Australian singer-songwriter Matt Corby delivered an emotional tribute to the victims of the December Bondi Beach shooting during Sydney’s New Year’s Eve 2025 celebration, performing a heartfelt cover of INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart” as part of the televised festivities at Sydney Harbour.
Corby’s performance came after an official minute of silence at 11 p.m. local time when thousands of attendees paused to reflect on the 15 people killed in the terror attack that occurred during a Hanukkah celebration in mid-December. Crowds lit candles and phone lights while the Sydney Harbour Bridge was lit in white, and a menorah projection was displayed on its pylons as a symbol of solidarity with the Jewish community affected by the tragedy.
The tribute was part of a broader New Year’s Eve program that balanced celebration with remembrance, marked by heightened security throughout the city following the attack. More than 2,500 officers were deployed across Sydney to ensure public safety during the large turnout for the annual harbour fireworks display.
Corby, a Sydney native, performed the classic song at a moment when many in attendance and viewers at home reflected on loss, resilience and unity as the city welcomed 2026.
