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Brisbane’s always had a strong musical heritage, dating back to the days of The Saints and The Go-Betweens, through to the heyday of Powderfinger, Savage Garden, George, The Grates and the current crop of stars such as Violent Soho, The Jungle Giants, Mallrat and Cub Sport Brisbane’s live music scene is a melting pot of styles, with numerous venues dotted around the city hosting gigs on just about any given night. Our music scene is as healthy as ever, and if you’re keen to step out for a bit of rock‘n’roll, punk, jazz, blues or whatever catches your ear, have a look over this handy list of Brisbane’s best live-music venues and get amongst it.
Fortitude Music Hall, Fortitude Valley: You may have spied queues of punters stretching up and down Brunswick Mall, snaking its way to the entrance of the Fortitude Music Hall. This gargantuan music palace is one of the best spots to catch nationally loved and internationally touring acts. Once you step foot into the Fortitude Music Hall’s spacious interior,it’s hard not to be blown away.Boasting a 3000-person standing capacity and 1200 seating across two levels (with top-notch sight lines to the stage no matter whereyou stand), it’s easy to see why this massive venue is at the top of this list. Oh, and the hub also houses a smaller, more intimate venue called The Outpost, where you can catch performances from local bands on the regular.
The Triffid, Newstead: Since opening to the public in 2014, The Triffid has been one of Brisbane’s best spots to catch local and international musicians performing live. Former Powderfinger bassist John Collins has joined forces with the luminaries behindSplendour InTheGrass,Falls Festivaland Secret Sounds Touring, Paul PiticcoandJessica Ducrou, and Brisbane hospitality identityBrett McCall tobringThe Triffidto fruition.The 800-capacity venue (built in a WWII hangar) boasts aworld-class sound system and 490-square-metre beer garden, keeping both punters and players happy.
The Princess Theatre, Fortitude Valley:If you put your ear to the pavement in Woolloongabba, there’s a good chance you’ll hear a loud and clear rumble emanating from The Princess Theatre. This heritage beauty, taken over and restored by the team behind The Tivoli, hasa long history of entertainment stretching back to1888 and it’s only getting better with age. Uniting souls that live for live music with a calendar ofevents of all kinds, this addition to the scene is worthy of high praise.
The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley: A long-standing icon in the live music scene, The Tivoli has been welcoming in punters through its doors since the late 80s. Initially built as Adams Bakery in 1917, it was formerly used by the State Library to store rare books. The Tivoliis now under the ownership of brothers Steve and Dave Slewswick, who saved the venue from being redeveloped. A good thing too – we couldn’t fathom losing The Tivoli’s Art Deco aesthetic and old-world feel, not to mention the great acts it brings to town.
Superfly Studios,Fortitude Valley:If you love cutting loose, busting a move or getting your groove on, we reckon you should break out your dancing shoes and head to SuperFly Studios – a brand-new party bar and live-music venue from the Brooklyn Standard and Suzie Wong’s team. Catch funk, soul and rock ‘n’ roll acts from Brisbane and further abroad, with a 500-person capacity meaning some big-name acts could feature on future line-ups.
Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Petrie Terrace: This lively Caxton Street haunt has been kicking out the jams since 2013. The venue’s centre stage is often used to host gigs from a plethora of acts, from blues to rockabilly and beyond. Put on your dancing shoes – this heritage-listed saloon is a great spot to boogie the night away to some rollicking tunes.
The Zoo, Fortitude Valley: Since 1992, The Zoo has been the beating heart of Fortitude Valley’s live-music scene. The venue’s original owners Joc Curran and C. Smith opened the venue with a built-in love of music and the arts, and new owner Pixie Weyand is continuing the legacy. The Zoo has hosted shows from musical luminaries including The Pixies, The Black Keys, Gomez, Tortoise, Mogwai, Nick Cave and the Dirty Three, Ben Harper, Emilaini Torrini, Lorde and many, many more.
