoff says the adrenaline is still there every time he steps on stage.
“Of course we get tired now, we’re not 23 anymore,” he laughs. “But we have got strong fingers from years of playing and it’s all muscle memory. You just push through.”
Geoff’s musical journey began at age 14, when he got his first guitar. A natural lefty, he learned to play right-handed, thinking ahead to all the right-handed guitars he might find to play at parties. As for retirement? Geoff’s not having it.
“Some people probably think we should pull up stumps, but that’s just part of life,” he said. “You can’t please everyone. We’re just grateful we can still do what we love and as long as people keep showing up, we’ll keep playing.”
The Radiators
- Friday, 12 September, 8pm
- Sundowner Hotel
- 8/14 Aerodrome Road, Caboolture
Read more stories from The Caboolture Guide print magazine here:
- Caboolture Connect: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Podcast Review: How Did This Get Made?
- Organic Gardening in September
- Art Hits the Sand in SWELL Style Again
- The Dag Pub – Bigger, Better and Friendlier Than Ever
- Changing the Story…Period!
- Why 2025 Could Be the Year Your Borrowing Power Gets a Boost
- Recognising Our Everyday Heroes
- Discover Lace Through the Ages at Caboolture Historical Village
- Bringing Generations Together at Seniors Expo
- Taking a Stand at the Boom Gates
- Mango Fruit Cake
- How to Find FREE School Holiday Activities
- Wamuran F.A.M Festival is Perfect Family Outing
- Free and Friendly Healthcare for Women
- Haven Larp – A Sanctuary of Fun, Friendship and Swordfighting
