Sydney's Top 10 Music Venues
Brooke Salisbury samples ten of the finest temples of Rock found in Sin City. One-two-three-four!
1 The Enmore
Big acts, local and OS
The Enmore has an old-world
feel and offers a nice alternative to a trek into the city. There's
seating, a mezzanine, parking and it's played host to some killer bands
over the years - Modest Mouse to Wilco to Divinyls to Queens of the
Stone Age - while providing killer comedy too. And when the show's
over, spill onto Enmore Road for dinner and a drink.
Book now Death
Cab For Cutie follow up the release of their acclaimed Narrow Stairs
album with a live show on Mon 18 Aug - grab tickets while you still
can.
The Enmore, 118-132 Enmore Road, Newtown 2042. (02 9550 3666)
2 The Metro
Touring bands, local and OS
This baby's got all bases covered. Good sound? Check. Decent amenities? Check. A bar from which you can see the stage? Check. Another bar? Check. Since the early 90s, The Metro has been showcasing a splashing of all ages gigs while presenting a myriad of musical genres across every night of the week. Bravo!
This week only US punk lovers, rejoice: Strung Out and No Use For A Name team up on Wed 16 July.
The Metro, 624 George St, Sydney 2000. (02 9550 3666)
3 The Annandale
House of rock
Undisputed home of Sydney rock‘n'roll, the ‘Dale combines the intimacy of a small-scale show with the electricity of the world's best performers. Owners Matt and Dan Rule host all varieties of pop, hip hop and acoustic shows. Some might say the only downfall is the plastic cups, but we know - it's for our safety.
Don't miss Snowman brings the darkly artsy blues-rock all the way from Perth for two nights, Fri 18 and Sat 19 July.
The Annandale Hotel, 17 Parramatta Road, Annandale 2038. (02 9550 1078)
4 The Hopetoun
Indie heaven
The Hoey never fails to deliver the local goods. Located on the cultural cusp of Surry Hills, it houses an enjoyably intimate crowd and has a great little in-house tapas restaurant, Rider. You'll catch the best of Sydney's best on The Hoey stage, before and after they make the big time.
Don't miss this week US duo Beach House play their first ever Sydney show on Wed 20 Aug; and their sweetly melodic sounds should be pretty much perfect for the room.
The Hopetoun, 416 Bourke St, Surry Hills 2010. (02 9361 5257)
5 The Hordern
You know you've made it
The Hordern does the job when it comes to bigger audiences. Ample seating wraps around the huge standing area - it's just damn spacious. There are plenty of amenities, the sound suits big gigs and it's easy to get to. Catch a pre-drink at the Fox & Lion and grab a cab home with ease. What more could you ask for?
Book if you still can Sigur Ros will be bringing their ethereal sounds on Sat 2 Aug, since they're already in the country for Splendour In The Grass. Or catch fellow SITG headliners Devo there the night before.
The Hordern Pavilion, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park 2021. (02 9383 4000)
6 The Forum
Rock, roots, reggae?
One of the better additions to Sydney's venue circuit in recent times, The Forum has great sound, a great set up and a great vibe. The graduating standing area is a clever touch - finally short people can enjoy a concert, and power to them.
Don't miss UK grime heroes Hadouken! are making their first ever visit to our shores on Wed 6 Aug: be there while they're still all zeitgeisty!
The Forum, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park 2021. (02 9383 4000)
7 Oxford Art Factory
Tew kewl for skewl
OAF bridges the gap between hang out and venue in style. The two rooms host socialites and punters, divided by a drawing room and two bars. It's well decorated and interesting, and the lighting's great. The bill brings in obscure hip hop acts and mainstream pop alike. Additionally, it gives scenesters somewhere to go after they get a new haircut: priceless.
This week only Something For Kate play their one and only Sydney show on Sat 19 July before Paul Dempsey goes back to concentrating on his solo album. Miss it at your peril!
Oxford Art Factory, 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst 2010. (02 9332 3711)
8 The Beach Road Hotel
Where the Rock meets the sand
The Beach Road serves all the eastern suburbs' indie needs. It comes to life of a Sunday night with free bands, DJs and hoards of punters who just aren't ready to give up the weekend. Dancing, drinking (and a little chin stroking) lead you back into the working week in style.
Don't miss: It'll be more beats than you can handle on Fri 18 July when Duist Tones pits former Avalanches turntablist Dexter against Percussion Junction, Mark Walton, The Swat DJs and Bentley
The Beach Road Hotel, 71 Beach Road, Bondi 2026. (02 9130 7247)
9 The Gaelic
OS and local acts
There's something about The Gaelic on a good night - packed to the rafters with crowds spilling over the stalls cheering, drinking and singing. Shows are intimate and the venue has a worn, very live feel. From rock to drum'n'bass, you'll see your favourite bands and find a new one too.
Buy a ticket right now for Albert Hammond Jr - yes, him out of The Strokes - is coming in support of his second solo album on Fri 1 Aug.
The Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills 2010. (02 9211 1687)
10 The Basement
All class
This one's for all the blues and funk fans out there. The dark but classy Basement hosts a great live performance. No matter where you're standing you can hear the music, see the band and reach the bar. A great musical experience, be it jazz, blues or rock.
Get ready for James Morrison as he steps into his second home on Fri 25 July for a night of trumpet-wielding jazz and good good times.
The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay 2000. (02 9252 3007)