About Whammy Backroom
Whammy Backroom is part of the legendary Whammy live‐music complex in central Auckland, tucked under St Kevin’s Arcade on Karangahape Road. Often described as a gritty dive bar, it’s been a "well-loved landmark ” of the city’s indie, folk and experimental music scene (www.audioculture.co.nz ). Founded by Rohan Evans in the late 2000s, it was intentionally kept “dark and dingy” like a classic basement bar (www.audioculture.co.nz ). True to its DIY roots, Elbow-room founders even built the bar top from giant rimu barrels with Tolkien‐style engraving for a cozy, worn-in feel (www.audioculture.co.nz ). The venue is famous for its intimate “history-steeped” ambiance and one quirky feature: a support pole in the center of the stage that bands have learned to work around (www.audioculture.co.nz ). Over the years Whammy Backroom has hosted countless local acts alongside cult international visitors – from Flying Nun greats (the founder names The Bats as a highlight) to underground DJs (a Girl Talk mash-up gig once “broke parts of the PA” (www.audioculture.co.nz )). Together with its sister rooms (the main Whammy Bar and the old Wine Cellar), Whammy Backroom has become an institution of Auckland’s underground scene, helping to launch new artists and keep the city’s creative spirit alive (www.audioculture.co.nz ) (www.undertheradar.co.nz ).
Events and Programming
Live music and art shows happen here almost every week. The Backroom stages a wide mix of gigs – punk and hardcore nights, indie rock bands, experimental electronic sets, hip-hop shows and DJ parties. It’s common to see lineup flyers covering everything from guitar-driven rock to dance nights. Regular events include local showcases like the annual Whammyfest (a multi-genre festival held each October across Whammy and the Backroom) (www.undertheradar.co.nz ) and community-driven fests such as Deep Dive (a July festival presenting 15–20 Kiwi acts in one night (www.undertheradar.co.nz )). In 2024 it even hosted the inaugural Junk Festival, a one-day underground music hive featuring artists from Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland (13thfloor.co.nz ). Many acts on the bill are up-and-coming Aotearoa artists (for example, Auckland punk band Dick Move drew a raucous crowd with “fast, ferocious lo-fi” punk (13thfloor.co.nz )), often supported by touring guests. Despite its small size, Whammy Backroom frequently lands notable names – past shows have included members of The Mint Chicks, US indie groups and local heroes alike. Doors typically open late (around 8–9pm) and shows often run into the early hours; many gigs are R18 (see venue rules below). Ticket prices vary by event – local nights can be as low as $10–15, while festival passes or touring acts might cost $25–30 (Whammyfest weekend passes were $30 in 2019 (www.undertheradar.co.nz )). Announcements for upcoming shows are usually made via local events listings: for example, New Zealand music blogs will note when “tickets are on sale from UnderTheRadar” (nzmusic.org.nz ). Many events sell out in advance, but unsold tickets or limited door sales may still be available when doors open.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Whammy Backroom events are generally sold online through local ticket outlets or the promoters’ channels. Popular shows often have advance sales (advertised months in advance), so it’s wise to buy early. For example, the revamped Double Whammy grand re-opening party in 2024 was promoted with “Tickets on sale from UnderTheRadar” (nzmusic.org.nz ). Smaller indie gigs may offer tickets at the door if not sold out, but this is not guaranteed. Weekend festival passes (like Whammyfest) are especially good value – festival passes were only $30 in 2019 (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). At times box office or phone booking is available through venue partners, but there is no permanent box office on site – plan to buy online or at the door. Ticket prices range widely depending on the event: benefit shows and local-support gigs can be very cheap (as low as ~$10 (www.undertheradar.co.nz )), while headline international or full-festival events can reach $40+. There is usually no formal seating plan, so all tickets are general admission: arriving early gets you front-of-stage spots. No matter where you buy, remember the age restrictions (see below) and keep your digital or printed ticket and a photo ID handy.
