In 2007 a leading US music industry magazine named Brisbane one of the five international music hotspots (along with Beijing, Berlin, Birmingham and Marseille).
Billboard magazine based their claim on the success of artists like Powderfinger, Savage Garden, Pete Murray and The Veronicas, and listed relative newcomers like Andrew Morris, Kate Miller-Heidke, Butterfingers and the Butterfly Effect. The article also cited Brisbane's booming live music scene, based around the inner city entertainment precinct, particularly Fortitude Valley.
Well, Billboard magazine vindicated what lots of us already knew - the best music in the world comes from our own backyard.
Here's our guide to our favourite live music venues in the Valley, where you can not only see national and international touring acts, but also witness our thriving, emerging local musicians too. It’s not an exhaustive list, so if we’ve not included your favourite place to rock out, then let us know by adding a comment below. The only stipulation is it has be a dedicated live music venue that supports and encourages original talent.
The Zoo
711 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
The Zoo opened its doors in December 1992 as a café and pool hall. It's still going strong and is now an integral supporter of local and Australian talent.
Over the years the Zoo has become home to a community of hundreds of developing musicians and visual performance artists. In fact, Zoo staff have often been struggling artists working the bar to make ends meet – members of Powderfinger, Regurgitator, Gota Cola, Toothfaeries, Resin Dogs and Butterfingers have all been on the payroll.
The Zoo's dedication to our local artists is reiterated on their website: "...we hope there will always be a role the Zoo can play in the live music scene in Brisbane... we have tried to develop nights to encourage and promote the younger and newer bands on the scene."
The Troubadour
Level 2, 322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
The Troubadour, which opened its doors in 2003, is a boutique music venue that presents local, interstate and international acts.
With a capacity of 200, it offers a comfortable relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a vast array of quality sonic pleasures for musicians and music lovers alike. The Troubadour also plays host to a wide range of art and multimedia productions as well as screening film and visual presentations.
The Troubadour is open from 8pm to 3am from Tuesday to Sunday.
Ric's Bar
321 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Ric’s is an iconic Brisbane venue that supports original Australian musicians and acts.
It is an intimate music venue with a capacity of just 150 people. That said, 150 people would be a bit of a squeeze, filling all floors of the cosy bar. Ric's offers a variety of musical genres, and has a strong focus on supporting home-grown musical talent.
Ric’s regular events include 'Disco 2000', aimed at learner DJs, held once a month in the upstairs area and 'Harvey Satan's Fightclub' every Friday night in the downstairs area.
Step Inn
186 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
The recently refurbished Step Inn is starting to make its mark on the local live music scene.
It’s the perfect place for an emerging band to play to an audience that appreciates new, unknown talent. So if you like to be the first to experience that unsigned, up-and-coming band, then the Step Inn is the place for you (just don’t go expecting luxurious décor and a fine wine list!).
Barsoma
22 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley
Barsoma is a lounge venue suited to small acoustic acts. Set in an industrial loft-style space softened with luxurious lounges on the mezzanine and comfortable armchairs in the dining area, Barsoma prides itself on its atmosphere of relaxed pleasure and sophisticated recreation of music.
Barsoma is open Thursday through to Saturdays, with regular live musicians. Weekly events include Thursday Night Live with acoustic music performed by local artists, while on Fridays and Saturdays Barsoma presents local DJ acts.
The Tivoli
52 Costin Street, Fortitude Valley
The Tivoli is one of Brisbane’s most diverse venues, hosting a varied assortment of concerts and entertainment, ranging from the hottest local acts to national and international touring music artists and live theatre productions.
Built in 1917 and renovated and restored in 1989 in authentic Art Deco style, The Tivoli is now an elegant, beautiful theatre with a unique charm and ambience.
Arena Entertainment Complex
210 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Arena Entertainment Complex is a popular venue for major and emerging artists. It holds both 18+ gigs as well as gigs for All Ages.
The Arena has managed to make itself vital to the music scene in Brisbane in recent years by playing host to a variety of major Australian and international acts, as well as popular local artists, covering all genres from indie and heavy rock bands through to hip-hop acts and DJs.
The Globe
220 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
The Globe is a combined music venue and cinema theatre, run by a non-profit community organisation dedicated to supporting and showcasing emerging artists, bands and culture.
The Globe’s community entertainment program includes live music bands, DJs, VJs, local film launches and film festivals, cult movies, multi-arts events, burlesque, variety and cabaret shows, fashion parades and launch events.
Empire Hotel
339 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
The Empire Hotel is one of our most established live music venues.
With live musicians and DJs six nights a week, the place has five separate areas to choose from, including the Press Club, Cocktail Lounge, Dance Bar, Moon Bar and Corner Bar. So there are plenty of genres and musical styles to choose from, offering something for everyone.
Check out our gig guide for who's playing where and when.
Tell us about your favourite Fortitude Valley live music venue.
The Globe is such a great venue to go to. Brilliant sound for all different types of bands, and the profection screen can create such an awesome atmosphere.
Gotta love The Step Inn as well. Nothing flash needed, when you have good bands, and pretty good food as well.