Brisbane live music Archives - Fortitude Valley News

Riverstage Upgrade Plans in Brisbane CBD Move Forward

Riverstage in Brisbane CBD is set for a multimillion-dollar upgrade, with private operators invited from 22 September 2025 to invest under a long-term lease arrangement.

Background and Context

Riverstage, located behind the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, opened in 1989 as part of Brisbane’s cultural legacy following Expo ’88. It has since hosted leading local and international performers including Powderfinger, Lorde, Benson Boone and Teddy Swims. In the past financial year, 38 events drew about 245,000 attendees.

Riverstage upgrade — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Planned Upgrade

Council confirmed on 2 September 2025 that an expression of interest campaign will open on 22 September 2025. The process will seek proposals from experienced operators to deliver significant investment in Riverstage. The venue will remain in public ownership while being leased to a private partner for operation.

Planned upgrades include new and improved facilities and advanced sound management systems designed to address noise impacts. The upgrade is being positioned as part of Brisbane’s preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when the city will require more world-class venues.

Industry Interest

Construction leader Scott Hutchinson, who helped develop Fortitude Music Hall, has expressed interest in taking on the project. Earlier this year, he suggested a $50 million investment could deliver a roof over the stage area, soundproofing to minimise noise reaching surrounding areas, and a cover for around 3,000 people at the front of the venue. He also raised issues such as resident noise complaints and ticket resellers using bots to secure large portions of tickets, leading to quick sell-outs for major acts.

Riverstage Brisbane — *Photo Credi: Google Maps*

Public-Private Model

The funding approach follows a model in which private investment is exchanged for a long-term lease. This arrangement has been promoted as a way of upgrading facilities without direct cost to residents, while allowing public funds to focus on transport, parks and road projects.

Community and Cultural Impact

Industry organisations have welcomed the upgrade. Economic and cultural leaders said it would attract international acts, create more opportunities for local performers, and strengthen Brisbane’s standing as an events destination. They noted Riverstage’s role as a lasting cultural venue since Expo ’88 and emphasised that investment is needed to make it more accessible and suitable year-round.

Looking Ahead

By 2032, Brisbane is expected to have both a new indoor arena at the Gabba and an upgraded Riverstage, enhancing the city’s capacity to host large-scale entertainment and cultural events. The outcome of the expressions of interest process later this year will determine the future operator and the scope of the redevelopment.

Published 13-Sep-2025

Night-Life Commissioner Eyes Changes to Revive Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: The Triffid/Facebook

Live music once defined the vibrant night life in Fortitude Valley, but today, its venues face rising costs and empty dance floors. With fewer people heading out, venue owners fear for the future of Brisbane’s entertainment hub.

Brisbane Night-Life Economy Commissioner, John “J.C.” Collins, has been meeting with stakeholders to discuss solutions, including potential subsidies, extended trading hours, and reduced licensing fees for live music venues. Drawing inspiration from New South Wales’ recent night-life reforms, Collins hopes to convince the Queensland officials that intervention is needed.

Why Fortitude Valley Is Struggling

Over the years, Fortitude Valley has been synonymous with live music, late-night venues, and bustling crowds, but venue operators say attendance has dropped significantly. Rising costs, post-pandemic lifestyle shifts, and an increase in home drinking have kept people away, leaving venues to struggle with reduced revenue and increased operating expenses.

Collins, who co-owns The Fortitude Music Hall and The Triffid, told a parliamentary committee that many festival organisers and venue owners are hesitant to invest due to financial uncertainty. The issue isn’t just limited to Brisbane—live music venues across Townsville, Mount Isa, and the Gold Coast have echoed similar concerns.

Fortitude Valley night life — *Photo Credit: The Fortitude Music Hall/Facebook*

During a recent visit to Airlie Beach, Collins observed that it was busier than Fortitude Valley on a weeknight, despite the town having a much smaller population. This raised questions about whether current regulations and operating costs in Brisbane are stifling the city’s night-life.

Potential Solutions: What Queensland Can Learn from NSW

To revive the industry, Collins is considering ideas similar to those implemented in New South Wales, such as an 80 per cent reduction in licensing fees for music venues and extended trading hours. While he has not committed to proposing an exact replica of these reforms, he believes Queensland needs to explore ways to ease financial pressure on venue owners.

One idea that has been raised is the creation of a Minister for Music, a role that could oversee policies affecting live entertainment venues. Collins has not confirmed whether this will be a formal recommendation but pointed to it as an example of how NSW is treating live music as a key economic and cultural asset.

Additionally, many venue owners have expressed frustration over bureaucratic hurdles such as outdated ID scanning laws and noise restrictions, which they believe discourage patrons from heading out.

