New Zealand’s acclaimed indie-rock outfit The Beths have made their long-awaited U.S. late-night television debut, performing the title track from their latest album Straight Line Was A Lie on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The appearance marks another major milestone for the Auckland quartet, who are currently riding high on the success of their fourth studio record and are set to bring their biggest-ever Australian headline tour to fans in April 2026.
The Beths, Elizabeth Stokes (vocals/guitar), Jonathan Pearce (guitar), Benjamin Sinclair (bass), and Tristan Deck (drums), have spent the better part of the last decade building a reputation as one of the most dependable forces in indie rock. Their sound, anchored by Stokes’ whip-smart lyricism and bright, hook-laden melodies, has consistently earned praise from both critics and fans alike. With Straight Line Was A Lie, released in August 2025 via ANTI-, The Beths have taken a bold creative leap.
The band’s Kimmel performance of Straight Line Was A Lie showcased their trademark blend of emotional honesty and musical precision. The track sets the tone for an album that explores themes of renewal, introspection, and creative rediscovery.
Between 2022’s Expert In A Dying Field and Straight Line Was A Lie, Stokes faced what she described as one of the most challenging writing periods of her career. Grappling with writer’s block and personal transformation, she dismantled her usual creative process to find new ways forward. The result is an album that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant-an exploration of change, healing, and the messiness of being human. “Liz Stokes is a master of the crunchy, three-minute earworm that smooshes happy and sad together into a delicious pop PB&J,” Brooklyn
The Straight Line Was A Lie world tour kicked off in Europe earlier this year and will continue through North America before landing in Australia in April 2026. This run will see The Beths perform in some of the country’s most beloved venues, marking their first Australian shows since their sold-out 2025 run.
THE BETHS – AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2026
Tickets available now via Handsome Tours
Friday 17 April – The Gov, Kaurna Land, Adelaide
Saturday 18 April – Astor Theatre, Whadjuk Noongar Land, Perth
Thursday 23 April – The Tivoli, Jagera Turrbal Land, Brisbane
Friday 24 April – Roundhouse, Gadigal Land, Sydney
Saturday 25 April – Forum, Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Land, Melbourne
Straight Line Was A Lie – Tracklisting
Straight Line Was A Lie
Mosquitoes
No Joy
Metal
Mother, Pray For Me
Til My Heart Stops
Take
Roundabout
Ark Of The Covenant
Best Laid Plans
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