The Church’s Ian Haug On Music, Memories, And Legends On The Lawn

Ian Haug, guitarist for Australian band The Church, is set to bring his unmistakable sound to Mackay audiences this October as part of the much-anticipated Legends on the Lawn concert series. Haug, who joined the band 13 years ago, reflected on his long-standing connection to North Queensland.

“I’ve been Mackay many times over the years with my old band Powderfinger… we used to come there all the time and play. I love North Queensland,” he said.

While relatively new to The Church, Haug described the surreal experience of performing songs that shaped his own musical childhood.

“I still consider myself a huge fan of the band… it’s quite surreal playing a lot of these songs,” he explained, highlighting the thrill of performing some of the band’s greatest hits for new audiences.

Haug traced his musical journey back to his early years.

“My older brother played guitar, so I was always fascinated… my mum was a piano teacher and my dad had a great record collection… I started learning when I was about 10.

“I then started playing with friends and forming bands when I was about 14.”

He formed Powderfinger shortly after finishing high school, a band that would go on to define much of his early career.

Haug has enjoyed countless memorable performances during his career. Among the most striking was a Spanish festival early in his tenure with The Church.

“30,000 people were there watching us… but we put on a great performance that day.”

More recently, a show in a Tennessee Cave left a lasting impression.

On the nature of live performance, he said, “If you don’t get nervous, it means you don’t care… I still get butterflies and I still enjoy every show, because it’s about giving people a great experience.

“I love what I do… and I love that it’s different every time.”

Haug also offered advice for aspiring musicians.

“Don’t do it unless you are doing it because you truly love music, you have to have a real passion for it.”

Looking forward, Haug teased new material from The Church, and said, “We’ve recorded a new record which will be coming out very shortly… we’ll probably be playing one new song at Legends on the Lawn.”

The upcoming Legends on the Lawn event promises to be one of the biggest music gatherings in Mackay this year. Headlined by Crowded House, the festival will feature an all-Australian supporting line-up including Angus & Julia Stone, The Church, Mark Seymour with Vika & Linda, and The Waifs.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the festival was a highlight for the region.

“Legends on the Lawn has a fantastic formula and it works – a tremendous line-up of iconic Australian artists, affordable tickets, outdoor locations and a festival delivered like a well-oiled machine,” he said.

“We are excited to see a packed lawn again in 2025 and look forward to welcoming thousands of passionate music fans to the Mackay region.”

Crowded House, with more than 15 million records sold worldwide and numerous awards including 13 ARIAs and a Brit Award, will headline the event. Angus & Julia Stone will bring their acclaimed folk and indie pop sounds, while The Church will showcase their enduring post-punk legacy, inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2010. Mark Seymour, alongside Vika & Linda, will present a career-spanning collaboration, and The Waifs will continue their decades-long tradition of intimate and authentic live performances.

The Mackay leg of Legends on the Lawn is scheduled for Saturday, 11 October at Harrup Park. The all-ages event will require those under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.au.

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Ian Haug, guitarist for The Church, will bring his signature sound and decades of post-punk legacy to Mackay audiences this October. Photo source: Ian Haug (Facebook)

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Last year’s Legends on the Lawn wowed crowds, and this year promises to be even bigger with an iconic lineup. Photo source: Legends on the Lawn (Facebook)

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