About The Back Room Brisbane
The Back Room Brisbane is a mid-size live music venue tucked behind the Chardons Corner Hotel on Ipswich Road in Annerley. It holds roughly 800 people , making it one of Brisbane’s larger inner-city pub stages. In fact, the space was renovated and relaunched in May 2015 – formerly it was the 1990s-era punk bar “Club Splurt” – and quickly gained a reputation as a standout local gig spot. Industry insiders note that the room’s flexibility is “second to none” and its sound system is top-notch – manager Ben Dyson even calls it “one of the best sound systems in Queensland” for a venue this size . In short, this newly upgraded Back Room has become a favorite for live music fans, dubbed by some as Brisbane’s “unsung hero” music venue . Its blend of historic pub vibe and high-quality production makes it a unique hub on Brisbane’s southside.
Events and Programming
The Back Room hosts a wide range of live shows almost every week. You’ll find everything from local hardcore, punk and metal bands to touring alt-rock, reggae, hip-hop and even tribute acts. For example, bands like New Zealand reggae group Katchafire and Aussie pop-rock outfit Dragon have headlined here . Local heavy acts – doom, thrash and grind-core bands – pack the small floor for all-ages metal nights, while hip hop and electronic nights also appear regularly. An event database tallies dozens of past concerts: roughly 16 metal shows, 15 rock acts, and a similar count in hip hop and rap . The venue is known for supporting up-and-coming Queensland bands, often giving them a “weekly dose of free metal” as one local review put it . Big-name tours have stopped here too (for instance, rock band Everclear is booked on a national tour at The Back Room in Dec 2025 ). In short, the calendar is busy – there’s “always something happening” with a steady program of live gigs featuring both homegrown and international talent .
Tickets and Booking
Ticketing at The Back Room varies by show. For many local or smaller gigs, entry can be free or a modest cover at the door. Limited advance tickets (when sold) are offered through official channels and sometimes at the Chardons pub bar. Larger touring acts usually put tickets on sale online months ahead. In practice, if you see a show announcement for The Back Room, it’s wise to book early via the official outlets mentioned in that announcement. Otherwise, some tickets are often available at the door on the night (subject to capacity). Keep an eye on gig listings and local promoters – popular shows can sell out, so plan ahead. Many concert-goers recommend treating the venue almost like a general admission arena: arrive in advance, get your ticket/entry wristband early, and queue before the doors open to grab a good spot.
Seating and Layout
The Back Room is essentially a standing-room space; there are no formal assigned seats. The layout is a single open floor with a stage at one end. Whenever possible, it’s best to arrive early to stake out a spot. Front-and-center in front of the stage gives an electric view (and the noisiest sound), while mid-floor or near side walls can be a good option if you want a slightly less intense experience. Some gigs may have a small raised area or balcony along the edges, but in general you’ll be on your feet. The sound is exceptional throughout the venue – there are no large pillars or balconies to block audio – so even standing well back still means you’ll hear the music clearly. The stage itself is large (wide enough for full bands and lighting rigs) and has multiple entry stairs, which helps both performers and photographers move without bottlenecks. In short, expect the room to feel like an intimate club when it’s full – just be prepared to stand.
Getting There and Parking
The Back Room is located at the corner of Ipswich Road and Cracknell Road in Annerley (street address shown as 688 Ipswich Rd, with the venue entrance on Cracknell) . The Chardons Corner Hotel building is easy to spot at this busy intersection. If you drive in, the hotel does have an on-site parking lot and some street parking on Cracknell Road. Reviews are mixed – some say there is “plenty of parking available” , but on big show nights it can fill up quickly. For large gigs, many locals recommend arriving early or using a taxi/rideshare if possible. Brisbane public transport is quite convenient: several bus routes stop right at “Ipswich Rd at Chardons Corner.” In particular, TransLink buses 100 (to/from Brisbane City via South Bank and Woolloongabba), 125 (via Annerley and the Valley), and 110 run past the pub . Just check the TransLink schedule or app for times. Note that there is no direct train station at Annerley – the nearest train stations are a bus ride away – so catch the bus or tram instead of trying to walk from a station.
