This Week In Entertainment News 5 December 2025
This week in entertainment news brings more drama for Brisbane radio, an Aussie return for a rock favourite, new music, tour news and tributes.
In another shock for Brisbane radio, Nova 106.9 breakfast show host Nikki Osborne announced her exit live on-air this morning. It comes a week after the departure of co-host Ash Bradnam. Nikki will be replaced by former presenter Susie O’Neill for the 2026 show, co-hosting with Nick Allen-Ducat and David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral.
Beloved Aussie children’s entertainers The Wiggles have had to hot-potato themselves out of trouble after two of its members appeared in a music video for Keli Holiday’s new song ‘Ecstasy’.
The TikTok video, which has now been deleted, featured Blue Wiggle Anthony Field and his nephew Dominic Field, who plays the Tree Of Wisdom, dancing in the background. The Wiggles released a statement assuring everyone they do not condone the use of drugs in any form.
Lady Gaga has issued an edict to fans ahead of her Australian shows, banning gifts of any kind, including toys, flowers and signs as well as certain props and accessories. It’s not that Mother Monster is ungrateful, she doesn’t want anything being hurled onstage during her performance, which is becoming a dangerous trend at shows.
Anything that can be used as a projectile poses a threat to performers, especially when they make impact. Lady Gaga is among a number of performers who have been recently injured by fans throwing objects at them. Lady Gaga’s ‘Mayhem Ball’ Australian tour kicks off tonight in Melbourne.
Rock giants Foo Fighters will be coming to Australia for a one-night-only gig in Launceston, Tasmania. It will be the first time ever that Foo Fighters perform in Launceston, having played in Hobart for the Sonic Highways tour in 2015. The announcement has left many Australian fans, especially on the west coast, disappointed that they won’t be able to see the show. Foo Fighters perform at York Park (aka UTAS Stadium) in Launceston on January 24, supported by Brisbane rockers Full Flower Moon Band and local trio Spooky Eyes.
After more than 40 years with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, bassist Flea is releasing his first solo album. ‘A Plea’ is the first single from the forthcoming album, an eight minute jazz odyssey featuring features Flea on bass, trumpet and vocals.
He is accompanied by modern jazz musicians like double bassist Anna Butterss, drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, flutist Rickey Washington, trombonist Vikram Devasthali, vocalist Chris Warren and saxophone player-vocalist Josh Johnson. The album is due for release in 2026.
Legendary rockers Guns N’ Roses have released two new songs, ‘Nothin’ and ‘Atlas’, their first new music in two years. Like previous singles ‘Perhaps’ and ‘The General’, GNR’s new tracks originated in earlier recording sessions. GNR have also announced they’re back on the road in 2026 for an international tour.
Dancefloor disciples rejoice; church is in session next year when Faithless return to Australia for the first time in 15 years. Lords of dance music responsible for hits like ‘Insomnia’, ‘God Is A DJ, and ‘Miss U Less, See U More’ will headline concerts in Brisbane Sydney and Melbourne. These are their first Australian shows since performing at Good Vibrations in 2011.
The arrival of ‘W.O.M.A.N’, the much anticipated debut album from Melbourne-based artist FATAI, is one that lands with emotional resonance and vibrancy. This collection of music represents the journey of one of Australia’s most dynamic vocalists – a striking fusion of R&B, soul and pop music that comes delivered with heart. As FATAI looks ahead to her next North American tour in January, she celebrates the release of ‘W.O.M.A.N’ as the opening of a brand new chapter.
‘Bing Bong’ is the blazing third LP by Horse MacGyver, aka Naarm / Melbourne based media artist, sound designer, and musical provocateur Timothy Dwyer. Horse MacGyver represents a radical approach to the construction and dissemination of electronic music that combines high-impact sonic hysteria with scalpel-like precision editing and hardware programming. On ‘Bing Bong’, Dwyer expands his wild analogue electronic sonic palette to incorporate the clamorous sonorities of Melbourne’s extraordinary public sound sculpture: the Federation Bells.
Tributes are in order for several notable musicians who have passed away this week, each leaving a distinctive legacy. Legendary guitarist and producer Steve Cropper passed away at 84. He was the guitarist for the Stax Records house band Booker T and The M.G.s, responsible for iconic songs like ‘Green Onions’. He also starred as ‘The Colonel’ in ‘The Blues Brothers’ films.
Norco AgriSolutions has been a trusted name in Australian agriculture for over 75 years.
Australian folk music hero and national treasure Ted Egan passed away aged 93 at his home in Alice Springs. Ted’s creativity, generosity and enormous spirit ingratiated him to the Australian public, releasing 30 folk music albums, 15 books and winning a number of country music awards. Born in Melbourne, Ted found his spiritual home in the Northern Territory, moving there when he was 16 years old. Ted Egan is fondly remembered for his vast cultural and social contributions.
Renowned Australian guitarist and member of Skyhooks Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie died at the age of 73, following a battle with leukemia. His passing was announced by Skyhooks on their Facebook page.
“The members of Skyhooks are exceptionally saddened by the loss of our band mate, and send their condolences to Bob’s family,” the post said.
“For the past year he has fought the brave fight against Leukemia hoping to get back on the road to perform more shows. Music was in his blood till the very end.”
