The best Melbourne bands of all time

It’s a fair question, however. Humans are competitive in their nature, and music is a pleasurable experience, so why wouldn’t we want to focus on only the best?

In Australia, local music has long been a source of pride ever since it became clear that we’ve got the massive amounts of talent on hand that can see us go head-to-head with the big names around the world. 

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As folks like Johnny O’Keefe proved Aussies can rock, so too did other icons like The Easybeats, the Bee Gees, The Seekers, Billy Thorpe, and countless others prove that Australia wasn’t simply a one-hit wonder on a grand scale. 

However, as we’ve heard time and time again, Melbourne is the live music capital of the world, thus making it clear that when it comes to Aussie cities, Melbourne is the place to be for musical talent. So the question then is, well, who are the best musicians to have emerged from Melbourne?

It’s a question that is as divisive as it is ripe for debate, but we’ve given it a solid crack to shine a light on some of those iconic Melbourne musicians whose work has soundtracked not only our lives in Australia but music lovers around the world too.

Kylie Minogue

It’s a little hard to look past the likes of Kylie Minogue when it comes to bringing Australian music to the masses. After all, it speaks volumes when the mere mention of your first name brings as much recognition and cachet as anything else. But for those watching Neighbours decades ago, few could have foreseen the tomboyish Charlene Robinson going global.

Fast-forward to 1988 and her debut album Kylie was going gangbusters thanks to the likes of I Should Be So Lucky, The Loco-Motion and more. More hits gave way to a reinvention in the ‘90s, with 2001’s Fever becoming a verified global smash hit.

Topping charts around the world, and even hitting #3 in the US, it proved that Kylie Minogue was going to be remembered for decades to come. Even now, almost 40 years since she kicked off her career, the milestones keep coming, proving that Kylie is an unstoppable force.

Crowded House

It’s fair to say that Crowded House’s inclusion here might also be the cause of debate, but given that the initial lineup featured one New Zealander (Neil Finn) and three Aussies, we’re willing to claim them as a Melbourne band.

After all, why wouldn’t we? For a few short years, Crowded House were the Australian band that most international audiences knew, all thanks to tracks like Don’t Dream It’s Over, Now We’re Getting Somewhere and more.

Having initially split in 1996 after 11 years together, their 2006 reformation following the death of Paul Hester has continued their trajectory as one of the most successful Melbourne bands. With no album of theirs charting outside of the top three in Australia, and with more than 15 million records sold globally, we’re more than happy to fight the Kiwis about Crowded House ownership.

Nick Cave

It’s a little impossible to look past Nick Cave when it comes to some of the greatest Melbourne musicians. Hailing from Warracknabeal, Cave’s rise to fame came about thanks to groups such as The Boys Next Door and The Birthday Party, which were vital mainstays of St Kilda’s Crystal Ballroom. However, even with The Birthday Party gaining global traction, it was Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds that transported him into the status of legend.

Renowned for his verbose lyrics, intense and passionate performing style, and emotive and striking music, Cave has been the subject of constant critical acclaim for the entirety of his career. Even now, as he nears 50 years in the music industry, it’s difficult to find him missing a step. He might have slowly strayed away from his post-punk roots, but the emotional impact of Cave’s music has never wavered even for a second.

Paul Kelly

Though Paul Kelly’s origins might kick off the classic rivalry between South Australia and Victoria, given that he didn’t launch his musical career until he moved from Adelaide to Melbourne means that we’re going to claim Kelly as one of our own.

Again, how could we not? Often considered to be Australia’s answer to Bob Dylan, it’s rare to find an artist like Kelly given the way he’s able to unite the rough and rowdy pub rockers and the folky types who enjoy some introspection.

Though he’s been a staple of our lives for almost 50 years, Kelly’s career has experienced a massive resurgence in the last decade, with his long-awaited number-one album finally arriving in 2017, and even more ARIA Awards being sent his way.

In 2025, Kelly is gearing up to undertake his biggest headline tour to date, performing stadium shows around the country. No matter how you slice it, it’s impossible to book a stadium tour such as this without the majority of fans labelling you one of the country’s best.

Archie Roach

The late Uncle Archie Roach was the very definition of the tenacious spirit that Australians like to champion. A member of the Stolen Generations, Roach’s early years were emblematic of the injustices done to Indigenous Australians, with personal trauma an undeniable constant.

However, it was in the ‘80s that he managed to harness his creativity and assert himself as a powerful performer, eventually releasing the enduring Charcoal Lane in 1990.

Becoming an iconic figure of First Nations music in Australia, Roach’s career was critically acclaimed, with a total of nine ARIA Awards to his name, and a place in the ARIA Hall Of Fame coming his way in 2020.

With his music and message resonating more than 34 years after he made his debut, Roach’s legacy is an enduring one. Even in the wake of his passing in 2022, he stands tall as one of Melbourne’s most influential and affecting musicians whose impact will be felt forever more.

The Living End

Celebrating 30 years together in 2024, it’s often easy to forget the massive impact that The Living End had upon Australian culture in the ‘90s and ‘00s. Harnessing a blistering blend of punk and rockabilly, the group’s Second Solution/Prisoner Of Society single was an enduring success that was impossible to ignore, and their self-titled debut album not only debuted at #1 but boasted a massive six singles. 

With six ARIA Awards to their name from 30 nominations, eight albums, and dozens of singles, The Living End are the perfect example of a hard-working band whose effort and dedication to their craft has seen them become a staple of Australian culture. Renowned for their intense live show, and revered for their stellar back catalogue, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone with a bad word to say about The Living End.

Missy Higgins

When Missy Higgins won triple j’s Unearthed competition back in 2003, very few in the public eye could have predicted the future that lay ahead for her. Those close to her would have been more than aware that this was just the first step in a lifelong career for the acclaimed musician.

