Aussie Favourites PlanB Return to Cambodia with the Lover’s Alibi Tour
Phnom Penh’s live music scene has always had room for bold brass sections and high-energy shows — and few international acts embody that spirit like PlanB. The Australian band is returning for its seventh Cambodian tour as part of the Lover’s Alibi Tour 2025, bringing their signature horn-driven sound and infectious stage presence back to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, and beyond.
A Band with Deep Roots
PlanB has a story stretching back more than 40 years. As bass player and founding member Peter Flierl explains:
“PlanB originally formed at the beginning of 1983 in Adelaide, South Australia, and performed in Australia for three years before eventually disbanding in February 1986. The band’s name came from a song by Dexys Midnight Runners (DMR) entitled naturally enough, ‘Plan B’, but the name related also to the split in my (bass player Peter Flierl) previous band Del Webb Explosion, and the formation of a plan b. Both bands featured a three piece brass section, inspired by DMR and a band from the other side of the Atlantic, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes from New Jersey. Our sound was melodic, happy, exciting and very horn centric …… a signature sound that has remained constant to PlanB throughout the band’s musical journey.”
Evolving, But Always True to Their Sound
The lineup has shifted over the years, but 2025 brings renewed energy:
“The current lineup of PlanB has been together since late February this year when vocalist Paul Mathews and guitarist Brett Sody became the latest additions to the PlanB family. The excitement and enthusiasm within the band (especially when performing live) has reached new heights with the addition of these two amazing musicians.
The level of interaction and affinity with audiences has increased dramatically, in no small way due to the charismatic input of Paul and Brett. The band has continued to produce new material and tour internationally on an annual basis with the current Lover’s Alibi Tour bringing PlanB back to Cambodia for the seventh time. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have always been extra receptive to the music of PlanB, with the most recent tours expanding the band’s exposure to places like Battambang, Kampot, Kep and Sihanoukville.”
Why Cambodia?
PlanB’s return is more than just another stop on the tour — it’s a country they’ve grown deeply attached to.
“PlanB (and myself in particular) have always had a ‘soft spot’ for the people of this country and indeed the country itself. The friendly and genuine nature of most of the people we have come across at our performances and in the opportunities we have had to explore the country, have left an indelible mark on all of us …… so it’s very easy to return year after year.”
From early shows at Sharky Bar to fundraising performances at Cambo Beach Club in Siem Reap, Cambodia has given PlanB some of their most memorable gigs:
“There have been numerous highlights for the band since our first performance in Cambodia back in early 2010. It’s hard to believe that was 15 years ago. We had some amazing shows at Sharky Bar during the initial tours with completely packed houses and the bar just rocking to its very foundations. Another highlight for me was a performance at the Cambo Beach Club in Siem Reap in 2020 when we performed (together with a bevy of local entertainers) at a fund raiser for the Angkor Children’s Hospital. We have managed to preserve our collective memories of this gig as a significant amount of footage from the show has been used in an MTV clip the band shot for Anything At All, a track from our Hello Dear Stranger album.”
Their current Cambodia run ends Sunday 7 December in Phnom Penh, before heading back to Australia to record a new studio album and prepare for a Mongolia tour in 2026.
What Makes PlanB Special
“Whilst all band members no doubt will have different answers to this question, there is definitely some commonality in that we all enjoy travelling the globe and bringing our music to people who may not normally have an opportunity to experience a big band like PlanB …… a band which presents a both visually and musically exciting performance. Being able to absorb foreign culture, meet foreign people in their home country and for a short period, actually be a part of their life, are all facets of being in PlanB that we are able to experience on every international tour that we undertake.”
Why See Them Live?
“PlanB have always been an energetic and exciting band to see live. With the addition of Paul and Brett, this has been taken to an even higher level with a marked increase in interaction with audiences and banter happening on stage. It’s literally a visual smorgasbord on the PlanB stage as the three brass guys are always entertaining to watch …… but now we have an amazing charismatic vocalist fronting PlanB and the interaction between Paul and Brett helps create a very entertaining show for everyone to experience and enjoy. Whilst PlanB has developed its own signature sound over the years, we pride ourselves in applying this to a range of musical genre to keep the performance varied and interesting. Our shows contain a liberal mix of ballads, pop, rock and soul ….. mixed with a bit of ska and reggae influences.”
Contributing to Cambodia’s Arts Scene
“PlanB has always worked hard at producing music which is melodic and conveys a positive vibe. That being said, we do touch on some social issues and have even been involved in raising much needed funds for the Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap during one of our previous tours. Cambodia appears to have a very vibrant and healthy arts/culture scene. During our Lover’s Alibi tour we will be collaborating and performing with local children and local artists. This engagement between PlanB and members of the Cambodian arts and culture scene not only provides for interesting collaborations, but also contributes to a better understanding by all parties of the arts and cultural scene of the differences and similarities of both our countries.”
A Personal Connection
“Cambodia has always held a particular interest for me ever since I first visited the country for work purposes back in the mid 90s. Since working out of the Australian Embassy during my early visits, I have returned numerous times to perform with PlanB. From my first visit, I have been struck with the openness, friendliness and good nature of the Cambodian people that I met and worked with. Although I have spent most of my time in Phnom Penh, over the years I have had the opportunity to visit many places of outstanding natural beauty in the country. Just a couple of outstanding memories for me are visits to a number of orphanages with the band where we interacted with the children, several early morning visits to Angkor Wat, including shooting footage of PlanB for some of our early music videos, a visit to the Cambodian Circus in Battambang, performing in the small coastal village of Kep, performances at Hard Rock Cafe in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and memorable performances at Sharky Bar over several years.”
Tour Dates
Cambodia dates during the Lover’s Alibi Tour:
- Thurs 27/11 – TBA, Siem Reap
- Fri 28/11 – TBA, Siem Reap
- Sat 29/11 – POMME, Siem Reap – 7 PM (Free Entry)
- Tues 2/12 – The GONG, Kampong Chhnang – 8 PM
- Fri 5/12 – Banyan Kampot Hostel, Kampot – 7 PM (Free Entry)
- Sat 6/12 – OSCARS on the Corner, Phnom Penh – 9 PM (Free Entry)
Fans can follow the band on Facebook: facebook.com/planb.au
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
