The Zoo

There isn't a Brisbane music lover under the age of 50 who doesn't have fond memories of the Zoo. Opened way back in 1992 under a period of draconian licensing conditions (early punters would find that their door charge included a compulsory meal), this is the venue that nurtured all the big acts of the 1990s Brisbane scene – Powderfinger, Spiderbait, Custard, Regurgitator – and hundreds more besides. Famous acts to have trod its stage include Pixies, Ben Harper, Stephen Malkmus, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Nick Cave. A former 1920s factory space, the venue was started by Joc Curran and C Smith and remains a women-run venue. Go here for indie rock'n'roll, slam poetry, hip hop and more.