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.

2015 - 

ILLICIT SYMPHONY more commonly and affectionately referred to as “I.S.” 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 - 

Their debut album (self titled) was released in 2019 and 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 - C19 arrived  …and things came to a grinding halt.  

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.

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 I.S. Mk 2 ...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 it's next chapter ... I.S. Mk3.

Fast Forward 2025 - 

I.S. Mk 3...original bass player Wayne Hall (I.S. Mk 1 & 2) and new lead vocalist 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 ...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) and 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 full time pro player back home ...his families survival story is an amazing account of human spirit in getting to Australia.  

2026 - 

I.S. is set to release its 2nd Album ~ Alter Ego ~ in June and we hope to promote with live performances in Brisbane and the Gold and Sunny Coasts in 2026.

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

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.

2027 - 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.