For the last few weeks, we have been turning the spotlight on some of Australia’s most loved live music venues. In just that short time, it was announced that the Zoo in Brisbane will be closing after 32 years of gigs, and we’ve seen thousands march against plans to turn Adelaide’s 171-year-old Crown and Anchor, AKA Cranker, into student accommodation.

When we asked you to share your favourite Australian live music venues, almost 300 of you came back with decades of memories from hallowed beer-stained halls up and down the country. Here are some of your choices.

The Enmore, Sydney: I’ve been going to the Enmore since 1962 as a child when I used to go to Saturday matinees with friends. I’ve been to many concerts there, from Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens to a superb Marianne Faithfull gig. But the best would have to be the Rolling Stones.

I wasn’t able to get one of those limited tickets that were sold within minutes. On the day I left work early and went to the Enmore in the hope of buying a “cheap” ticket from a scalper or someone who had a spare. I was approached by some scalpers but I wasn’t prepared to pay the prices I was being quoted – from $100 to $1,000. I watched other people pay in the hundreds – there was one fellow from the US who said he’d travelled specifically to Sydney to see the Stones play at a small venue and he paid a lot for his ticket.

As the hours went by, I was getting worried about whether I’d be able to land one and was starting to regret not snapping one up. Rumours were going around that Angus Young would be jamming with them. Then suddenly they announced at the ticket window they were going to sell a few tickets! Being just a few metres away I got there in a flash and got one for about $69.

The place was jam-packed. Everyone was sweating as it was a very hot day and with so many people in there the temperature went up to 40C plus. The Stones came on and launched into a ball-breaking version of the Midnight Rambler. Being able to see the band members and backup singers so close was magic.

Later in the concert, out came both Angus and Malcolm Young to play on a blues standard Rock Me Baby. When they came out the bloke standing next to me said: “I used to play with them …” It was Mark Evans. I still consider it as one of the greatest nights of rock’n’roll. – Con, NSW

The Princess theatre, Brisbane: The Tivoli and the Triffid are great and I’ve seen a lot of fantastic acts there but the Princess theatre is like nothing else. Every show I’ve been to has been absolutely amazing and the atmosphere is unbelievable. Seeing Lucy Dacus there is the absolutely high point of my gig-going life. Still looking for a place like it since moving to Sydney! – Tom, Sydney

Thebarton theatre, Adelaide: I saw Iron Maiden there in 19ticketysix – not sure what year but we downed a goon between three of us and got into it. The place is still going hard and it is a fantastic old building. There’s also the Bridgeway hotel in Pooraka that had live music for a long time, we saw Motorhead, Canned Heat, Rose Tattoo, Matt Taylor – it wasn’t a good night down there if the police hadn’t been called. They were the after-show entertainment. – David, Adelaide

The Thebbie is a classic – and the couches in the dress circle are still there so you can get the full GA mosh experience or sit back in comfort with the view. I remember seeing Nick Cave drink bottle after bottle of red wine there, as well as watching Bon Iver wow with his incredible set design, and also have every cell in my body shake when Mogwai came to town. I’ve also got memories of nearly expiring with laughter at shows by Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey; Thebby does it all. – Will, Adelaide

The Forum, Melbourne: I’ve seen the Dead Weather, Camp Cope, Sarah Blasko and so many others. One of the best gigs was the Alabama Shakes just after they released their first album. Brittany Howard was so into her guitar solo that her glasses flew off her face and across the stage! – Lynda, Melbourne

Although I’m currently working at Sydney Opera House, I’m still voting for The Forum due to its excellent post-reno layout. Bars are all accessible and set up well for large volumes of humans. Seated and standing never conflict, it’s absolutely stunning with the mosaic floor and beautiful arches and the sound is amazing. It has got to be the best live performance venue in the country! (Sydney Opera House is a close second obviously! Hahaha) – Conor, Manly

The Tivoli, Brisbane: The Tivoli holds a special place in my heart. From walking through the foyer and seeing my musical idols, the Fun Loving Criminals, having a drink right at the bar and sheepishly not trying to all out fan-mob them, to having an almost religious experience in the middle of the floor at a CW Stoneking show, to hustling my dad side-stage to watch his idol, Bob Dylan, for a song before being returned to general admission. The best memory comes after seeing the Counting Crows belting out Mr Jones with my then girlfriend, and her turning to me in between Sha-La-La-Las to say, “We should get married here.” Two years later, we did. I still remember those, some still with us others now gone, making their own mark on the wooden dancefloor. – Ryan, Brisbane

