As we watch restrictions slowly lift, we are feeling extremely excited at the prospect of coming together once again. When it comes to gigs in Sydney, we’ve all experienced an unforgettable live performance at The Hordern. So, we asked the staff at the iconic venue to take a trip down memory lane and pick out some of their most memorable gigs as they prepare to welcome you and all your favourite artists back to the stage.
- Billie Eilish – 30th Apr 2019
WOW! We knew this was going to be a big show (it sold out in under 3 minutes), but the energy in the room as soon as Billie took to the stage and performed what would end up as the number one song of 2019, ‘Bad Guy’, was something else – and it did not let up until the very last song!
- System of a Down – 25th Jan 2005
I experienced my first circle pit as a teenager! They opened with “Aerials” and to this day I still get chills thinking about it. Such a powerful opener. Amazing!
- Golden Features – 11th Aug 2018
This was hands down the best gig at Hordern from start to finish! They tried out the new sound system and it was way too loud and the lights were programmed at max watts for 3 days before so that every drop was perfectly timed.
- Midnight Oil – 4th Oct 1987
Does it get any more iconic than Midnight Oil at the Hordern Pavilion!? They sold out 4 nights straight at the Hordern and will always go down in history as one of the biggest and best shows we’ve had in the venue.
- RÜFÜS DU SOL – 4th & 5th May 2016
Who can forget the biggest and most insane lighting rig we have ever had in the Hordern! The energy in the room was unbelievable and the boys DID NOT miss a single note. It was the perfect live music experience.
- Elton John – 17th Dec 2015
Elton was so happy to be back at the Hordern after his run of shows in the 80’s. He was talking a lot about the Hordern and how good it was to be back. The crowd loved him, and it was a very intimate experience. He reminisced about past tours and even made fun of himself for being a bit of a Diva sometimes. When he played Tiny Dancer, we all hugged and sang along. It definitely gave us the warm and fuzzies!
- The Wombats – 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018
There’s no hiding that we love The Wombats (and we think they love us too), heck they even shot their film clip for ‘Emoticons’ in the Hordern! Every time they perform, they have all 5,500 punters singing along. It’s exactly what you picture when you think of great live music, big smiles, high energy and singalongs until the last note of the very last song.
- Nirvana (The Big Day Out) – 25th Jan 1992
The Big Day Out podcast story as told by those in the industry shares the intensity of the day. Hearing musicians telling stories of downing instruments on other stages and squeezing in to see them play said it all for me. If you have yet to listen, episode 1 can be found here.
- Leon Bridges – 17th Jan 2019
The dude can sing! He sounded awesome in our venue… We couldn’t even get our staff to leave the venue after their shift for this gig because it was so mesmerizing, especially when the packed-out venue sang every word to ‘River’ to close out the show.
- Macklemore – 3rd, 4th & 11th Feb 2018
When you talk about energy and performance the first Macklemore show comes to mind,we’ve never seen or felt the Hordern physically shake for a whole show.
We’d love to hear from you about your favourite shows from the Hordern and who you are most looking forward to seeing once the doors swing open!
Jump on the Hordern’s Socials and let the team know 😊
Venue website: https://www.playbillvenues.com.au/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HordernPavilion/
Instagram: @hordernpavilion