Inside the Venue
Upon entering, you’ll find a classic Queensland pub atmosphere leading into the concert area. There’s a main bar in front serving ice-cold beer on tap, plus a selection of cocktails, wine and spirits . This bar is lively before and after gigs. For convenience, The Back Room also has a smaller stage-side bar (note: patrons often observe that drinks in the Back Room itself can be more expensive than getting them at the front bar ). Check at the door for any bag or ID checks – after hours shows almost always require photo ID and are 18+ only (so carry your ID). Inside, the decor is simple and functional: dim lights, metal and wood finishes, with sound and lighting fixtures all focused on the stage. The sound quality is generally excellent throughout, and the lighting rig is robust enough to handle everything from rock concerts to themed DJ nights. Restrooms are available inside the building. There’s usually no coat check, so it’s best to minimize what you bring. If the weather’s cool, keep your jacket with you or stow it on a chair – the venue gets warm once the crowd builds. Many shows also have a merchandise table off to one side, where fans can buy band shirts or CDs (local bands often sell merch and even raffle off items for charity). Overall, expect a casual but energetic atmosphere: you’ll be among a crowd of dedicated fans, so feel free to dress down in T-shirt and jeans and prepare to stand and dance once the lights go down.
Nearby Amenities
The neighbourhood around The Back Room has plenty of options for a pre-show meal or post-show drinks. On Ipswich Road and nearby Cornelia Street you’ll find casual cafes, sandwich shops, pizza places and Asian takeaways (for instance, there’s a Thai restaurant and a Chinese diner within a few hundred metres). If you prefer formal dining, the Annerley shopping village (about 500m up Ipswich Road) has a handful of bistros, fish-and-chip shops and a pizza joint. For a quick bite right next door, the Chardons Corner Hotel itself serves pub-style meals (burgers, parmas, steaks) until late, and it also runs an attached bottle shop if you want to stock up on beer or wine. After the gig, there’s a 24/7 service station with takeaway snacks a block away, and taxis often queue near the corner of Ipswich and Cracknell. If you’re staying overnight, the Nightcap Chardons Corner motel upstairs has clean rooms (king-size beds, Netflix TVs and free WiFi) . Other nearby motel/hotel options are limited in this immediate area, but a short drive will take you to larger hotel districts near Woolloongabba or the CBD. Late-night transport back into the city is best via taxi or the TransLink night bus routes (the Nightrider 901 service runs along Ipswich Rd on weekends), since regular buses wind down after midnight.
What Makes This Venue Special
What really sets The Back Room apart is its blend of history and atmosphere. It occupies the same corner site where Brisbane’s punk/alternative scene thrived in the ’90s, and the current incarnation embraces that legacy . As one staffer put it, it became “South Brisbane’s best live music venue” in just a few years . Fans appreciate that it delivers a high-quality concert experience without the elitism of bigger corporate venues. Many locals love it for its friendly, unpretentious pub vibe combined with world-class sound. Performers also sing its praises as a reliable big-sound room where their music really lands. Over the years it has hosted a who’s-who of scene acts – from classic rock icons like Dragon to charting reggae outfits like Katchafire – and that pedigree gives it a special place in Brisbane’s music culture. Even in a city with famous venues in the valley, The Back Room fills an “unsung hero” niche on the southside . In short, this corner pub space matters to the community: it’s where up-and-coming Brisbane bands cut their teeth, where out-of-town acts connect with Australian fans, and where an alternative music crowd can feel right at home.
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan to arrive early and come prepared. (One reviewer noted a show started exactly on time as advertised , so don’t be late.) Carry your ID if you’re 18 or older – nearly all gigs here are for adults only. With general admission standing, wear comfortable shoes and keep your essentials secured in pockets or a small bag; as one concertgoer joked, “I lost my wallet” in the pit, so it’s best to minimize valuables . Ear protection is a good idea too – the PA is powerful and shows can get extremely loud. On the subject of drinks, the main pub bar usually serves cheaper cold beer than the stage-side bar, so consider grabbing drinks before heading into the crowd (one guest specifically complained that the “same drink same size… in the back room” was pricier ). Unlike a formal theatre, there’s no specific dress code; most people wear T-shirts, hoodies or flannel shirts. Also, remember there’s no coat check – you’ll need to keep jackets and large bags with you. Finally, check the venue’s social media or caller info if you have accessibility needs: the stage area has a few stairs and may not be wheelchair-friendly . By following these simple tips – arrive on time, bring ID, and plan for standing – you’ll get the most out of the experience at The Back Room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of The Back Room?
