20 Iconic Northcote Social Club Sets That Still Get Talked About
As the Northcote Social Club celebrates 20 years, Venue Manager Emily Ferris has reflected the 20 iconic sets that the venue has hosted that are still talked about to this day.
The Vasco Era at the Northcote Social Club (Credit: Supplied)
If you’ve been involved in the Naarm/Melbourne music scene over the last two decades, the chances are close to perfect that you’ve ended up at a show at the Northcote Social Club.
First throwing its doors open back in 2005, the venue swiftly became one of the most beloved locations in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, offering up sets from rising local acts, revered internationals, and a healthy mix of eclectic lineups at every turn.
This year, the Northcote Social Club celebrates its 20th anniversary with their ‘20 Gigs For 20 Years’ concert series.
Kicking off on June 30th with a Social Sanctuary event featuring Owelu Dreamhouse, Cong Josie and The Hell Racers, and more, the next two months will feature a stellar lineup of favourites.
From Kingswood to Gut Health, and Nai Palm to Augie March, punters will be able to catch Darren Hanlon, Alice Ivy, Maple Glider, Jordie Lane, Jazzparty, and much, much more.
There's also a Poison City Records party with Flyying Colours, Chimers, Screensaver, and more on the bill, and a PBS party featuring Night Terrors, Claire Birchall, Vacuum, and more.
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But with so much upcoming for the Northcote Social Club, what about the past? What about those stellar shows that have become part of musical history and become ingrained within the collective memories of those who were there and experienced them first hand?
Well, with the 20th anniversary celebrations ready to kick off next month, we spoke to Northcote Social Club Venue Manager Emily Ferris about the 20 iconic sets that the venue has hosted that are still talked about to this day.
2005 – Augie March
Headlined the opening nights at Northcote Social Club – both completely sold out. The first of many big moments in Northcote Social Club history.
2006 – Paul Kelly in Stardust 5
A short-lived but legendary surf rock supergroup featuring Paul Kelly, Peter ‘Lucky’ Luscombe, Bill McDonald, Dan Kelly, and Dan Luscombe.
2007 – Pixies
A secret show that maxed out the room, and a deck full of people trying to catch a glimpse! We opened the band room curtain window so they could. Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker was spotted in the crowd. One for the ages!
2007 & 2014 – Archie Roach
Every time Archie played, you laughed, you cried, you felt part of something really special.
2008 – Eddy Current Suppression Ring (triple j Breakfast show live)
Electrifying early-morning energy live on triple j Breakfast (from 6am!)
2009 – Jordie Lane (Debut album launch)
Jordie is one of the artists to have played the NSC the most times, and he keeps coming back. Still filling the room all these years later.
2012 – Future Islands
A sweaty, soulful, high-voltage set that still gets brought up in hushed, reverent tones.
2012 – Lady Gaga
Didn’t play, but threw an off-the-wall End Of Tour party in the bandroom. Rumours still swirl.
2012 – John C. Reilly
Yes, that John C. Reilly. The Step Brothers star picked up a guitar and brought the house down with his bluegrass band. No joke.
2013 – King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
The Float Along, Fill Your Lungs tour got so wild fans ended up dancing on stage. Chaos, in the best way.
2013 – Vance Joy
Four sold-out shows before he made the leap to arenas. A moment just before the meteoric rise.
2014 – The 1975
They packed out our 300-cap room. Now? Madison Square Garden and headlining Glastonbury.
2015 – Benjamin Booker
Rolled around on stage with his guitar like a man possessed. Didn’t miss a single note.
2015, 2017 & 2019 – Justin Townes Earle
A regular and a favourite. Justin Townes Earle was a brilliant storyteller with a gift for stage banter/crowd heckling.
2016 – Dua Lipa
Before the world tours and festival headlines, she played an intimate set here that felt like a secret.
2016 – Kid Congo
Massive energy and presence crammed into our little bandroom. Totally unforgettable.
2018 – G Flip
Four sold-out shows at the NSC. Now she's on to Rod Laver. We knew she had it.
2022 – Cedric Burnside
Blew everyone away at his show here, then went and won a Grammy for I Be Trying. Coincidence?
2022 – Milk Records 10th Anniversary
Three sold-out nights celebrating one of our favourite indie labels. Courtney Barnett poured beers here in 2012 and has played here countless times.
2023 – Built To Spill
It was an absolute blast to host indie rock royalty for four sold out nights during The Eighty-Six Festival!
Tickets to all of the ‘20 Gigs For 20 Years’ shows are on sale now via the Northcote Social Club website.
Northcote Social Club – 20 Gigs For 20 Years
June 30th – Social Sanctuary with Owelu Dreamhouse, Cong Josie and The Hell Racers + more
July 4th – Joey Lightbulb & Friends
July 6th – Kingswood
July 13th – Gut Health (All Ages Matinee)
July 18th – Collective Artists Label Party
July 20th – Peter Combe
July 25th – Augie March
July 26th – Deans Of Soul
July 27th – Darren Hanlon
August 1st – Nai Palm
August 9th – Big Noter
August 10th – Alice Ivy
August 16th – Jordie Lane (Matinee & Evening shows)
August 17th – Poison City Records Party feat. Flyying Colours, Chimers, Screensaver + more
August 22nd – Maple Glider
August 23rd – Jazzparty
August 28th – PBS Party feat. Night Terrors, Claire Birchall, Vacuum + more
August 29th – Closing Party with special guests
This piece of content has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body
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