The Fortitude Music Hall is big. Like, really big. It exists on an altogether grander scale than other music venues, and Brisbane has no shortage of decent-sized ones. It seats 1,100 people, and standing-room gigs can accommodate no fewer than 3,000 moshers. Playing a gig here? You better be Pop-U-Lar.
Sitting centrestage on Brunswick Street Mall and evoking Art Deco splendour, the Fortitude has occupied a central place in Valley nightlife since opening in 2019 courtesy of group including Powderfinger bassist John Collins and touring/festival entrepreneurs Live Nation. The partnership saw a lack of a large venue in central Brisbane worthy of top touring acts (venerable Charlotte Street concert venue Festival Hall was demolished in 2003).
Since opening, the Fortitude has hosted the Wiggles, Pavement, the Flaming Lips, Liam Gallagher, the Veronicas, Mallrat, Thelma Plum, Violent Soho, Sigur Ros and the Jezabels, as well as top acts from the Brisbane Comedy Festival.