Seating and Layout
The Backroom (now part of the expanded “Double Whammy!” space) is mostly standing-room only, with no reserved seating. It is a compact multi-space venue: the main Whammy Bar area itself contains two performance spaces (often called the “Main Stage” and the smaller “Circle Room” stage, even sharing a mirror ball over one stage (13thfloor.co.nz )), and the Backroom is a separate adjoining room. During big events all stages can run simultaneously (Whammyfest used three stages over two nights (www.undertheradar.co.nz )). The spaces have a dive-bar vibe – low ceilings, close quarters and a long wooden bar to one side. If you want a good view, arrive early to stake out prime spots near the stage or on a side. In the main room you can spread out once it fills; one reviewer even noted how a band “shook the cavernous room” from front to back (13thfloor.co.nz ). In contrast, the Backroom tends to pack in closely around the DJs or performers on a small stage. Note the quirky pole in the center of Whammy’s stage – it’s part of the old structure, and bands simply work around it (www.audioculture.co.nz ). Sound is loud and heavy up front, so if you prefer less bass, you might step back toward the bar area. Acoustically it’s a bar-room PA system (nearly electro-punk loud at shows): one notorious DJ set even “broke parts of the PA” back in 2009 (www.audioculture.co.nz ). If you’re sensitive to noise, bring earplugs. There are a few stools and high tables along the walls for those wanting to sit at the edges, but most of the audience stays on their feet. For lighting, expect colored stage spots and strobes – one reviewer described “blood-red lights bathing the stage” and flickering strobes in a late-night set (13thfloor.co.nz ). Overall, the layout is very intimate and informal – there are no VIP areas or fixed couches, just room to dance or lean against the wall. Because of the crowd density and tight spaces during popular gigs, large backpacks are discouraged (many venues perform a quick bag check at the door) and there is typically no cloakroom, so carry only essentials.
Getting There and Parking
Whammy Backroom is located at St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road in Central Auckland. The main entrance is on Karangahape Road (near the corner of Mercury Lane, opposite Myers Park). This area is very well served by public transport. The free CityLink and InnerLink bus loops both stop right on K’ Rd near the arcade: the Red CityLink stop is at 145 K’ Road and the Green InnerLink has a stop just across the street at 214 K’ Road (www.stkevinsarcade.co.nz ). (These services run frequently and late into the evening.) Numerous other AT bus routes run along K’ Road as well. The Auckland train system doesn’t reach Karangahape Road directly, but the nearest stations are Mt Eden (on the Western Line, about a 20-minute walk to St Kevin’s Arcade) and Grafton (Eastern/Southern lines, about a 15-minute walk) (www.karangahaperoad.com ). If you’re taking a taxi or rideshare, a handy trick (noted on the Arcade’s website) is to ask to be dropped at the rear stairwell on Poynton Terrace – that’s the service alley at the back of the arcade (www.stkevinsarcade.co.nz ). As for driving, street parking on K’ Road is very limited (meters are ~$4.50/hr) and fills up quickly on nights and weekends. Paid parking lots are available a short walk away (for example, Wilson Parking at 24 Mercury Lane is directly behind the arcade (www.stkevinsarcade.co.nz ), or city-run lots on Pitt Street). Many visitors use multi-level car parks near Queen Street or Mercury Lane (rates ~$8–12 per hour) and walk up to K’ Road. If you have a mobility parking permit, note that AT has designated accessible spots on K’ Road (Auckland Council’s transport maps can show these). Bicycles and scooters can lock to rails along the arcade front (there is a bike stand right outside the entrance).
Inside the Venue
Upon entry most shows perform an ID check and a (sometimes light) bag search; you’ll get a stamp or wristband once you’re in. The interior feels like a retro rock cellar – exposed brick or concrete, band posters on the walls, and a glowing neon sign above the bar. It’s dimly lit except for the stage lights and cabaret bulbs around the bar. The crowd is usually friendly and eclectic: expect art students, punks, goths, local hipsters and anyone who loves DIY music. The bar area sells drinks and a few basic food items (chips/jerky/cheese and crackers). Drinks are reasonably priced for the city – for example a pint of local craft beer or a glass of wine might be around $8–12, and the revamped Whammy Public Bar downstairs even offers $5–6 beers during daily happy hours (www.bars10.com ). Be prepared to buy your drinks at a queue at the bar counter; they accept cards or cash. In the Old Whammy Bar room there is a long wooden counter with stools along one side (the “long bar” famed in press (thelabel.co.nz )). The Backroom itself (separate but adjoining) has its own small bar counter. Restrooms are available inside each room; however, they are intimate (the owner wryly noted over the years he ended up replacing nine of them!) (www.audioculture.co.nz ). You can expect a unisex men’s and women’s toilet near each performance space. There is no formal cloakroom or phone charging station. There is usually a merchandise table near the stage during shows where bands sell CDs, tapes and shirts – one reviewer noted how even underground acts had a pop-up merch stand run by “friends” during a festival night (13thfloor.co.nz ). Wi-Fi is not provided, so rely on mobile data (cell signal can get spotty underground, so step outside if you need good reception).
