New music venues: Geddes Lane Ballroom for Melbourne; Rock Rover in Fremantle

Melbourne and Fremantle get new spaces for bands to play in.

A 400-capacity room called Geddes Lane Ballroom is about to open its doors (date to be announced), courtesy chef Shannon Bennett and builder Lorenz Grollo.

It’s on the infamous King Street precinct, on the site of the old strip club Showgirls Bar 20 and the nightclub Grainstore Tavern before that.

It will be booked by Ben Thompson and Ashlea O’Loughlin (The Venue Collective, 170 Russell, East Brunswick Club) and will cover all kinds of genres.

Thompson says “It’s been a hidden gem, centrally located, close to trains and trams and a big car park with a fantastic tried-and-tested band room.

“We're doing some acoustic treatments, putting in a world-class PA and cleaning the place up. Live music fans will love it.”

Thompson says it will provide an option after the closure of smaller rooms as Ding Dong Lounge and Shebeen, and hopes it’ll encourage live music patrons to come back into the city again.

Bookings and further info at bookings@geddeslaneballroom.com

Geddes Lane, through which patrons enter, will also be spruced up with food vans, projections, street art and rotating pop-up events.

Fremantle’s new 600-room Rock Rover, which opened earlier this month, is situated at the South Fremantle Football Club, corner of William St and Parry St.

It is a collaboration with promoter Cool Perth Nights who’ve long booked the smaller Rosemount Hotel, Mojo’s Bar, Oceans 6109, The Claremont and HQ.

Andrew Ryan, its director and programs the venues with Ashlyn Koh, says the format is a diversity of styles and inclusive of all tribes.

Ryan says, “A rover changes direction fast. A rover is unpredictable. A rover is charming despite its muddy knees.

“A rover knows how to party. From producers to rockers, comedians to dancers, rappers to balladeers - everyone gets a guernsey at Rock Rover.”