A history of live music at Manning Bar
From INXS to Tame Impala, Manning Bar has attracted scores of homegrown talent in its 50-year history. Here’s a look at Manning’s rich musical history and what’s to come for the iconic University bar.
Manning Bar has attracted scores of great Australian musical talent in its longstanding history, including Paul Kelly (1979), INXS (1980), Gotye (2007), Tame Impala (2009), and Violent Soho (2014). Big international names, including The Black Keys (2008), Foo Fighters (2011), and Machine Gun Kelly (2013), have also graced Manning's stage.
Opened in 1974, this year marks 50 years of Manning Bar. For half a century, Manning Bar has remained a key entry point for local music artists, most notably helping launch new bands through their Battle of the Bands competition. The competition, a staple in the University calendar, has helped kickstart the music careers of well-known Australian artists Cloud Control (Winners 2006) and The Jezabels (Finalists 2007).
But, Manning Bar is far more than just a music venue; it's been a cultural landmark for students, staff, alumni and the broader community. From hosting legendary live music acts and vibrant social gatherings to being a platform for student activism and creativity, Manning Bar has played a pivotal role in shaping the university experience.
Read on to learn about Manning Bar's incredible history, and what's to come for the landmark institution on campus.
Icehouse. Photograph: Public Domain
Where it all began
The first known concert at Manning Bar was played by Icehouse (formally Flowers) on Friday 4 August 1978. The little-known rock band from Sydney, formed in 1977, then went on to hit the Australian Top 10 in 1980 for their debut single “Can’t Help Myself”, tour the UK, Canada and U.S. in 1981, and release eight albums between 1980 and 1995. Australian artists Paul Kelly (formally Paul Kelly and The Dots) and INXS followed soon after, playing at Manning Bar in 1979 and 1980 respectively.
Beastie Boys (under the stage name Quasar), an American rap rock group formed in 1981, was the first known international act to play at Manning Bar on 26 January 1997. Their set-list featured original songs, including ‘Time for Livin’ and ‘Heart Attack Man’, as well as covers from The Ramones and Billy Joel. Millencolin, a Swedish punk rock band formed in 1992, followed the same year on 18 October.
In 2009, Tame Impala and The Cat Empire would play at Manning Bar, hosting intimate shows before skyrocketing to success some years later. Tame Impala’s show at Manning, part of their ‘Sundown Syndrome Launch Tour’, was supported by Jonathan Boulet and former Battle of the Bands winners The Laurels.
Concert at Manning Bar
What’s next for Manning?
To celebrate 50 years of Manning Bar, the University of Sydney Union (USU) have announced a program of live entertainment from July to October 2024, including Battle of the Bands, Someday Soon and Manning Summer Series.
Someday Soon Presents: 50 Years of Manning Bar will bring together local and international artists, including DMA's, Hannah Brewer and Emei, across two huge nights – 21 August and 18 September. Follow Someday Soon's Instagram to keep up to date with the two events and ticket drops.
Updated: 16 July 2024