Melbourne’s classic pubs, historic theatres, and basement bars offer more than just beer, Broadway, and Bloody Marys – they also feature some of the city’s best live music. You cannot visit Melbourne without spending a night squeezing into a packed independent venue to catch a raucous set by big-name international acts and local ‘next big thing’ bands.
History of Melbourne’s Music Scene
Melbourne’s music scene boasts a rich and varied history, with some of Australia’s best-known musicians emerging from band venues across town. The late 1970s saw punk rock grace the city with acts like The Boys Next Door featuring Nick Cave, Rowland S Howard, and Mick Harvey, who evolved into The Birthday Party.
The 1980s brought classic ‘pub rock’ to the forefront, highlighted by bands and musicians such as Hunters and Collectors and Paul Kelly. However, the 1990s and 2000s saw the punk/grunge era take hold, featuring the likes of Magic Dirt, The Meanies, The Cosmic Psychos, and The Dirty Three.
Currently, some of Melbourne’s best local bands to keep an eye on include Ausmuteants, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, The Twerps, and The Smith Street Band.
Best Neighborhoods to See Live Music
City Centre
It doesn’t get more authentically Melbourne than at the legendary Cherry Bar, situated in a black-walled basement down a gritty laneway named after rock icons AC/DC. This venue is known for late-night shenanigans and has welcomed past gigs from music heavyweights like the Melvins and New York Dolls.
From Cherry’s divey atmosphere to the historic Forum Theatre, both venues share the ability to host incredible live music. Located on Flinders St opposite Federation Square, this lavish Moorish-style theatre built in 1929 features performances beneath its stunning dome ceiling.
Slide into an art deco train carriage at the Toff in Town for a range of live shows from local indie bands to cabaret performances and intimate acoustic sets.
170 Russell, formerly known as Billboard, is another great choice for both quality local and international touring bands. Meanwhile, the band room at the John Curtin Hotel offers a delightful insight into the local indie and punk scenes.
Inner East
A short hop from the city centre, the inner-east neighborhood of Richmond is home to the long-standing favorite pub, the Corner Hotel. The new rooftop bar pleases crowds, while the front bar retains a classic Aussie pub vibe adorned with band posters, and the band room has been a gathering place for music lovers for years. Past acts here include Crowded House, the White Stripes, and Courtney Barnett.
Inner North
It’s no surprise that the city’s inner north areas of Collingwood, Fitzroy, Brunswick, and Northcote have a high concentration of exceptional pubs and band venues, making them some of Melbourne’s trendiest neighborhoods. You’ll discover centuries-old pubs offering some of the best local live music in their bandrooms.
Collingwood’s The Tote has remained an unrivaled rock institution since the 80s, where shoes have been sticking to the carpet as patrons enjoy legendary performances from acts like the Drones and Silverchair. Up the road is the Bendigo Hotel, presenting a more metal-oriented atmosphere yet equally grungy.
Travel further down Smith St to reach Collingwood’s Gasometer Hotel, a unique venue featuring a retractable roof in its band room for open-air gigs. It’s a prime spot to catch the latest local ‘It’ bands alongside big-name indie shows.
Continuing north, you’ll reach vibrant Northcote, home to the Northcote Social Club with a fantastic lineup of gigs. If you venture even further, Thornbury offers intimate performances at the Thornbury Theatre and larger acts at Croxton Park.
Other notable Northside spots include the cozy Old Bar in Fitzroy and Brunswick’s Howler.
Southside
The breezy bayside town of St Kilda hosts the vibrant history of live music from the 70s and 80s, featuring bands like The Birthday Party and INXS, who once graced the stage at the famous Crystal Ballroom.
To catch live music in St Kilda today, check out Memo Music Hall, a former dance hall behind the St Kilda RSL; the stunning Palais Theatre for well-known acts; or The Prince Bandroom above the iconic Prince of Wales pub.
One beloved music institution, The Esplanade Hotel (The Espy), closed in 2016 but there are plans for its reopening – fingers crossed.
West
While there are fewer band venues in the west, don’t miss the short trek from the city to catch a local or international band at the Reverence Hotel in Footscray, which tends to lean towards punk and metal with the occasional indie band.
Top Music Festivals in and Around Melbourne
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Melbourne (February): A riverside festival showcasing the latest indie bands from around the world, featuring past acts like Feist and Tame Impala.
Golden Plains, Meredith (March): This festival held on a farm over the weekend offers an excellent lineup of local and international big-name bands, with a touch of nostalgia.
River Rocks, Geelong (November): Showcasing the best of local punk/garage bands in a legendary Geelong pub, about an hour from Melbourne.
Meredith Music Festival, Meredith (December): This festival features a weekend of camping and music in a natural amphitheater.
Falls Festival, Lorne (December): A multi-day festival held over New Year’s Eve on the coast, showcasing past acts like Blondie and Arctic Monkeys.