The Back Room holds around 800 people in a general‐admission standing format . There are no fixed seats, so the crowd fills the open floor in front of the stage.
What kinds of events are held at The Back Room?
Mostly live concerts. The venue specializes in punk, rock, metal, and alternative bands (both local and international) . You’ll also see reggae, hip-hop, tribute acts and theme nights. There are free weekly metal nights and also ticketed shows by touring artists like Everclear or Katchafire .
How do I buy tickets or get in?
It depends on the show. Small local gigs are often free or very cheap and payable at the door. Larger shows usually sell out in advance – ticket sales happen through the advertised official outlets (no link). For popular events, it’s wise to buy online early. Otherwise, ticket sales (if available) may open only a few weeks before and might sell out. Doors typically open 30–60 minutes before showtime, so arrive early, especially for big acts.
Is seating available or is it standing only?
The venue is all standing general admission on the floor – there are no reserved seats. You stand on the flat floor in front of the stage, so choose your spot early. Fans often stand pressed against the stage for the best view, while others hang back along the sides. Just be prepared to stand for the duration of the concert.
Where is The Back Room and how do I get there?
The Back Room is at the Chardons Corner Hotel, 688 Ipswich Road (corner of Ipswich & Cracknell) in Annerley . The specific venue entrance is on Cracknell Rd. By car you can park in the hotel lot or on nearby streets (though parking can fill up on show nights). Public transport works well: TransLink buses 100, 125 and 110 stop right at “Ipswich Rd @ Chardons Corner” . (The nearest train station is a few stops away, so a connecting bus is easiest.)
What are the venue’s policies? (Age limits, bag rules, etc.)
This is a licensed hotel venue, so most evening shows are strictly 18+ (photo ID required for entry). Dress is casual – no formal code. Bags and cameras: small personal bags and phone cameras are fine for snapshots, but large professional cameras without permission might be turned away. No outside food or drink is allowed (aside from an infant’s formula). Smoking is only permitted outside of the building (by law). Also, do not bring hazardous items (knives, lasers, etc.). In short, carry only essentials (ID, cash/card, phone) and be prepared for a security check at the door.
What amenities are available inside the venue?
Inside you’ll find a large bar serving beers, wines and spirits. There are indoor restrooms and usually no coat-check, so luggage should be minimal. Merchandise tables often set up on the side for bands to sell shirts or CDs. There is generally free venue Wi-Fi in the pub area (upstairs rooms) but cellular coverage on the floor is normally okay for calls and digital tickets. Expect pub-style seating only in the front lobby; once you step into the Back Room area, it’s standing room only.
Is The Back Room wheelchair accessible?
The venue is in a traditional pub building and involves a few stairs to reach the stage area (as the venue manager noted, “some stair negotiation” is needed ). The main hotel level is at street level, but if you need full accessibility it’s best to contact the venue ahead of time. Wheelchair users should note that there is no elevator to the stage area and the audience area can be crowded and standing-only.
Are there dining or hotel options nearby?
Yes. Right at the venue is the Chardons Corner Hotel’s own bistro and bottle shop, which offers pub meals (burgers, steaks, etc.) before or after the show. Along Ipswich Road and Cracknell Road within a few blocks you’ll find casual eats like pizza shops, Thai and Chinese takeaways, a sandwich shop and a Subway – enough to grab a quick meal. If you need a room, the lodging above (Nightcap at Chardons Corner) has motel rooms with TVs and Wi-Fi . Other nearby hotels are a short drive away toward Woolloongabba or the CBD.
What should I remember when visiting The Back Room?
Plan ahead: check age restrictions, and always bring your ticket/ID early. Shows typically start on schedule – one reviewer noted a band started exactly on time – so don’t be fashionably late. Keep valuables safe (wallets and phones have been known to go missing in the crowd ). Drinks can be pricey on the gig floor, so buy at the main bar if you want a bargain . Above all, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, pack essentials only, and be ready for a high-energy standing-room experience. Relax and enjoy the music!