Live Music’s Role in Community and Culture

Beyond economics, Collins stressed that live music plays a crucial role in social connection and community culture. He noted that after COVID-19 lockdowns, people realised the importance of shared experiences—whether at concerts, restaurants, or theatres. With Queensland’s live music industry at a crossroads, he believes the right changes could bring confidence back to festival organisers, venue operators, and artists alike.

While government officials have acknowledged the concerns, some MPs have emphasised the need to balance night-life growth with public safety. Others have called for a stronger focus on supporting festivals, which have long been a stepping stone for emerging Australian musicians.

The state’s night-life economy remains in uncertain territory, but with the right reforms, Fortitude Valley—and Queensland as a whole—could regain its status as a live music powerhouse.

Published 14-February-2025

Wardruna in Fortitude Valley: A Day of Nordic Connection at Fortitude Music Hall

Photo Credit: Wardruna/Facebook

Norwegian band Wardruna will be in Fortitude Valley on the third leg of its Australian tour in late January 2025. Known for their innovative compositions that make use of native Nordic instruments and their musical themes of nature, mythology and Nordic history, their music was featured on the TV show, Vikings; and on the video game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

Set for 27 January 2025, the day will feature two unforgettable events: an intimate Meet & Greet session at Outpost Bar, followed by a grand performance at Fortitude Music Hall later that evening.

A Sound Rooted in Ancient Nordic Tradition

Wardruna’s music is a mesmerising fusion of Nordic folk, dark ambient, and ritualistic soundscapes, deeply inspired by Norse mythology, ancient runes, and nature’s raw elements. Known for their use of traditional instruments like tagelharpa, goat horn, and lur, as well as natural sounds such as water, fire, and stone, their music transcends genre boundaries. Einar Selvik’s haunting vocals, paired with ethereal harmonies, guide listeners through a meditative journey—one that feels both primal and spiritual.

Their most celebrated works have earned them global acclaim and a devoted following, including tracks like Helvegen, a haunting meditation on mortality; Fehu, a rhythmic invocation of prosperity; and Lyfjaberg, a soaring anthem of healing and refuge. Having contributed to the iconic Vikings series, Wardruna’s sound resonates as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary artistry.

A Rare Intimate Encounter at Outpost Bar

Wardruna will take part in an exclusive Meet & Greet event at Outpost Bar, before taking to the great stage at Fortitude Music Hall. Organised by well-known presenter Costa Zouliou, the event presents guests with a unique chance to interact with the band in a small venue. The session will feature:

A live interview with Mr Selvik, Wardruna’s founder and creative force.
An open Q&A session, allowing attendees to ask meaningful questions about the music, the mythology, and the creative process behind Wardruna’s iconic sound.
An intimate acoustic performance by Mr Selvik himself, providing a rare and personal glimpse into the band’s artistry.
Fans will also have the chance for photo sessions with every band member and album signings. Wardruna’s upcoming album, Birna, set for release on 24 January 2025, will be available for early purchase at the event.

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A Grand Ritual at Fortitude Music Hall

Following the Outpost Bar event, Wardruna will take the stage at Fortitude Music Hall later that evening. Renowned for its great architectural design and acoustics, the venue offers the perfect setting for Wardruna’s immersive and ceremonial performance.

Along with selections from their forthcoming album, Birna, audiences can expect to hear tracks like Hertan, Ljos til Jord, Dvaledraumar, and Skuggehesten. These new pieces promise to expand Wardruna’s legacy with their signature blend of traditional Nordic instruments, haunting vocals, and evocative soundscapes.

The setlist will also feature beloved songs from past albums, including Runaljod – Ragnarok and Kvitravn, with iconic tracks such as Helvegen, Fehu, and Lyfjaberg. The evening promises to carry attendees into a world firmly anchored in Norse tradition and spirituality—a transcendent experience where music becomes ritual and every note carries the weight of ancient wisdom.

Event Details

Meet & Greet Event – Outpost Bar:

Date: Monday, 27 January 2025

Time: 11:30 AM

Venue: Outpost Bar (inside Fortitude Music Hall)

Host: Costa Zouliou

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Live Concert – Fortitude Music Hall:

Date: Monday, 27 January 2025

Time: 7:00 PM (Doors Open)

Venue: Fortitude Music Hall

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An Immersive Day of Connection and Soundscapes

The Brisbane leg of Wardruna’s tour offers a unique dual experience: the intimacy of the Outpost Bar Meet & Greet and the grandeur of their Fortitude Music Hall performance. Both events promise a deep, transformative connection to Wardruna’s world of ancient wisdom, mythology, and musical mastery.

With tickets expected to sell out quickly, fans are encouraged to secure their spots early for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Published 2-Jan-2024