One of the best feelings in the world is going travelling and stumbling across a great live music venue and discovering a hypnotising local band or getting lost in the mosh pit of a larger venue and making best friends with your fellow sweaty moshers. But sometimes, the travel gods don’t shine so favourably on wandering souls. To save those lost souls, AU Reviewers up and down the east coast, and Adelaide, of course, have made a list of their top five venues in each city to check out whilst travelling around this great big dusty country of ours. Without further ado and in alphabetical order so no one feels slighted, kicking this off for the southern states, here are the top 5 venues for Melbourne.
5. The Great Britain Hotel
‘Always free entry, always quality acts.’ – Cam Ewart
Where is it?
447 Church St, Richmond
Website: www.greatbritainhotel.com.au
Upcoming Shows:
The Solicitors, The D Grade and Salad Days
4. Northcote Social Club
‘The staff, the vibe, the sound and the space (no pesky pillars obstructing your view!). You can drop in almost any night of the week to see talented locals grace the bandroom, and keeping an eye on the gig guide it’s a great place to see some great international artists on tour. And it almost always attracts a laid-back crowd. Northcote Social Club also offers delicious food in the courtyard next door, which is worth taking advantage of pre or post-show!’ – Josie Smart
Where is it?
301 High St, Northcote
Website: www.northcotesocialclub.com
Upcoming Shows:
Twerps, Gung Ho and Oh Mercy.
3. The Espy
‘Awesome venue, great crowds, many rooms, variety of music – just wish they’d lower alcohol prices as very expensive.’ – Lyn Harder
Where is it?
11 The Esplanade, St Kilda
Website: www.espy.com.au
Upcoming Shows:
DJ Woody, Blood Line and Ordinance.
2. The Corner Hotel
‘The Corner in Richmond is my favourite venue to see the big, international artists. Despite the fact that it fits loads more people than many other venues, and is pretty much always packed, it always retains its intimate feel. My only complaint is the placement of the huge pillars – I always find myself stuck behind them with no means of escape…’ – Josie Smart
Where is it?
57 Swan St, Richmond
Website: www.cornerhotel.com
Upcoming Shows:
Frightened Rabbit, Emma Louise and Funeral for a Friend.
1. The Forum
‘The stage, the feel, the roof!’ – Cam Ewart
Where is it?
154 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Website: www.forummelbourne.com.au
Upcoming Shows:
The Ruebens, Seth Sentry and You Am I
