From the archives: This post is from our original site, MyCityLife back on 27 November 2014
The live music scene in Brisbane is experiencing a boom at the moment, and anyone getting out and going to gigs would agree that it doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon, with shows packing out at places like The Tivoli, The Hi Fi and The Zoo. Arriving at the perfect time to take full advantage of this boom is The Triffid. Taking root in an old WWll hangar in the industrial heart of Newstead, The Triffid is the brainchild of former Powderfinger bassist John Collins, hospitality identity Brett McCall and music industry heavyweights Paul Pittico and Jessica Ducrou.
The Triffid aims to provide an artist-friendly concert space with the emphasis on sound quality. John has used his 25 years experience of touring with Powderfinger to create a space enjoyed by both the crowd and performers alike whilst maximising a band’s sound. “It was really important to me to build a venue that was not only somewhere that punters looked forward to going to,” John writes from the website, “but a space that bands enjoy playing at as well. I know the importance of having a room that sounds good, and that has been a major focus.”
With a capacity of 800 people, The Triffid is smaller than other venues though large enough for big shows without sacrificing intimacy. It’s a point of difference, but that’s not to take away anything from what other venues offer. More variety gives more bands more opportunities to perform in different spaces, and for a burgeoning local scene that can only be a good thing. The icing on top of the cake is the 490sqm beer garden, dotted with shipping containers serving up food and beverages including The Triffid’s own custom made house ale. Entry to the beer garden is free with or without a ticket to a show.
There’s another element of mystery to add to the mix. With Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival co-producers Paul Pittico and Jessica Ducrou on the team, things just might heat up annually around July and New Years with artist bookings as those festivals roll around. Let’s think sideshows here. It’ll definitely be interesting to see if anything eventuates. Maybe Splendour sideshow conspiracy theorists should watch this space.
Having opened it’s doors in late October, there’s already a solid run of bookings right up until February, including Bernard Fanning and Paul Dempsey – both of which are already sold out. The roster is still peppered with other talent such as The Delta Riggs, Stonefield and The Trouble With Templeton, so it looks like there’ll be no shortage of action over the summer months.
The Triffid
7 – 9 Stratton Street, Newstead
