Local rockers, free Sunday blues and a psych-rock musical: It’s October at The Espy 
Subscribe
X

Get the latest from Beat

"*" indicates required fields

01.10.2025

Local rockers, free Sunday blues and a psych-rock musical: It’s October at The Espy 

espy
words by kaya martin

The Espy’s calendar is packed to the gills this month.

From free shows in the Basement to wild parties in the Gershwin room, the iconic seaside venue will be bumping night after night. You know what they say: there’s never a bad time to hit the Espy.

Whether you’re looking for Melbourne’s emerging stars, road dogs, tribute shows or club nights, The Espy delivers. Keen to hear the specifics? Let’s dive in.

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Tribute Festival

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Espy Live (@the.espy.live)

The Espy’s going full sing-along mode with Tribute Festival, a live tribute extravaganza covering indie and rock greats like The Killers, Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, Oasis and more. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love belting out anthems in public, this is your night.

TV Therapy 

TV Therapy storm into the Espy Basement on their Hit & Run Tour, bringing sharp riffs, punk energy and a whole lot of youthful swagger. Milk Punch and Exit Plan warm up the night, and together you can expect a volatile mix of indie, punk and psychedelic vibes. 

Rock Academy 41

It’s the 10th birthday of Rock Academy, coming alive in the Gershwin Room at the Espy. After a week of mentoring, rehearsals and workshops, Melbourne’s teenage musicians take over with a mix of originals and covers that prove these kids have serious chops. 

Eadiella 

Eadiella steps into the Espy Basement to celebrate the release of her third single, Wild Thing, in her first headlining show. Supported by Leo Ercole and Jack Paraíso, this indie-folk slash pop-rock evening is designed to feel warm, intimate, and a little magical.

Firely Horns

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Daimon Brunton (@daimonbrunton)

Firefly Horns are bringing their intoxicating, horn-powered sound to The Espy on Sunday 5 October at 6pm for a free entry show. The seven-piece instrumental band delivers funky, high-energy New Orleans-influenced music custom built to get audiences on their feet. With chants, singalongs and huge crowd involvement, the all-original group has already packed out venues across Melbourne.

Pet Therapy

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pet Therapy (@pettherapyband)

Pet Therapy bring their eccentric, dramatic art-rock to the Espy Basement for the first time ever, with support from two-piece hyper rockers No Questions. It’s a free show, so if you’ve got nothing much on a Thursday night, this is the kind of surprise gem you want to turn up early for. 

Solmaye

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Solmaye (@solmaye_)

Solmaye bring their soulful R&B magic to the Espy Basement, supported by Stoned Ape Theory. Composed of five jazz uni students, they lean into lush harmonies, silky vocal runs, and smooth sax solos that draw from Donny Hathaway, Etta James, Frank Ocean and more. 

Best of Both Worlds Party 

If you’re craving nostalgia with a twist, Best of Both Worlds Party at the Espy Gershwin is your jam. It promises a mash-up of throwback hits and modern bangers across genres, all curated to have you singing along and dancing like no one’s watching. 

TEISHA & Kat Noutso

Emma Boult Studios brings a double headliner to the Espy Basement: TEISHA and Kat Noutso share top billing, supported by Naomi K, AANYA and Nikole Bradbury. It’s a daytime/early evening slot (3:45 pm start), so expect a slightly different feel than your usual late night show. 

The Outlaws 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Espy Live (@the.espy.live)

The Outlaws ride into the Espy Basement for a free Sunday Blues session, no tickets cost, just good vibes and live music. These country rebels don’t just play by the book; they bend it with soul, grit, and swagger. If you’ve ever thought country was tame, catch this set and let them show you how wild it can get.

Napalm For The Masses

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NAPALM FOR THE MASSES (@napalmftm)

Napalm For The Masses tear into the stage with raw hardcore energy, backed by local legends The Mansplainers and pop-punk bruisers Headspin. This is a free show in the Espy Basement, so no excuse not to get down early, scope out the mosh, and feed off the pure aggression. 

Southern River Band 

Southern River Band bring their bluesy rock leanings to the Espy Gershwin with Easier Said Than Done, promising a night of guitar burns, soulful vocals, and tight backing grooves. Their live sets tend to find the sweet spot between swagger and sincerity, so expect moments of both sweat and soul. 

Krusty Virus

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Krusty Virus (@krustyvirus)

Krusty Virus bring their trademark Thong Rock / Shed Punk flair to the Espy Basement to celebrate the drop of their new single BLAH BLAH, teasing more from the upcoming More Beer album. Supporting acts Brave Dastard and Tala will add swampy blues grit and fusion touches.

Eliza & The Delusionals

Eliza & The Delusionals are revisiting the EP A State of Living in an Objective Reality on its 5th anniversary, bringing the full emotional ride back to life on stage. Fans can expect the EP played in full, plus some old favourites and newer tracks sprinkled through the set. 

The Hornstars | Sunday Blues

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Hornstars (@thehornstarsband)

The Hornstars return to the Basement with their soulful, funky grooves and three sets to keep your Sunday alive. If you’re into laid-back good music, this is one of those rare shows where you leave feeling uplifted.

The Creature from Outer Bass – The Prog-Rock, Sci-Fi Musical

Keith Stone’s The Creature from Outer Bass is landing in the Basement. Armed with nothing but a five-string bass, Stone bends reality with “hard to believe sounds,” weaving comedy, virtuosity, and cosmic storytelling into a live spectacle, with Daniel Stone (a.k.a. Son of The Creature) thrashing it out on drums.

One Direction vs 5 Seconds of Summer 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Call Me Maybe (@callmemaybeparty)

Calling all Directioners and Youngbloods: this is your night. The One Direction vs 5 Seconds of Summer tribute party at Gershwin is a celebration of all things pop, from You Look So Perfect to She Looks So Perfect, and everything in between. It’s a full-on singalong party with DJs spinning the greatest hits, plus your fave pop anthems from peers.

HZED

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HZED (@hzed_rock_band_)

HZED are heading their full-throttle, riff-driven rock to the Basement for the launch of their new single Save Yourself. They’ll be supported by The Hidden Charms and 74 King in a night for rock lovers who want to feel every chord.

Elly McK & The Unbelievers | Sunday Blues

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @ellymckandtheunbelievers

Elly McK & The Unbelievers are dishing out their alt-country magic in a free evening of heartfelt songs and lively storytelling. Fresh off their charting single Don’t Stay Away, they’ll weave together grit, harmony and soul, from foot-stompers to heart-breakers. 

Club Gaga: Halloween Party 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Superficial Party (@superficialparty)

Get ready to dance with the ghouls, because Club Gaga is throwing a Halloween bash at Gershwin, and costumes are absolutely encouraged. Whether you come as vampire chic or zombie glam, it’s going to be a night full of surprises and glitter.

Keep up with everything happening at The Espy here.

This article was made in partnership with The Espy.