The Zoo

One of the première local Brisbane venues where you can catch local, interstate and even huge name International bands gracing the stage to rock out!
Great vibe and always something happening.

If you like live music and you live in Brisbane, you’ve probably been here.
Upstairs in the Valley, this is a pretty small venue, and thankfully, they don’t pack people in tight. You’ll appreciate that come summer, when the windows open and fans on full aren’t enough to stop you soaking head to toe in sweat.
Drinks prices are reasonable, but you won’t find rum on the menu. Let’s be honest, you’re here for the music, not the drinks.
The sound has been great at every gig I’ve been to (although I am starting to take earplugs to these things), even if sometimes the performers have screwed up!
There’s free water out of a bubbler on the side, and if you’re going to drive, be sure to pre book parking in the McWhirters park across the road to save yourself time and money.
One of the few live music venues left in the CBD/​valley, The Zoo is an institution, and deservedly so.

This is a pretty standard Fortitude Valley music and dance venue. I came here for a fashion show/​fundraiser. The drink prices are about average with a good selection of higher end Australian beers and the usual XXXX/Toohey’s/VB in the fridge. No taps, everything’s bottled. Service was friendly and efficient, no complaints there.
My one complaint is this place is LOUD. I think the fact that they’re charging $ 1 for earplugs, the first thing you see when you walk in, was a dead giveaway. They seriously need to rework their acoustics — it’s seriously dangerously loud.

I went to my first concert at the Zoo this past weekend and had a great experience. We went through security with no issues and they were very kind. Then our hand was stamped after getting our tickets scanned.
The space was really open and we were able to find a great spot to watch TKST (The Kite String Tangle). I noticed that the water line was incredibly long because it’s a water fountain and they give you little white cups. I’m not sure if that is what holds up the line or what.
The venue is pretty ventilated and I didn’t feel overly heated. The show was great and people around us were friendly. People could enjoy the artist and I like that you don’t have to worry about a dress code. You can wear what you want and not stress about flip flops. Would definitely come back here for another show.

The Zoo is my fave live music in venue. I’ve been attending shows here since the early 90s and like to think I still have many more gigs left in me. The Zoo has a capacity of around 500 people and offers an up –close and personal live experience. The sound of the room is good, the bar prices very fair and the Zoo staff (Zooies) are wonderful. Most are musicians themselves. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxed. Security staff keep a low profile and I’ve never witnessed a fight or anyone being tossed out. Is this linked to The Zoo’s no rum policy? Dress regs are non-​existent. You can bum-​up in shorts and thongs or come in evening wear, and people do. As my fellow Unilocalers have mentioned The Zoo is a sweat-​pit in summer. Dress accordingly.

24/​01/​2013 — «Is your love big enough?»
It’s no secret that there is so much talent coming out of the UK’s music scene right now. Hello Adele, Ed Sheeran, Daley! And the latest addition out of this music factory is Lianne La Havas. Remember that name so you can boast to your friends when she’s selling out stadiums that «yeah, I heard her aaaggges ago at The Zoo, live baby, live!»
First time I caught a glimpse of the 23 year old exotic beauty (Greek father & Jamaican mother), was on YouTube singing «Elusive». I was immediately drawn to her powerful yet subtle vocals, husky tones and jazzy influence. Even Ella Fitzgerald would be proud. That video led me to more videos discovering and listening to Lianne, becoming a fan instantly.
I then became an excited fan, after finding out that Lianne would be touring Australia, with the first leg of the tour in Brisbane. At The Zoo to be more precise. Which actually surprised me a little. Had never been to The Zoo but knew that it is one of Brisbane’s oldest live venues, an icon specialising in the indie scene, a home for struggling artists, and host to many local & international acts. My image of The Zoo wasn’t necessarily the «fit» I had for Lianne’s type of music.
Nevertheless, The Zoo is a great venue! Any preconceptions I had was left out in the rain on Ann Street.
The Zoo reminds me of a University venue. And clearly, the patrons are the young set, who are probably still in Uni! It can be a bit dingy/​old school venue, lots of music posters on the walls and toilets. Rectangular in shape, with the bar on one end, and the stage on the other. There is a slightly raised platform where the bar is, and right on the middle of the room is the sound/​lights/​control booth. Floor boards, lots of wood, relatively small place overall. Lots of «barrel-​like» stand alone tables, pool tables on one side of the place. It is the most accessible and casual venue I’ve been to in Brisbane. It screams «be yourself», with no hint of pretentiousness whatsoever. With The Zoo, the stairs are right in the middle of the room where you enter/​exit.
You enter The Zoo from Ann street, up a short flight of walled-​in steps, and you are right into the venue. It is a much smaller music venue compared to The Tivoli. Much smaller and not as ‘sophisticated’ as The Tivoli, with its décor, and plush curtains. For those reasons, I believe it makes The Zoo an affordable venue compared to The Tivoli. The average prices at The Zoo is around $ 25-​$ 45 which is HALF what The Tivoli charges & from what I’ve heard, The Hi-​Fi (at West End). It is also where the new and just-​out-​of-​the-​factory fresh artist go to when they can’t afford the other two venues. I like it a lot!.. makes me feel eternally young (not that I am old)
Lianne La Havas —
Was an absolute gem! Warm, humble, always smiling, oozing class, and talent. There are just those certain artists that light up the room with their presence and Lianne La Havas certainly did. She was very appreciative that we all came out on a rainy night, and she was feeling overwhelmed that people actually came to see her. Being a relatively new artist (especially to Australia) and the miserable weather out, the venue wasn’t full. Which made it great because you got to move around and be in an «intimate» setting. She kept saying that she couldn’t believe she was in Australia, such was her humble nature. She definitely had a big voice but I loved that her performance overall was understated, her songs beautifully composed, taking the audience on a journey. She played her guitar for most of the songs she sang, but she also had a band and a piano/​keyboard accompaniment in other parts. The combination of her genuine, beautiful and humble personality and god-​given talent will ensure she will be, (one day), huge. And if she does return, it definitely won’t be at The Zoo. We all witnessed something special, and will never see her in this intimate setting again. Lianne La Havas’s album, Is your love big enough? Is out now. My love just got bigger.
Official Video «Elusive» (as of 19÷2÷2013 —
)