Nearby Amenities
Karangahape Road (“K’ Road”) is one of Auckland’s liveliest nightlife streets, so there is no shortage of places to eat and drink nearby. Right in St Kevin’s Arcade you’ll find a few casual eateries: for example, the popular Lebanese sweets shop Gemmayze St is in the arcade basement, and the famous late-night toastie stand White Lady has moved into the arcade mix (serving grilled cheese sandwiches and kaimoana toasties) (www.theurbanlist.com ). Outside the arcade along K’ Road you’ll spot Thai eateries, smokery-style barbecue joints, kebab shops and burger bars, as well as cosy cafes like Bestie or Cassette Nine (good for pre-gig brunch or pizza). For something heartier, established restaurants (e.g. Pok Pok Thai, Orla’s Place Irish pub fare, or vegetarian cafes) line the nearby blocks of Queen, upper Symonds or Pitt Street. If you’re visiting from out of town, downtown Auckland hotels are within walking distance (the Aotea, Riftor, Cordis, and QT hotels are all a 5–10 minute walk from K’ Road’s eastern end). After a show, the K’ Road bars and pubs spill late into the night – you won’t be short of places to grab a midnight drink on the strip. Public transport (CityLink and InnerLink) continues running cocktails of buses until late, and ride-share/taxi ranks are just a few blocks down on Queen Street. Overall, arriving an hour early gives time to have dinner or drinks nearby and beat any performance queue, and the lively late-night urban setting means you can safely wander to your next destination even past midnight.
What Makes This Venue Special
Whammy Backroom’s charm lies in its authenticity and community roots. Unlike a polished corporate venue, it feels more like a beloved local clubhouse for alternative art and music. Architecturally it still retains quirky features – the 1920s arcade facade upstairs, a tiny staircase down, low ceilings, and even vintage stage fixtures. The founder’s touch is everywhere: that rimu-timbered bar top and hand-carved signage give a story to the space (www.audioculture.co.nz ). The new renovation (opened as “Double Whammy” in 2024) promises to preserve these “history-seeped walls ” while expanding capacity (thelabel.co.nz ). Culturally, it’s known as a training ground of legends: to quote a local reviewer, there’s “no better place to see what is leading the way in the underground culture of Tāmaki” than in venues like Whammy (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). Over the years countless bands (from experimental folkies to art-punk groups) have cut their teeth here, creating Peter Jackson Fantasia and Proud audiences with boundary-pushing performances. The atmosphere thrives on inclusiveness – owners explicitly say they want to “champion diversity” and foster an “inclusive cultural landscape” for artists of all backgrounds (nzmusic.org.nz ). Artists love the place for its honest vibe: one patron described it as “this holy grail for music gigs” on K Road. Fans love it for its spontaneity – you might discover a major breakthrough band one night or witness local art projects and guerrilla performances. There’s an unspoken tradition of unity: every late-night crowd ends up dancing together under the mirror ball. In short, Whammy Backroom has a reputation as an incubator of New Zealand indie culture and a much-loved “dive” venue that both locals and touring acts cheerfully call home (thelabel.co.nz ) (www.audioculture.co.nz ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is in a basement with stairs, so mobility access is limited. (If you need it, note there is ramp and accessible ATM outside the arcade (www.karangahaperoad.com ) but the show rooms themselves require stairs.) Age and ID: Almost all shows are 18+ (parents note the venue isn’t kid-friendly). Bring valid photo ID (passport, NZ driver’s license or 18+ card) – staff will card at the door. Bags and Belongings: You can carry a small bag or backpack, but expect a quick search for contraband. Don’t bring outside alcohol or large food (this is a working bar). Feel free to bring earplugs