Plus a killer lineup of rock, psych, jazz and punk to keep the party fresh all month long.
Beast turns it up in May with a live lineup to satisfy every audio taste. Trivia Tuesdays carry on like clockwork (but clockwork with beer specials and prizes) while Fridays and Saturdays bring the big nights of music, from grunge throwbacks and garage rock launches to horn-driven funk, heavy punk chaos and full-tilt psych explorations. Whether you’re vibing to jazz trios, celebrating World Goth Day or getting down to experimental funk, Beast promises a mighty month of May.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Grunge Is Not Dead!
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- With Dental Plan, Snub, and Filthy McNasties
- Friday, May 2
The 80s and 90s are far behind us, but Grunge Is Not Dead! marks the timeless influence of this genre with three of Naarm’s favorite grunge-inspired bands: Dental Plan, Snub and Filthy McNasties. Expect a night filled with gritty riffs and flannel shirts as they channel the raw energy of an era. Then a DJ session embracing the spirit of grunge, spinning classic tracks all night long.
The Mean Times single launch
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- With Primary High and Signal Chain
- Saturday, May 3
Naarm’s garage rock misfits, The Mean Times, are set to ignite The Beast with their explosive single launch of Already Done. This fiery anthem, released via Golden Robot Records, delivers a blistering critique of burnout culture and modern life’s chaos and is the precursor for their upcoming album. A night of unfiltered rock and a cathartic release, alongside local acts Primary High and Signal Chain.
Firefly Horns
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- With Dërty Bërd
- Friday, May 9
It’s an unforgettable night as two of Naarm’s most electrifying horn-powered bands take the stage for a funky dance party. Dynamic seven-piece ensemble Firefly Horns bring their New Orleans-inspired funk energy (get ready for a singalong), while eight-piece collective Dërty Bërd deliver a soulful fusion of reggae, afrobeat, ska and jazz. Let loose with vibrant brass and groovy rhythms.
Arborists
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- With Criimes, Mobhead and Blonde House
- Saturday, May 10
Expect a wild Saturday with Naarm-based punk rockers Arborists alongside the heavy breakdowns of local producer and thrash rapper Criimes. Mobhead and former G-Troit rockers Blonde House kick off the night. Get ready for a big one.
Goose Goose Duck
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- With Jude Quintet
- Friday, May 16
An evening of rich harmonies and intricate rhythms as Naarm’s avant-garde piano-led jazz trio, Goose Goose Duck, will embark on a captivating journey into the realms of innovative jazz. Joining them are the Jude Quintet, a group of emerging talents from the Northern Rivers region whose musical prowess can be attributed, in part, to their high school mentor Jude Magee.
Pop Punk’s Forever
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- With Loose End, Westall 66 and Late To The Party
- Saturday, May 17
Prepare for an electrifying night as Naarm’s pop-punk scene ignites with a powerhouse lineup at The Beast. Headlining the evening is the Loose End, joined by Westall 66, masters of infectious melodies. Late To The Party bring a fresh twist to classic pop-punk sounds. The festivities kick off early with a walk-up tattoo artist from 5pm. Between sets, DJs will spin timeless pop-punk anthems to keep the dance floor alive all night long.
World Goth Day
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- With Eden, Lowe Munroe & The Fugitives, Palliative and DJ Kristen (PBS)
- May 22
It’s the most wonderful time of year. Celebrate World Goth Day with an East Brunny Goth Bar Crawl featuring Beast, Creatures and Evil Thoughts bars. There’ll be music and DJs at every venue, with Eden, Lowe Munroe & The Fugitives and Palliative taking the Beast stage, plus a range of dark-hearted drink specials to keep you going.
Careful Yelling
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- With Monet’s Pond and Sonic Fuze
- Friday, May 30
Three of Naarm’s top psychedelic acts unite for a night of deep sonic exploration. Careful Yelling take the stage with their hypnotic psych-rock and unpredictable movements. Monet’s Pond provides immersive soundscapes for introspective musical journeys. Openers Sonic Fuze set the mood with smooth jazz, funk and fusion to get the dance vibes flowing from the get-go.
Steppers
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- With Sweet Nothing
- Saturday, May 31
Massive, head-spinning vibes here as Steppers, a 7-piece acid-laced experimental funk machine, bring their powerful grooves and very good vibrations to the stage. Joining the party are Sweet Nothing, a powerhouse duo blending heavy rock, jazz and Eastern fusion into one of the biggest live sounds you can make with just two synths and a drum kit. It’s an unmissable sonic adventure.
Keep up to date with what’s filling up the belly of the Beast on IG here.
This article was made in partnership with the Beast.