The Zoo was my first true venue love in Brisbane, and remains a spiritual home of mine. I still remember the excitement I felt when I first hiked up those stairs and got spat out right in front of the stage, draped in lush red velvet curtains. (You don’t often see those pulled across any more.)
Any regular Zoo-​goer knows that if it the venue is close to capacity, even in the middle of winter, long sleeves are not required. During the summer months it can be almost unbearable in there. I recommend positioning yourself down in one of the front corners where the massive fans pass over you and relieve you for a couple of seconds every minute or so.
I’ve seen quiet local EP launches here and I’ve seen sold-​out international acts and every single one of them has been enjoyable (as long as I’ve been near the fans during summer). While I love the Tivoli, the Zoo feels a lot more intimate, particularly if you’re up the front. There’s a modest little merch table up the back where post-​gig signings and/​or high-​fives often take place. The first time I was allowed behind the black curtain next to the stage, it felt like I’d entered Mecca.
Let’s not forget the Zooies, too — the trusty band of employees who are there long before you arrive and clean up once you’re gone. Please and Thanks will get you everywhere with these guys, and whatever you do, don’t ask for a rum at the bar. FIRST RULE OF THE ZOO: NO RUMBOS.

The Zoo get a good range of acts in and its proximity to the Valley’s night life is a plus — if the opening band is not your thing you can go grab a drink and come back for the main act later. I haven’t had a bad night here but it’s defiantly worth coming in early so you can grab a good spot. Preferably by the windows in summer, cause the place can be stifling. Due to the venue’s layout (it’s like a long rectangular room with bar one end and stage the other), standing further back won’t get you a great vantage point. Bands I have seen here include G. Love and Special Sauce, Clare Bowditch, The Jezebels and many more. Bar service is always good too.

I’m not much of a gig head, but I really like The Zoo; I feel it has something for everyone. My friend and I arrived early for a gig recently (Montpelier) and were practically the first ones there. We grabbed a drink and pulled up a chair at one of the tables by the windows. There was a cool breeze, some music was playing and it was really nice just looking out over Ann Street and watching people filter into the venue. There were two supporting acts, both of which were awesome, such an impressive display of local talent. My only complaint was that the main act didn’t come on until after 11pm, a bit late for my liking, but it was a Saturday night. Other than that, it was a chilled and diverse crowd with some people eager to be stage side, others happy to hang back and some happy playing pool. The venue wasn’t overpacked and getting drinks from the bar was easy. Overall, a really pleasant evening and a great gig.