if loud shows bother you. What to Wear: Dress casually and comfortably (many fans wear band T-shirts, dark jeans or punk/alternative attire). Remember Karangahape Road can be cooler in the evening, so a jacket or hoodie is wise. Lines & Timing: Shows often sell out, so if tickets aren’t pre-printed, arrive 30–45 minutes early to queue. Doors usually open between 8–9pm but check the event info. If arriving late, note many gigs don’t welcome entry after midnight. Weather: It’s an indoor venue so rain won’t stop the show – but allow extra travel time if it’s pouring, as footpaths can get wet. Photography: Feel free to use your phone to take photos or video for personal use, but the musicians’ policy applies – no intrusive flash or professional cameras without permission. Bags, Coats, Cash: There’s no coat check, so keep valuables on you. Cash: Some small bands may be cash-only at the merch table, so bring a few notes. Connectivity: Mobile phone signal can be weak underground; outgoing texts might delay. Free Wi-Fi is not provided, so if needed, step outside the arcade for a cell signal. Lost & Found: If you misplace something, contact the venue via social media (they usually check messages the next day). In summary, treat Whammy like a local dive: plan ahead for transport, bring ID, carry cash and stay aware of personal items. Respect the space (it’s loved by regulars), enjoy the raw music, and you’ll have a true underground Auckland experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Whammy Backroom?
After its 2024 renovation into the expanded "Double Whammy" space, the combined venue holds roughly 400–500 people (
thelabel.co.nz ). Historically, the separate Backroom was smaller (a couple hundred) and was merged with the Wine Cellar area. In short, the modern space is medium-sized – larger than a small bar but smaller than arena venues.
How can I buy tickets and what do they cost?
Tickets are usually sold through online outlets or promoters ahead of time. For big events you’ll see notices like “Tickets on sale now” on local music sites. Prices vary: local band nights might be $10–15, club events $15–25, and full festivals or international acts can be $30–40. For example, Whammyfest weekend passes were only $30 (
www.undertheradar.co.nz ). Some shows may sell remaining tickets at the door if not sold out, but don’t count on it – advance purchase is best. Always check the event listing for payment options and sell-out warnings.
Is there seating or is it general admission?
There is no fixed seating – Whammy Backroom is general admission. It’s mostly standing-room, with a few wall stools at the edges. Best spots (front row) fill quickly, so arrive early if you want to stand right by the stage. Latecomers often have to watch from the edges or back. If someone in your party needs to sit, there are a few stools along the rear or bar, but plan on being on your feet for most shows.
Does Whammy brand shoes, or anything like that.
No, there is no formal dress code. Most people wear casual concert attire (jeans, band T-shirts, jackets). Just be comfortable and mindful that K’ Road can be chilly at night. Sturdy shoes are a good idea since the floor can get sticky or crowded. Hats, masks or props are generally discouraged – the focus is on the bands. Just wear whatever you’d crop to a dive club.
How do I get to Whammy Backroom by public transport?
The venue is at 183 Karangahape Road (St Kevin’s Arcade). You can take Auckland buses that run along K’ Road or use the free CityLink/InnerLink loops (Red and Green) to a stop at 145 or 214 Karangahape Road (
www.stkevinsarcade.co.nz ). There’s no train station on K’ Road; the nearest stations are Mt Eden (Western Line) or Grafton (Southern/Eastern Lines), both about a 15–20 minute walk (
www.karangahaperoad.com ). Taxis/rideshares can easily drop you at the front on K’ Road. There’s also limited paid parking nearby (on-street meters or Wilson lots on Mercury Lane (
www.stkevinsarcade.co.nz )), but public transport is usually simplest.
Are there parking options near the venue?
