Do you like
music? How about beer? No? You live in a convent? Then you best look away because
the following collection of words will have a little everything to do
with music and beer.
Whether you’re a
live music devotee or you’re just an average Joe who feels the need to consume
alcohol at a rapid pace in a dimly lit location, the world renowned nightlife
of Melbourne can cater to your every need. Now that you’ve deciphered that you’re
in the mood to enjoy a live band or harshly evaluate a live band, the question
on your mind would be where you can do so. That’s where I come in.
The northern suburbs
of Fitzroy and Collingwood have a very active live music scene that can start
as early in the week as Tuesday and ride through until the early hours of
Monday morning. Venues worth checking out in that area that takes great pride
in the ancient art of ear pummelling include The Barleycorn Hotel, The Bendigo Hotel, The Evelyn, The Gasometer Hotel, The LuWow, The Old Bar, The Tote, Yah Yah's and The Yarra Hotel. These venues will even prepare you some grub if you
ask the staff nicely enough.
Sydney Road in
Brunswick has several live music institutions that aren’t too shabby; these not
too shabby venues include The Brunswick Hotel, The Cornish Arms, The Penny Black and The Retreat.
If like myself
you live within the Glen Eira region, fear not, for there are local venues for
you too old chum. The Lyrebird Lounge in Ripponlea and Pure Pop Records in St
Kilda are the standout places. Both have beer gardens that make you feel like
you’re in a friend’s backyard, a happy-go-lucky atmosphere and great
tunes spinning when you’re not being entertained by a local band. It’s probably
worth mentioning that the bar prices are quite reasonable.
Out west you
have the likes of The Dancing Dog and The Reverence Hotel both residing in the
hustle and bustle of Footscray.
One of the best
on-going weekly nights in the CBD is Cherry Bar’s Soul in the Basement. It would take a solemn
effort to not have a good time with the likes of ten piece bands performing
early in the evening then drinking and dancing to the nostalgic music of the
soul era delivered to you by some of the best DJ’s Melbourne has to offer.
My personal
favourite lived on Lt Collins Street in a whimsical time where you could involve
yourself in an impromptu 2am gig but alas, Pony has closed its doors for good. It
has now reopened under the name “Boney”
but it lacks the same charm and the ambiance. Rambunctious rock music has been
replaced with repetitive dance music and the floors aren’t sticky enough to
hold you upright for when you lose your basic motor skills.
The grand
supreme ruler of the Melbourne live music scene would have to be Public Bar. Of
course, PB has demolished $1 pots and $4 jugs on Monday nights but it can offer you some of the best
Melbourne based bands playing every week, cheap drinks, splendid food, pool, arcade games and a weekly trivia night.
I suggest you
take it upon yourself to explore this great city you live in and visit several
of these venues this weekend. When you discover you love them, and you will, keep
going back. Without loyal punters venues like these will cease to exist.
By Sid Shaw
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