What does it mean to be Iconic? 

The dictionary defines iconic as ‘widely recognised, representative, highly esteemed and symbolising something important like a culture, era or idea’.

Byron Bay is definitely Iconic. A mecca of sand, sun and serenity, its a coastal paradise. Once known for its alternative culture, easy going surfers and off the grid hippies, now lauded and lampooned for its yoga on the beach influencers, insanely priced real estate and of course super famous Hollywood movie stars. Every year mainstream media naysayer writes an article about how Byron’s lost it. But every year the hordes keep coming. Why? Because Byron Bay is Iconic. 

And Mandy Nolan? Well, this 50 foot mother of 5, comedian and almost MP two elections running certainly gives Iconic a crack. She moved to Byron in the early 90’s, when you could rent a house on the beach for $150 and get a park at Wategoes on a Sunday.  Byron Live is a faux studio styled face to face chat show where Nolan hosts hilarious, confronting, and riveting conversations with artists, musicians, politicians, influencers, comedians, thought leaders, local legends and complete eccentrics.  It’s our homegrown and completely organic version of a Tonight show, complete with live studio band, Katrina and the Greenies and an opening choreographed dance number with Mandy struggling to nail the moves!

The guests on the hot seat for the next Byron Live feature Madeleine West, rainforest regenerator, podcaster, activist, mom of 7 and actress -  star of some of the most iconic Aussie TV ever made.  Like her character ‘Dee Bliss, the woman who Toadie’s heart, only to be killed off then make a surprise comeback as a scamming imposter. She deferred her law degree to take this part…and her screen career took off!  How does this highly principled earth mama keep all those balls in the air?

Californian born US Surfing Champion and local legend, the iconic Rusty Miller has called Byron Bay home since the 1970’s. He’s as much a part of Byron as the lighthouse, and has taught generations of surfers how to paddle out and find a wave. Byron Live digs deep on what bought Rusty here, the nostalgia of old Byron and his hot take on the Byron Bay of 2026.

Singer Songwriter Gyan won the 1986 Star Search grand final, and is probably best known for her haunting 1989 track ‘Wait’. Aria nominated for Breakthrough Artist, she headed on an International trajectory working with Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, LeAnn Rimes, and then she decided to head home, back to Byron - her creative base for the last 3 decades. With her partner Simon Greaves she continues to compose and record authentic, beautiful music, including The sydney Theater Award for her collaboration with Michael Leunig. Gyan is definitely iconic!

Also on the hot seat is former lead singer of the legendary Sydney punk band Ragadoll, puppeteer, painter and cowboy, Jimmy Willing. He now fronts The Real Gone Hick Up’s - a hillbilly spin of rockabilly,  and horse opera. Known for rocking up to gigs in a horse and cart, Jimmy lives and works off the grid. He’s natural born shit stirrer and story teller…using his microphone or his paint brush to continue the folklore of the broader region. Jimmy Willing is definitely iconic!

The Versace Boys are nouveau Iconic! They create satirical pop-hop that hits home every time. Lacing their shows with freestyle litness, synchronised dance moves, anthemic bangers and insight into the struggles of being incredibly rich, famous, gorgeous and humble. Mandy Nolan welcomes the local lads, Will Henderson and Alex Johnson to the couch, for an inside leg on how their hit tunes like Vegan have made them the hot new influencers for a much more jaded generation. 

Expect deep conversations, revelations, confessions and a few tunes when Mandy Nolan drills down on what makes the Iconic Byronites of Byron so bloody Byron. It’s not just entertainment, it’s an artistic autopsy where this sharp-tongued host, cuts right to the bone!

Suitable for 15+

Event Details
7:00 pm - Venue doors and Bar open
7:40 pm - Theatre doors open
8:00 pm - Show starts (first set)
9:00 pm - Interval
9:20 pm - Second set  
10:30 pm - Show ends