Parking on Karangahape Road itself is scarce (metered street parking at about $4.50/hr). The easiest paid lot is Wilson Parking at 24 Mercury Lane, just behind the arcade (
www.stkevinsarcade.co.nz ). Other nearby car parks are on Pitt Street or off upper Queen/K Road. If you have a disability permit, there are designated spots on K’ Rd (check the AT map). Many visitors prefer to park in a CBD car park and walk or take a bus, since traffic can be heavy on show nights. Note there is no drop-off zone on K’Rd, but ride-sharing drivers often use the Poynton Terrace service lane as a quick exit point (
www.stkevinsarcade.co.nz ).
What are the age and ID rules at Whammy Backroom?
Most nights at Whammy are 18+ only. Entry requires a valid photo ID (passport, NZ driver’s licence or 18+ card). Occasionally special events may be all-ages, but those are explicitly advertised (with wristbands for those under 18). Security is strict about IDs – don’t try to get in with a fake or expired ID. If a gig is R18, under-18s will be asked to leave. If in doubt about an event’s age limit, check the show listing before you go.
Can I bring a backpack or large bag into the club?
You can bring a small bag or daypack, but be aware staff may search it for prohibited items (outside alcohol, glass, illegal goods). Large backpacks are not recommended due to space constraints and security policy. Coat checks are not provided, so keep your coat on you or hanging on a chair. Leave behind anything you’d hate to lose (it gets crowded), and carry the rest. If you need to bring items (like a camera or snacks), try to pack lightly and discretely.
Is photography or recording allowed inside?
Casual photography and video with your phone is generally fine (many fans post gig snaps). However, professional cameras or video gear are usually not allowed unless you have prior permission from the venue or artist. Also, no flash photography during performances – it can distract the band. If in doubt, check with security on the way in. Recording sound or video for commercial use is prohibited.
Are outside drinks or food allowed?
No. Whammy is a working bar, so patrons must buy beverages from the bar – outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. (Water bottles are usually okay; security may ask you to empty them.) Outside food is also not allowed. If you’re hungry, it’s best to eat before coming (there are many K’ Road eateries) or buy whatever small snacks the bar is offering.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, not easily. The performance spaces and upstairs bar are down a flight of stairs in the historic arcade, and there is no elevator. (The Public Bar and Wine Cellar entrance are street level, but the main Whammy and Backroom are not.) If stair access is impossible for you, contact the venue beforehand – they sometimes make special arrangements (e.g. using an alternate ramped entrance). Just be aware this is an older building with limited accessibility.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect inside?
Expect a dark, high-energy, underground club vibe. The crowd is usually a passionate mix of locals excited about the music. It can get hot and sticky once the room fills and the band starts. People often get up close to the stage to dance or mosh (especially at punk/hardcore shows). During electronic nights, the dance energy is intense. Conversations are possible in the back or near the bar, but up front it’s often all about the music. Security is generally on top of rowdiness – if a crowd-surfer or fight appears, staff moves in quickly. Overall it’s a supportive DIY crowd – newcomers are welcome as long as they share the enthusiasm. One 2020 review summed up the scene: it’s where the “underground culture of Tāmaki” thrives (
www.undertheradar.co.nz ) – loud, creative, and unpolished.
Are there ATMs or cash machines inside?
No ATMs inside the venue. The arcade and nearby streets have some machines, but it’s wise to withdraw any cash you need beforehand. Bar staff do accept cards, though, so you can pay for drinks with plastic or tap payments. If you like to buy band merch or tips in cash, bring a bit in case. In short: don’t rely on finding an ATM inside; plan ahead by getting cash on Queen or from nearby 24/7 machines.
What time does Whammy Backroom close?
Nightly hours depend on the event, but shows often run well past midnight. The bar typically keeps serving until late (often 2–3 AM or later on weekends). Live sets usually end around 12–1 AM, followed by a DJ until closing. All exits are open after the curtain, so there’s no strict curfew for exiting. If you need to leave early, quiet down at the door so the band can keep playing. There is no late-fee or after-show paywall – you can stay (and dance) until the bar ultimately closes.
What's the difference between Whammy, Double Whammy, and the Public Bar?
