I KILLED THE PROM QUEEN @ BAR ON THE HILL, NEWCASTLE REVIEW

Last week, I headed to Bar on the Hill at Newcastle University for I Killed the Prom Queen’s long awaited return and while the lineup absolutely delivered, the venue unfortunately didn’t.

Let’s get one thing out of the way: I’m not a fan of Bar on the Hill. The layout makes it difficult to actually see the stage unless you’re up the front, and it was so packed that a huge chunk of people, myself included, had to stand outside in the cold just to get a decent view. Combine that with some less than friendly bar staff, and it definitely wasn’t the ideal gig experience for my first time there. Still, the performances themselves made it worth sticking around.

To The Grave

I sadly missed Threshold, but I made it just in time for To The Grave and they were incredible. Their sound was tight, powerful, and crystal clear, and I loved that the outside area had speakers so you could still hear every breakdown. At that point… the cold never bothered me anyway.

Dane’s range is insane! Those squeals are next level. The band had great energy and constant interaction with the crowd, making sure everyone was okay in the pit and keeping the vibe alive. They’re such a wholesome group of guys with real stage presence. I even got to meet the guitarist afterward, absolute legend. Definitely looking forward to catching them again in October next year for the Hellbound Cruise.

Emmure

Next up was Emmure, bringing the international energy to the stage. Their bassist’s tone was gorgeous, the guitarists were full of energy, and the frontman commanded attention from start to finish.

Unfortunately, the crowd didn’t quite match the intensity. A lot of people seemed more interested in hanging outside than getting involved, which really dampened the vibe. It’s a shame because Emmure gave everything they had. Their stage presence is one you have to experience. That said, the sound was balanced, and by the end of their set, the energy started to lift. Maybe it was the music finally breaking through or maybe people just needed to warm up but it was great to see things pick up before the headliner.

I Killed the Prom Queen

When I Killed the Prom Queen finally took the stage, everything changed. The second they started playing, the crowd erupted. Suddenly, there were crowd surfers, movement, and pure excitement pulsing through the room.

The sound and lighting were phenomenal! Easily the best of the night. The band also shared a heartfelt moment when they spoke about mental health and the rise of suicide rates in Australia before playing “Roses.” It was powerful, raw, and a reminder of why so many of us turn to heavy music in the first place… to find connection, release, and healing through sound.

It’s moments like that that remind me why I love this community so much.

Their set was HUGE! Going on at 10:10pm and playing a solid line up of new and old hits. You could feel the nostalgia in the air. They ended it with an encore and seeing everybody walk out with big grins and all sweaty. You can tell just how much IKTPQ are loved and appreciated. One of the greatest home grown bands to bless our ears.

Final Thoughts

Every band on the bill delivered an incredible performance, but I Killed the Prom Queen made the night unforgettable. My only real gripe was the venue itself. Between the overcrowded space, limited visibility, and unbothered bar staff, it just wasn’t the best experience from my perspective.

That said, the lineup deserved (and needed) a bigger venue. I Killed the Prom Queen have the kind of presence and legacy that command a proper stage, and I really hope their next Newcastle show reflects that.

Until then, I’ll remember this one for the music…. not the venue.