The band embraced on stage before taking with them the $15,000 top prize, which included $5000 in equipment from Hayworth Guitars.

Tommy M’s big-band style won over the crowd and judges.

They cite a wide range of influences, including Bob Marley, the Cat Empire and Eric Clapton.

After winning, they broke into their own take on the Beatles hit Twist and Shout.

The band narrowly lost last year, coming in second place, and vocalist and pianist Evan Kerr, a music teacher, said he was nervous as he woke in the morning.

“I’ll admit I had a sinking feeling in my stomach but it all went away when I got here,’’ Kerr said.

Tommy M plan to use the money to buy horn mikes, to help fine-tune their sound.

Outside Waves nightclub the wind was blowing a gale, but inside the darkened auditorium all of the bands who performed wowed the audience.

Nine took to the stage, including the winners of each heat and two wild-card entries. They were the best of the best, emerging from seven gruelling heats.

A diverse mixture of styles was on show among the finalists, including soul, alternative, metal, heavy rock, blues and indie, along with an 80s rock outfit.

The second prize of $2500 cash went to Blueberry Circuit, while the third place $1500 prize was won by Abstract Classic.

Tommy M follows the 2010 winner, alternative band Atticus, who are now trying to drum up hype for their new single.

Other bands in the final included BraMaJo, Fiend, Ex Curia, A Cat Named Kesey, Valorous and Maesarc.