Basement
Editorial
The only other venue represented is the ANU Bar, and that's a distant second. So there's no overstating the importance of this Belconnen landmark as the epicentre of heavy music in the ACT. Punk, metal, hard rock, and hardcore happily collide on its storied stage while black-clad punters pass under a massive faux spider web on the ceiling before reaching the band room. True to its name, the hall-like venue is indeed located down a flight of stairs, as represented on its familiar logo.
Its location behind the Westfield Shopping Centre might seem a bit random to newcomers, but the Basement has been the site of everything from Prog Fest 2009 to the monthly Slamfest. Overseas acts like White Chapel have plowed through while traversing Oz, and Sydney's AC/DC tribute act Acca Dacca has made multiple stops. But it's not all tattooed bands with nightmarish names: consider Fleetwood Mac legend Peter Green and his band, as well as Melbourne folkie Adam Cousens.
There are even all-ages shows some Sundays (and free pool to boot), which means it's much more inclusive than not.
Doug Wallen, May 2010
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