The History of The Espy In Melbourne, Australia Venue

The Esplanade Hotel, affectionately known as "The Espy," is a historic music venue located in the heart of St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia. With a rich history spanning over a century, The Espy has become an iconic landmark and a beloved destination for live music enthusiasts.

Early Years:

• 1889: The Esplanade Hotel was constructed as a grand Victorian-era building, initially serving as a residential hotel.
• 1913: The hotel underwent a significant renovation and expansion, adding a ballroom and other amenities to cater to the growing popularity of St. Kilda as a seaside resort.

Emergence as a Music Venue:

• 1970s: The Espy began to establish itself as a live music venue, showcasing local and international artists across various genres.
• 1980s: The venue gained prominence as a hub for alternative and independent music, attracting a diverse crowd of musicians and patrons.

The Venue's Golden Era:

• 1990s: The Espy experienced its golden era, hosting legendary artists such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, and Oasis.
• 2000s: The venue continued to attract renowned musicians, including The Strokes, The White Stripes, and Arcade Fire.

Challenges and Revival:

• 2008: The Espy faced financial difficulties and the threat of closure, prompting a community campaign to save the iconic venue.
• 2011: Following extensive renovations and a change in ownership, The Espy reopened with a renewed focus on live music and community engagement.

Recent Developments:

• 2017: The Espy expanded its facilities with the addition of a rooftop bar, providing stunning views of St. Kilda Beach.
• 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted The Espy's operations, leading to temporary closures and restrictions. However, the venue persevered and adapted, offering live-streamed concerts and takeaway food to support local musicians and staff.

Today, The Espy continues to be a vibrant and thriving music venue, hosting a diverse range of live performances, from local up-and-coming artists to established international acts. It remains a beloved institution in Melbourne's live music scene, attracting music lovers from all walks of life.

Bands That Played The Espy In Melbourne, Australia

• AC/DC
• ACDC
• The Angels
• Baby Animals
• Bad Religion
• The Black Crowes
• The Black Eyed Peas
• The Bronx
• Cold Chisel
• The Cruel Sea
• Divinyls
• The Drones
• The Exploited
• Frenzal Rhomb
• The Hard Ons
• The Hoodoo Gurus
• Iggy Pop
• INXS
• Jebediah
• Jimmy Barnes
• John Butler Trio
• The Living End
• Machine Gun Fellatio
• Magic Dirt
• Midnight Oil
• The Offspring
• Pantera
• Parkway Drive
• Paul Kelly
• Pearl Jam
• The Pogues
• Powderfinger
• Pulp
• The Ramones
• Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Regurgitator
• The Replacements
• The Saints
• Screaming Jets
• Silverchair
• Skunkhour
• The Smashing Pumpkins
• Sonic Youth
• Soundgarden
• The Specials
• Spiderbait
• The Strokes
• The Tea Party
• Tex Perkins
• The Vines
• You Am I