“Nothing's changed.” You heard it over and over again, uttered almost incredulously as thousands of Oils fans poured out of the Riverstage.

They came in ponchos, even swimming caps and lifeguard uniforms. But for the most part, two hours of politically charged, dancing-compulsory Aussie rock seemed to keep the weather at bay after 15 years almost entirely missing from live venues across the country.

Midnight Oil plays at the Riverstage in Brisbane. Credit:Jorge Branco

Looking more comfortable than he ever did with the letters MP after his name, Australia’s favourite praying mantis Peter Garrett was moving like a misfiring jackhammer within seconds of taking the stage.

The former member for Kingsford Smith set the agenda early.