These names refer to connected spaces in the same arcade. The original Whammy (“Whammy Bar”) is the historic long-bar area and main dance floor. In 2024, the adjacent Whammy Backroom and the old Wine Cellar venue were merged into one larger performance space called
Double Whammy (holding ~400–500 people) (
thelabel.co.nz ). Opened August 17, 2024, Double Whammy is essentially the new, expanded main music hall. The
Whammy Public Bar is yet another section (formerly the Wine Cellar bar area) that now serves as a casual lounge and craft beer pub. In practice, “Whammy” often refers to the whole underground complex, while “Double Whammy” is the big showroom for concerts, and “Public Bar” is the downstairs tavern area for drinks and hangouts.
Who founded Whammy Backroom, and why is it called Whammy?
Whammy Bar (the venue above the Backroom) was started by Rohan Evans (also co-founder of the Wine Cellar) around 2006. The name “Whammy” is a playful reference (some say to a guitar whammy bar or just to the surprise of discovery). Evans partnered with business colleague John Taliaferro to take over the old Calibre nightclub space and transform it into an indie music bar. They kept the name “Whammy” – an ode to noisy riffs – for the club they launched under St Kevin’s Arcade. The Backroom took that branding when it became part of the Whammy family of rooms. Despite minor ownership changes over the years, the venue’s spirit of underground music has followed Rohan’s original vision (
www.audioculture.co.nz ).
What happens at Whammyfest and other special events?
Whammyfest is the venue’s big annual anniversary festival, usually held in October over multiple nights (
www.undertheradar.co.nz ). It features dozens of bands and DJs across three stages – celebrating local punk, electronic, rock, hip-hop and more. Deep Dive Fest (mid-year) and the newer Junk Festival (June 2024) are similar community events organized by independent promoters (
www.undertheradar.co.nz ) (
13thfloor.co.nz ). These festival-type nights bring together diverse local acts for a marathon of music. They often offer bargains like weekend passes (~$30–40), special decorations/themes, and late-night dance parties. The regular weekly or monthly events (rock shows, DJ nights, etc.) keep the schedule lively the rest of the year. Check the venue’s calendar and word-of-mouth – these events are usually announced on music sites and via posters around town.
Is the venue child-friendly or all-ages?
Almost all Whammy shows are strictly 18+ due to the bar license and late‐night content. You will rarely see children or teens, as door staff will refuse entry to anyone underage (unless a specific family-friendly event is announced, which is very uncommon). If you want to take a young person, look for special all-ages daytime shows or festivals explicitly labeled as family events, and even then bring ID for the minder and expect restricted areas.
Can I re-enter after leaving once I’m inside?
Usually no. Once you enter and get a stamp or wristband, you can leave to use the restroom or step out briefly, but exiting completely often means you cannot re-enter without buying another ticket. Some events do reconfirm tickets at the entrance, so it’s safest to stay once you’re in. If you must step out, ask security: at smaller shows they may allow quick re-entry, but at sold-out gigs they may treat you as a new guest. In general, plan to remain for the full show rather than leave between sets.
Does sound bleed into St Kevin’s Arcade or cause neighbors noise complaints?
Whammy is underground so street noise is muted, but inside it can get very loud during shows. The operators have soundproofing to contain the bass, but patrons should still be aware: the arcade can resonate slightly. Historically neighbors have sometimes complained (as one review mentioned underage noise issues around the area). In practice, the venue tries to keep inside sound within allowed levels. For visitors, this means expect club-level volume indoors but normal street quiet outside. If you’re walking by, you might hear low rumbles or music leakage through the arcade doors, but it won’t be disturbingly loud at street level.
Is double whammy open and replacing whammy backroom now?
Yes. In August 2024 the Whammy Backroom and Wine Cellar were physically merged into a single larger venue space named “Double Whammy” (
thelabel.co.nz ). The official reopening was on August 17, 2024, with a grand party. The old Backroom name is now essentially superseded by Double Whammy. In everyday parlance, older locals may still call it the Backroom, but all announcements now refer to the Double Whammy venue of 400–500 capacity (
www.rnz.co.nz ) (
thelabel.co.nz ). So if you see a ticket for “Whammy Backroom,” it’s probably an event in the new Double Whammy space.