Brooklyn Standard, Brisbane City: You’re likely to catch some scintillating live music rocking the stage of Brooklyn Standard on just about anynight of the week. The venue is regarded as one of the best live-music venues in Australia – and it’s easy to see why. Brooklyn Standard often hosts bands performing the likes of funk, soul, rockabilly and monthly jam nights. Local talent is constantly on show –so pencil a visit in next time you want to hear some incredible tunes.
Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley: One can find Black Bear Lodge above Blute’s Bar on Brunswick Street Mall. Frequented by many for its stellar co*cktails and disco dance nights, Black Bear Lodge is also agreat venuewhen you’re in the mood to catch some intimate live music. Often bringing in touring artists from across Australia, Black Bear Lodge is a cosy mid-sized venue that prides itself on great sound, good vibes and a great selection of acts to see every week.
It’s Still A Secret, South Brisbane: If it was a secret before, it’s not anymore. Nestled across from the iconic Paul’s Milk Factory,is this comfy South Brisbane’s abode, which is serving tasty tipples and local tunes from Wednesday to Sunday. Wander into its beer garden for a spell or seek a spot inside, fitted out to deliver an air of familiarity of a cosy night wind-down with friends.
Suzie Wong’sGood Time Bar, Fortitude Valley: Suzie Wong is an enigma – one we are more than happy to unravel. She will have you feeling like you’ve just meandered off the beach andintoa grungy temple of sound and groove. Hawaiian-inspired with a touch of tiki, expect live music bands of nearly every genre. Open five days a week , Suzie Wong is sure to fill your cup.
The Skukum Lounge at Junk Bar, Ashgrove: Speaking of intimate venues, it doesn’t get much more cosy that Junk Bar’s Skukum Lounge. With a 50-patron capacity, the Skukum Lounge is a great hideaway to catch small-scale curated live-music performances from all manner of musicians, from mainstream to experimental. As a bonus, Junk Bar’s co*cktails are top notch – what more could you need?
Doo-Bop Jazz Bar, Brisbane City: If jazz, funk, blues and soul is your bag, then you’ll want to hotfoot it to Doo-Bop Jazz Bar, where you can catch live music several nights a week. You’ll be spoiled for choice across the venue’s basem*nt stage, piano bar and late-night jam events.
The Bearded Lady, West End: Tucked away in the heart of West End’s Boundary Street strip, The Bearded Lady (or The Beardo, as its fans affectionately refer to it as), is a small live music bar where you can catch all sorts of tunes. The front bar hosts soloists, jazz and alt-country bands, while the back room is the spot to see local, interstate and international groups working across all genres.
The Brightside, Fortitude Valley: Cruise through the open-air beer garden and into The Brightside’s interior and you’ll be greeted by one of the most electric live-music atmospheres around. Leaning towards heavy, indie and hip-hop crowds, The Brightside’s gig list often boasts some of the most cutting-edge acts passing through town.
Bad Luck, Fortitude Valley: Bad Luck is the name, live music is the game. This self-professed home of debauchery and live music,this new kid on the block is pouring every day of the week from 7:00 pm to 3:00 am. Don your head-banging attire and then leave it all on the floor with a constant offering of live music favouring the metal, punk and rock assortment.
Honourable mentions: If you’re looking for a live-music spectacle, Brisbane’s biggest venues often host gigs for some of the world’s biggest acts. The Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall, Brisbane Riverstage in The City and Suncorp Stadium often pack out for these world-class events, and are well worth the price of admission if you can score a ticket.If you have an affinity for classic jazz with a martini in hand, we have found you a nook to pin as your new locale. Hidden deep in Brisbane CBD is Brisbane’s best kept secret (we believe so at least) – The Boom Boom Room. A proven crowd-pleaser,The Sound Garden in Fortitude Valleyis perfect for an effortlessly enjoyable night with all elements catered for – delicious eats, ever-pouring drinks and a dynamic range of live music.
The Princess Theatre image shot by Mitch Lowe
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
