Fortitude Music Hall — Attraction in Brisbane City

The Sex Pistols play Brisbane: a review from the mosh pit. Well, despite the prominent signs on either side of the stage that said in large letters "No Moshing. No Body Surfing", I'm afraid both were in copious evidence as the right propa' cockerney, Johnny Rotten replacement 'Mad' Frankie Carter, whipped the crowd up into a frenzy; then invited (or incited) even greater mayhem in a crowd seemingly delirious from the moment the first familiar power chords from Steve Jones' Gibson Les Paul landed. The evening was on the one hand a test of physical endurance (we were in the mosh pit, after all); yet on the other, I couldn't help seeing something somehow reminiscent of a Chas and Dave* gig, but with an added and obligatory, offensive 'effin' attitude'. Whilst Paul Cook was solid on drums, Glen Matlock on bass and Jones on guitar were as loose as the genre expects, but they drove along the rhythm and melody for what turned out to be an elaborate, but enjoyable, karaoke night. As I watched those three old people on stage, I couldn't get the thought out of my head that at some point in the not too distant future, these three original Pistols pensioners will find themselves gathering around a 'joanna', in an old folks home on the South coast, not belting out "Roll Out The Barrel" or "Knees Up Mother Brown", but instead, letting fellow residents know that they are in fact the anti-Christ. As an exercise in theatre, this was excellent entertainment; and all of us left there with a silly, big smile on our face. We were dripping wet, but somehow our spirits had been lifted; no doubt helped by the fact that, outwardly at least, we had survived our group experience in the mosh pit; and undoubtedly, it was a thoroughly worthwhile night. *Factoid: I once recorded Chas and Dave (with Micky Burt on drums) performing a medley of their 'rockney' songs, in The Sun columnist Gary Bushell's back lounge. I liked those two guys very much, and Dave even taught me how to more easily play the Eukele, by utilising standard guitar...

Brilliant! The sound there is fantastic. The owners proudly paid attention to all aspects of what makes a person enjoy watching live music. There are multiple areas for me to find a place to stand where my 5'1" body can securely see the stage if I really want to. I might have to go early-early if I want to see the performers for the entire evening (and not move from my spot). And we all go early these days, so you know what early-early requires. But I have also gone down on the main floor level, and seen a part of the stage for most of the night. The acoustics were wonderful so it didn't matter that I didn't see the performers all night. I instead got to see all the people up above looking blissful, singing along to themselves in a multicoloured hue. I actually do love the various coloured lights on through the evening. Until the Fortitude Valley Hall opened, I had forgotten that light and colour also play a fun part in the live music scene, and I'm here for the VJ that's putting in the effort.

Lining up for merchandise or alcohol isn't inconvenient, there are bars everywhere and the line placements were even thought out properly. Much care was also given to disability access and a decent dedicated spot for our disabled kindred spirits to watch the band from. I'm impressed with the comfort and cleanliness of the toilets, coat checks and the lost and found even. I even have zero complaints regarding the method of how we all file on inwards towards our music destinies and getting our tickets verified. BUT the most outstanding part of the Hall is the calibre of artists and the amazing audio in the concert hall. It's a testament to True Love of sound. The Fortitude Valley Music Hall is definitely improving my quality of life. We have been without a truly Great Space for Music for far too...

Wow! Made my first visit to FMH in order to witness the spectacle/brilliance/magic that is The Dead South.

This venue is stunning; spacious, opulent, extravagant and tastefully stylish. Sia would have loved it, there's ample chandeliers.

There were staff aplenty, and the few that I directly engaged were helpful and friendly.

There are several ways in and out of the venue so that, even with thousands of us attending a sold out show, the flow was seamless and relatively efficient. In truth, the significantly large number of patrons only became apparent once we were stuck in the nearby car park, waiting an hour to get out! Next time, I'll park farther away and walk a little extra.

Even the theatre-styled layout of the venue is excellent. Not being in the mood for an 'up-close-and-personal' experience on the floor, I opted to move to the side along one of the railings. From there, I had a perfect aerial view that was still in close proximity to the stage. All my fellow patrons were pleasant and respectful, so we never felt crowded or uncomfortable.

Last, but definitely not least, there are multiple bars and toilets on both levels of the premises. You can fill up and empty out with the greatest of ease!

Overall, this venue deserves high praise, both for its calibre as a music venue, and for the staff (and Security) that offered professionalism and pleasantries throughout.

I'm not sure when I'll visit FMH again but, rest assured, I'll look forward to it when I do! Keep up the great...