You won’t find a better live music scene than Melbourne’s, considered to be Australia’s live music capital!
Melbourne hosts live music every night of the week in the local pubs, jazz basements, the larger arenas or stadiums. Some of the biggest acts come to Melbourne to perform sold out shows, drawing enthusiastic crowds.
Melbourne has iconic venues scattered throughout the city. But with too many to name, here are some of the most popular ones.
Stadiums
Some of the world’s biggest acts perform in Melbourne’s stadiums. Stadium shows take place during summer, outside of the footy (AFL) season, and around the cricket.
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Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Known as ‘the G’ to locals, MCG is one of the world’s largest stadiums, holding just over 100,000 people. The biggest names in the music industry have performed here like Taylor Swift, Guns N’ Roses, and Eminem. Ed Sheeran also currently holds the largest crowd at MCG and his career with 109,500 fans.
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Docklands Stadium
Docklands Stadium, currently known as Marvel Stadium, is the city’s only stadium with a retractable roof. Artists like Harry Styles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Coldplay have graced its stage over the years.
Arenas
Arenas serve as a middle ground for artists who are too big for smaller venues but not quite ready for stadiums.
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Rod Laver Arena
Named after tennis great Rod Laver, this arena transforms into a music venue outside of the Australian Open. It has hosted numerous shows over the years, with artists such as One Direction, Pink, and Dua Lipa.
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Margaret Court Arena
Named after another tennis legend, Margaret Court Arena accommodates about 7500 fans and is next to Rod Laver Arena. Artists like Niall Horan, Bob Dylan, and Hilltop Hoods have performed here.
Smaller venues
Smaller, intimate venues often provide the best experiences for fans, offering closeness to the performer.
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Forum Melbourne
Located on the corner of Flinders Street and Russell Street, the iconic Forum Melbourne opened in 1929 and is a heritage-listed site. With its Moorish Revival exterior and atmospheric interior, it’s a must-see venue. With local and international artists performing here, over the years the venue has seen artists such as G Flip, The Vamps, and Bon Iver.
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Festival Hall
Festival Hall is a historic venue holding up to 5500 fans. Once known as the House of Rock and Roll, the venue has hosted some of the biggest names including The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Nirvana.
Whether you’re interested in local bands or global superstars, Melbourne is always hosting a show across its diverse venues. Be sure to purchase tickets only from official retailers and avoid secondhand resale websites.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.