Live Music entertainment in Australia
-
A
Darwin Ski Club
Leave Mitchell St behind and head for a sublime sunset at this laid-back waterski club on Vestey’s Beach. The view through the palm trees from the beer garden is sublime and there are often live bands.
reviewed
-
B
Tivoli
International artists such as Nick Cave and Noel Gallagher have graced the stage at this elegant, old art deco venue built in the early 20th century. Hosting a range of touring acts, you’re likely to see quality comedy here, too.
reviewed
-
C
Spanish Club
Serving the area's Spanish community for over 25 years, the Spanish Club is now hosting bands and DJs between elderly citizens' meetings and salsa dance classes. The back Salon Room is beautiful, complete with fancy patterned carpet, and it's smoke-free. The front bar has good black vinyl booths to drink at, and - if it's Saturday - to eat a Matador Breakfast with Bloody Marys.
A rockin' soundtrack (no Jamiroquai or Moloko, just straight up Johnny Cash, Detroit Cobras etc) is the final touch.
reviewed
-
D
Empress Hotel
The Empress continues to grace the Melbourne music scene with its presence. This quintessential Fitzroy pub was one of the first to book Silverchair. It stages a variety of genres from folk to unplugged rock every night of the week. Monday to Wednesday and Sunday are free, admission Thursday through Saturday costs under around A$10. The Empress also serves decent counter meals.
reviewed
-
E
Old Bar
A lounge atmosphere with nary a whiff of '70s shtick, Old Bar is old-school. Pinnies chink in the walkways and live music plays most nights. This is where DJs go on their nights off to enjoy the best off-the-beaten tracks. It's nothing flash, but that's why it's loved. There's always a need for affordable drinks and an uncontrived ambience.
reviewed
-
F
Vanguard
Freethinking, intellectual, artistic, musical – the qualities to which Vanguard aspires. The intimate time-travelling 1920s-themed band room satisfies these criteria; occasional Russell Crowe gigs do not. Jeff Martin and Holly Throsby shows are redemptive. Most seats are reserved for dinner-and-show patrons.
reviewed
-
G
Basement
Sydney’s premier jazz venue presents big touring acts (Taj Mahal, Richard Buckner) and big local talent (Vince Jones, Mia Dyson). A broad musical mandate also sees funk, blues and soul bands performing, plus the odd spoken-word gig. Avoid the standing-room-only bar; book a table by the stage.
reviewed
-
H
Fox'n'Fiddle
Hands up those who think shouting at a shellfish counts as entertainment? Then hurry on down for the 18:00 hermit-crab races, which are usually followed by bands most nights, bingo at 'lucky seven' o'clock on Tuesday, or come on Monday for something even more trivial: quiz night.
reviewed
-
I
Hordern Pavilion
Holding over 5000 heaving music fans, the historic white and grey Hordern (1924) hosts plenty of big-name rock gigs (Coldplay, Nine Inch Nails, The Presets) and the mind-boggling Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Party. If these walls could talk…
reviewed
-
J
Queensland Conservatorium
South of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Conservatorium hosts opera, as well as national and international artists playing classical, jazz, rock and world music. Many concerts are free.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Toff in Town
An atmospheric venue well suited to cabaret, but also works for intimate gigs by rock gods, avant-folksters or dance-hall queens. Head further up the stairs for Cookie and further yet to the view-filled open-air Rooftop Bar.
reviewed
-
L
New Sydney Hotel
Low-key folk, jazz, blues and comedy playing Tuesday to Sunday nights (usually free). See the website for gig listings. Great pub food and an ever-changing selection of Tassie craft beers.
reviewed
-
M
Republic Bar & Café
The art-deco Republic is the number-one live-music pub in town, and often showcases up-and-coming international bands. With loads of different beers and excellent food, it's the kind of place you'd love to call your local.
reviewed
-
N
Corner Hotel
The band room here is one of Melbourne's most popular midsized venues and has seen plenty of loud and live action over the years. If your ears need a break, there's a friendly front bar. The rooftop has stunning city views, but gets superpacked, and often with a different crowd from the music fans below. Its Wednesday night trivia has a cult following. Swan St runs off Brunton Ave.
reviewed
-
O
Butterfly Club
This adorable terrace house holds a small theatre that hosts regular cabaret performances. Show over, head out the back or upstairs to a uniquely decorated bar, where surfaces are bedecked with the kitsch, the cool and the cute.
reviewed
-
P
Outback Pioneer BBQ Bar
Modelled on a big iron shed, this rowdy bar is lined with long benches, with plenty of chances to meet other travellers and locals. It has pool tables, live music nightly (usually a touch of twang) and minimal dress standards.
reviewed
-
Q
Koala Bar
Meet a partner with a use-by date at the free-spirited, lemon-and-salted backpacker bar par excellence. Sweaty bands bang out all-too-familiar tunes, but you’ve gotta love the dedication of the beer-swilling temporary expats.
reviewed
-
R
Arthouse
The Arthouse, at the Royal Artillery Hotel, is on the local indie-band circuit. Rock, country, hardcore punk, metal and ska, plays Wednesday to Saturday - mohawks and big wallet chains welcome. Sunday sees acoustic sets.
reviewed
-
S
Enmore Theatre
Originally a vaudeville playhouse, the elegantly wasted, 1600-capacity Enmore now hosts such acts as Queens of the Stoneage, Wilco and PJ Harvey, plus theatre and comedy. Cafe, wooden floors, lounge areas and balconies.
reviewed
-
T
Rainbow Hotel
This Fitzroy icon has been hosting local talent for over a decade and is a fine option for good blues, folk and jazz of the raucous energetic type. It’s a small space and fills easily so start your Sunday session early.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Ric’s Café
Squeeze in if you can: this tiny but very cool venue in the Brunswick St Mall has indie, rock and acoustic acts playing every night of the week. There’s outside seating and a balcony upstairs for some breathing space.
reviewed
-
V
Prince Bandroom
Check out the massive blackboard out front to see who’s taking stage; you’ll find the calibre is high. Above the Prince of Wales, the Prince Bandroom has hosted diverse local and international acts for over 20 years.
reviewed
-
W
Esplanade Hotel
Rock-pigs rejoice. The Espy remains gloriously shabby and welcoming to all. Bands play most nights and there's a spruced-up kitchen out the back. And for the price of a pot you get front row seats for the pink-stained St Kilda sunset.
reviewed
-
X
Gaelic Club
Whether it’s the latest darlings of the British music press or some local sonic assailants made good, concerts at the midsize Gaelic bridge the gap between the pub scene and the larger theatres.
reviewed
-
Y
Bennetts Lane
Bennetts Lane has long been the boiler room of Melbourne jazz. It attracts the cream of local and international talent and an audience that knows when it's time to applaud a solo. Beyond the cosy front bar, there's another space reserved for big gigs.
reviewed