For any person passionate about music, The Zoo is a great venue to get a taste of some real talent. I most recently saw Ball Park Music here and I absolutely love this venue. The stage is high enough to give artists a real presence and other than a slightly troublesome rail in the middle of the floor, the space is perfect to view live gigs.
The whole place feels electric when music starts playing and from the street you wouldn’t know that some kids are diving headlong into their enthusiasm for both local and international music acts. Any band should be proud to say they’ve performed at The Zoo, one of Brisbane’s hubs for live music.
I’m broken hearted that I missed out on tickets to Grouplove, but I’m sure the other lucky people who are going will benefit from a great venue such as The Zoo.
The bar is close but far enough away that you won’t be squashed by enthusiastic music lovers because when a great live act is playing, it can get a bit tight.
If you love live music and you’re in Brisbane, check out The Zoo and get a taste of the talent they showcase.

I’ve seen a lot of live acts and events held at The Zoo, and as a venue it never fails to deliver. The staff are laid back but strict enough to discourage crowd surfing. It’s a safe venue to bring a friend who’s just turned 18 and looking for a gig that will excite them, and not discourage them with swarms of sweaty people that might potentially crush them to death.
The Zoo maintains a perfect balance and is clean, but grungy enough to still be considered ‘alternative’. My friend had her wedding reception held here because she’s an avid muso, and the venue was a great backdrop for the professional shots she had taken.
There are two separate, chilled water coolers available for designated drivers, and those people who become dehydrated dancing by the stage. The Zoo can get *very* steamy in summer, which is why two industrial sized fans are stationed on either side of the venue for patrons. The windows facing Ann St are also always kept open, and there is a neat little area outside nearby Flamingo café and The Outpost for people to chill out.

Having spent time in my earlier years being the token valley rat in my group of friends The Zoo was a place I often frequented for the good music and the relatively cheap alcohol. I was young and stereotypical what can I say.
But this place really does mean a lot to many people in Brisbane, I’ve had a few friends of mine play shows here and they played their best simply because of how unique and awesome it really is. The Y shaped staircase that cuts through the middle of the floor is still one of the coolest features that any bar in the Valley could hope to have. The crowd that attends the The Zoo is still the same as it was a few years ago, people who love it, LOVE it and people who hate it simply haven’t been inside yet. Overall though if you want to hear some good live music and don’t mind a room full of hipsters and indie folk head along and have yourself a good ol’ time.

Much respect to The Zoo for keeping the music live in Brisbane four nights a week, EVERY week. A true rock’n’roll joint with old barrels to rest your beer on, mirroless male bathrooms (take that metro-​sexuals!) a pool table, a dominating stage and dance floor; you can see why many local bands want to play shows and record launches here. It’s one of the true iconic live music venues in Brisvegas.
I’ve only ever seen local or interstate bands here and have never paid more than $ 15 entry, which is pretty reasonable seeing as that usually gets you two or three acts. The last show I went to there was an album launch for a very popular West End act — Laneous and the Family Yah. Half the suburb turned up to see them play and the atmosphere was very communal and inclusive, devoid of any of the aggression you find at some clubs.
Check out the Zoo for a night of good old-​fashioned live music, any night from Wednesday — Saturday!

The Zoo is pretty much a staple to the Valley and it’s easy to see why. So, so many great bands have played here. I saw Boy & Bear here when they were starting out, before they even released With Emperor Antarctica. The Zoo has also had many fantastic international guests that sell out fast.
It’s not a big venue but despite the awesome acts that play there, I think it’s the right size for the crowd that goes to see them. This place lets you be closer to the music even if you are standing at the bar on the opposite end.
If you’re not into the mosh pit idea and/​or don’t mind not being right at the front, I recommend annexing a spot by the window as it can get a bit warm inside. If you do like dancing then try to secure a place at the front as the bands sometimes come down to mingle with the crowd, which is always exciting.
This is not really a wheelchair accessible place but I have seen several patrons in wheelchairs so it’s not impossible so if you or a friend really wants to go see a band then definitely call or email the Zoo and they’ll help you out. I’m sure the staff are more than happy to help.

Once again, I am surprised to be the first person reviewing a place like this. The Zoo is an iconic symbol to the Brisbane music scene and has been the stage that many international acts have played on.
When I was an underage teenager, I remember longing for the day I would finally be old enough to go to this place and see my favourite bands (most shows are 18+ which is common in Brisbane). Bands I have seen here include, The Clean, Born Ruffians, The Go Team and many more. The stage is pretty large (large enough for all the members of Broken Social Scene to fit) and there is ample room for the crowd. There is a nice sized bar that offers most drinks but don’t ask them for rum as they will not serve it to you. There are also pool tables and a few tables to sit at. The place may look a little rundown but for the clientele, that is not a worry. If anything, it adds to the appeal.
The Zoo has been around for as long as I can remember and is not going anywhere anytime soon. It is a great venue to see bands in Brisbane.