Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives and event organisers Music in Paradise have confirmed that Australian band The Church will perform at the private island resort from 3rd to 10th May 2025 to the delight of fans. The event is named after the band’s global hit song, “Under the Milky Way”, which is hailed as one of Australia’s most famous rock anthems. The week-long getaway will combine a tropical island getaway with three intimate performances on the beach and at the resort’s rooftop Sunset Bar, offering exclusive opportunities for interaction.
An “Early Bird” Gold Experience package for a seven-night stay in a Beach Villa at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been launched for AUD2,890 per person (normally AUD3,950). The Gold Experience includes:
- Participate in three exclusive events every night
- 3. Intimate Performance
- Meet and greet with the band
- Professional photo with the band
- Music in Paradise Gift Bag
- Music in Paradise event poster
- Event commemorative T-shirt
- Roundtrip shared speedboat airport transfers
- Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
- A delicious buffet breakfast every day at Kandooma Café
- Tea, coffee and bottled water are provided in the villa and are replenished daily.
- Complimentary snorkel tours and use of snorkeling equipment
- Music in Paradise TravelerCare Guarantee
Celebrating their 50th year in music, The Church captivate audiences with their highly cinematic and atmospheric mix of indie rock, shimmering post-punk, icy dream pop and psychedelic post-rock.
With the same creative energy as the band’s early days, the five-piece line-up for “Under the Milky Way in the Maldives” includes band founder Steve Kilbey (bassist and vocalist), Tim Powles (drummer and producer on 17 albums since 1994), Ian Haug (guitarist, ex-Powderfinger, who joined in 2013), Jeffrey Cain (multi-instrumentalist, who joined in 2020) and Ashley Naylor (guitarist and long-time member of Paul Kelly’s touring band).
“We are pleased to continue our long standing relationship with the team at Music in Paradise who puts together these fantastic events and to say we are excited to welcome The Church to our 2025 line-up is an understatement,” said Mark Ereturu, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
According to Mark, the week-long music event that has become synonymous with Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives combines all the great features of a Maldivian island holiday.
“When you go to a concert, you’re often a little distance away from the performers to get an up-close view on the big screen, but that’s not the case on the island. I think that’s what makes Kandooma’s Music in Paradise events so special – staff, guests and organisers are within true interacting distance of their idols. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed. There’s nothing better than bumping into one of the performers at the buffet or chatting with them barefoot on the sand over a beer. It’s a very special experience,” Mark added.
While the band’s earlier albums Of Skins and Heart, The Blurred Crusade and Heyday were popular, it was Under the Milky Way from Starfish in 1988 that propelled The Church into the mainstream. More recently, their 26th album The Hypnogogue, released in 2022, and a world tour have been seen as proof of the band’s resurgence, with original and new songs receiving accolades and praise.
Rolling Stone magazine gave “Vive Le Rock” a 9 out of 10, citing Kilbey’s powerful bass playing, while American Songwriter highlighted the band’s fluid moods and textured style. Classic Rock praised Kilbey’s performance as one of his best.
Located in South Male Atoll, just a 40-minute boat ride from the airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful natural paradise. White sand beaches, swaying coconut trees and turquoise waters provide the backdrop for leisure and some of the best scuba diving in the Maldives. Choose from Garden Villas, Beach Villas, 2-storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas. Perfect for families, the resort offers 2-bed and 3-bed villas and the Kandoo Kids Club with its fun-filled activities programme. Satisfy your healthy appetite and indulge in the flavours of the Maldives at 6 dining options. Sun loungers and hammocks dotted around the island provide a place to relax. Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers a tranquil retreat for the body, mind and soul.