The Corner hotel, Richmond: I’ve seen some of the best gigs ever at this legendary venue: Tindersticks, Wire, Gang of Four, Low, Hot Chip, Michael Rother, Dry Cleaning, Tortoise, Gang Gang Dance, Mogwai, Pop Group, Ariel Pink, Black Cab, Wooden Shjips, Machine Translation, Severed Heads, Scattered Order, Underground Lovers, Mouse On Mars …. What more can I say? – anonymous, Melbourne

Metro theatre, Sydney: I love that The Metro always finds the vibe. A large enough space for 1,000 music fans to come together. Small enough that you feel like you’re part of something special. The mosh, the tiered levels, I’ve never had a bad spot. Artists that graduated from pubs and bars, artists that moved on to arenas. Favourites would be Frightened Rabbit, John Mayer, Black Eyed Peas, Ingrid Michaelson and Maisie Peters. – Nancy, Sydney

Theatre Royal, Castlemaine: I have absolutely no idea why, but in the town of Castlemaine we have a lovely little old venue that attracts the absolute cream of music talent. It might be a bit rough around the edges but somehow it’s a compulsory stop for every artist. I’ve gotten to see some of my fave artists here in my sleepy little town, and I reckon the Royal is the reason why. – Matt, Castlemaine

Theatre Royal, Hobart: The Theatre is a national treasure. Opened in 1837, it’s a glorious Georgian delight that’s hosted all manner of entertainment over the years.
It was completed restored in the 80s following a fire, and even has its own resident ghost, Frank. It includes a deep, wide stage, a ceiling painted with famous composers above a grand chandelier, stalls, a dress circle and a gallery which reeks of the plebeian classes of old Hobart Town, complete with thin seating on hard wood, backed by hard wooden frames. Meanwhile, the “royal boxes” in the dress circle hover over the stage for a touch of mid-19th century grandeur … and social hierarchical insights. – Adam, Hobart

Selinas at Coogee, Sydney: Saw some great bands back in the day. Remember finishing work on a Friday, jumping in whatever car was going in that direction and rocking out till close. I lived on the Central Coast so getting home was always a mission. – anonymous, Brisbane

The Triple R Performance Space, Melbourne: Easily the best sounding room in all of Melbourne. A very, very well kept secret, but once you see a gig in the 200 pax room, it’s hard to go back. – anonymous, Melbourne

The Baso, Canberra: I have great memories within the venue. One the most memorable shows was Honest Crooks in 2018 … big shout out to Mik Bergesen (current owner) and Lance Fox (previous owner) for keeping this place afloat throughout the pandemic, Cal, the Marks, Dan, David, Jasper and Joel (if i miss all your names I am terribly sorry). – Clayton, Canberra

Riverstage, Brisbane: I’ve seen countless gigs there, always a beautifully sweaty affair with the breeze coming off Maiwar and the birds and possums in the gums around. Suits the climate perfectly. – Anonymous, Meanjin

The Semaphore Workers Club, Semaphore: The Semaphore Workers Club has history as Adelaide’s premier blues venue. With a devoted local contingent the outside area enjoys incredible views over the ocean while inside communist prop art and a mural celebrating the lives of the local First Nation’s mob, the Kaurna, overhangs the billiard sized pool tables that are still free to play. Rich with atmosphere and great characters all around the club. – Paul, Largs Bay

Murray Delta Juke Joint, Goolwa: This is a custom built music venue in Goolwa, a small riverside town on the Fleurieu Peninsula. I frequent many great music venues throughout SA but The Murray Delta Juke Joint is by far my favourite venue due the atmosphere, the incredible sound, and it being a small venue so it has a very intimate feeling. It’s definitely my very happy place to be – Alison, Hackham West

The Crown & Anchor (AKA Cranker), Adelaide: I fell in love in this pub, danced the night away to live music in my Doc Martens here, formed lifelong friendships. It was and is part of the fabric of our city. I hope it will be there for the next generation to lose themselves and find themselves in the beat of new bands, sticky beer mats and search for self. A cultural icon. – Kara, Adelaide

I moved away from Adelaide in 2002 after finishing university. But every time I go back, I visit the Cranker. Just last August I took my American husband and our kids to the Cranker to show them where “I grew up”. I am devastated to hear this venue is in danger of being developed into student accommodation. It is a lovely venue that holds cherished memories for so many people. I’m following the news from afar and hoping I can make little contributions to ensure I can continue to visit My Home whenever I’m in Adelaide. – Laura, Bangkok