Fremantle is a port city with a musical soul and the stage for one of the worlds’ most original and influential music scenes. It's been the birthplace of musical legends such as Bon Scott, John Butler, Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, Eskimo Joe and San Cisco and now home to rising stars like Stella Donnelly, Jack Davis and Carla Geneve.
There must be something in the water.
Live music can be heard day or night across the city and all year round, from buskers playing on the Cappuccino Strip or at the Fremantle Markets, to local bands firing up at Mojos bar in North Fremantle.
Here’s a nod to all the venues, the laneways, the historic halls in Freo where you can indulge in your love of Freo's live music and here's some tips for what’s on and who’s playing over winter…
Hidden Treasures winter music series every Thursday in September
Image: @axegirlofficial performing at Buffalo Club in 2018. Photo by @tashihall
Hidden Treasures music series treats WA music fans to an earful of Freo balladeers, freshly-minted local bands and some favourite heroes of the port city stage every Thursday through September. Presented by the City of Fremantle, Hidden Treasures offers a rare peak into some of the West End’s most evocative and tucked-away workers’ clubs and small venues, such as the Buffalo and Navy Clubs, which are steeped in the tall stories and big sounds of Fremantle’s musical folklore.
LIVE AND LOCAL
Image: Bar Orient on High Street
Bar Orient Thursday nights local muso’s Clayton Bolger, Friday and Saturday nights Darren Gibbs or try Karaoke every Wednesday and Sunday.
Clancy’s Fish Pub is a champion of Fremantle’s rich musical history since 1996. From first time acts and school bands to indie hipsters and local living legends of the music industry.
Image: Freo.Social
Freo.Social has a freshly renovated bar and beer garden and the Entertainment Hall once again hosting the best live shows going around. Check their website or Facebook page for up to the minute announcements.
Gypsy Tapas House is one of Freo’s best kept musical secrets. When the lights go up and the music kicks in Tuesday to Sundays, this courtyard venue on Queen Street is transformed.
Mojo’s Bar Fremantle is the stuff of Freo legend! At the 2019 National Live Music Awards they won (again) the WA Best Live Music Venue. Check their website for the latest lineup.
Image: The National Hotel
National Hotel has live music seven days a week including a Tuesday open mike night if you’re feeling brave! Irish Sunday happens on the 3rd Sunday of every month with traditional live Irish music and special deals on Irish food and bev.
Railway Hotel has a long term musical resident, the Cornerhouse Jazz Band, who have been playing here for over 40 years. Catch them every Saturday afternoon 2.30-6.30pm.
Ronnie Nights Friday Jazz returns in August. With 3 floors of dining and dancing and a hidden whisky bar for good measure this little venue is ready for some exciting times ahead.
Image: The Aardvark
The Aardvark (basement bar at Norfolk Hotel) choose from Reggae Blasta Sunday’s Post ISO parties, CD launches and more. The line-up will keep you live and loud all winter and into spring.
Living loud in Fremantle!
(Banner image: Hidden Treasures winter music series)