By the time tracks like Scar preceded her debut album The Sound Of White, fans knew something special was on the way, and they were right.Fast forward two decades later, and Higgins is a newly-inducted member of the ARIA Hall Of Fame, an 11-time ARIA Award winner, and has had four of her six albums top the charts (the other two hit a very respectable #3).

With the release of her latest album, The Second Act, Higgins has proved that she’s only just beginning to show us what she’s capable of – not bad for someone who has already had a more successful career than most artists could ever dream of.

John Farnham

When it comes to Australian musicians who have had a massive impact, John Farnham should never be too far from the discussion. Having launched his career as a teen idol in the ‘60s, Johnny Farnham (as he was called) was never really a huge threat on the charts until the early ‘80s, at which point he took over as singer for the Little River Band and reinvented himself somewhat. In 1986, however, he released Whispering Jack and cemented himself as Aussie music royalty.

The highest-selling album by an Aussie artist in the country, there was a time when it was almost impossible to find a local household that didn’t own a copy of the record. Even now, it’s considered the watermark of Australian rock music of the ‘80s, with Farnham’s impact still being felt.

Almost 40 years later, and with numerous albums and farewell tours under his belt, Farnham’s legacy is largely tied to the success of the record. To be fair, there are much worse things to have your musical legacy tied to.

TISM

If ever you had to name the most Melbourne band of all time, the only debate should be where TISM shows up on that list. Having kicked off in 1982, the pseudonymous, anonymous collective have made an impressive career for themselves pairing razor-sharp wit and pop culture references with stellar pub rock and synth-heavy.

If ever you needed proof of their success, just scope out albums like Great Truckin’ Songs Of The Renaissance, and Machiavelli And The Four Seasons, or check out footage of their insane live audience.

Having reformed in 2022 after 18 years apart, TISM quickly found themselves on the receiving end of adoration once again – not bad for a band who were famously antagonistic towards their audience.

But even now, as they’ve wrapped up their first headline tour in 20 years, the appetite for TISM is as strong as ever, and it’s clear that their status as one of Melbourne’s most enigmatic and inexplicably beloved bands will continue for decades to come.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

It’s impossible to focus on the best artists from Melbourne without focusing on the ever-prolific King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. Having formed out of RMIT back in 2010, few could have expected the group to go as far as they have – especially with a name such as that.

But despite the somewhat head-turning name, heads have been turning constantly ever since thanks to the relentless output and truly inspiring fanbase.

After all, how many other bands out there can boast 26 albums in 12 years? (Including five each in 2017 and 2022?) How many bands can boast a career that constantly sees them selling out shows in the US and Europe?

How many bands can boast such a voracious fanbase that makes even the surviving members of Grateful Dead feel a tad inadequate? Truly, there aren’t many bands like the dizzying collective that is King Gizz, and frankly, there won’t ever be another. 

Tina Arena

Who can forget about the sensational Tina Arena? 

Getting her start on Network Ten’s beloved variety show Young Talent Time, she quickly captured the hearts of Australians as “Tiny Tina”. At age 19, she opened for Lionel Richie’s Australian Tour, affirming her status as the dazzling performer we know today. 

Her career has been nothing short of extraordinary. With international chart success, seven ARIA Awards, countless more nominations and an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame she has become a symbol of Australian excellence. Add in her performance at the Sydney Olympics, and Tina Arena’s icon status becomes undeniable. 

Beyond mainstream music, her legacy extends to the theatrical arts. Working with greats like Andrea Bocelli and earning the admiration of legends like Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tina Arena’s name holds weight across many creative industries and testifies to her versatility as an artist. 

Hiatus Kaiyote

This legendary neo-soul jazz-funk band have made massive waves within the music industry. Forming in 2011, Hiatus Kaiyote began their journey to international acclaim. 

They released their debut album independently, gaining notoriety and praise from musical greats like Erykah Badu, Questlove, and Prince who urged their supporters to listen to their intoxicating sound. Only a few years later, the collective was nominated for their first – of three – Grammys, becoming the first Australian act nominated for a Grammy in an RnB category. 

Their work continues to be revived and reimagined through a string of samplings by musical icons like Anderson. Paak, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and even Beyonce and Jay Z. Safe to say this output had an impressive legacy with much more to come. 

Gotye

Belgian-born, but Melbourne-raised, Gotye, became a global sensation. Developing an obsession for music at an early age, he taught himself a variety of instruments, fueling his creative journey. A proud Melburnain, he graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts. 

Smash cut to 2011, Gotye released his infamous single Somebody I Used To Know, catapulting into international stardom. This track was hugely successful. Going 11 x Platinum in Australia, 8 x Platinum (that’s 8,000,000 units!) in the US and reaching number one in 18 other countries, there was a substantial period when this song consumed global consciousness. 

When you’re considering artists who have released singles with a massively formidable presence and lasting impact, Gotye’s name goes to the top of the list. 

Olivia Newton-John

One of Australia’s beloved divas. Emigrating to Melbourne at five, she quickly immersed herself in the arts scene, starting with productions at Univeristy High which rapidly evolved into regular TV appearances. 

Her career went on to explode, selling over 100 million records she became Australia’s best-selling female artist of all time. But of course, we know, it doesn’t just stop there – her resume is impressive. If we had to rattle off a few achievements, we’d mention her four Grammys, nine Billboard Music Awards, six American Music Awards, and 15 top-ten singles. Not to mention being honoured as a dame in 2020 and with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

And Grease! Starring alongside John Travolta in the classic musical, its soundtrack remains one of the best-selling albums ever. When you think of global icons, you think of Dame Olivia Newton-John. 

Any Band You Saw At The Tote Front Bar

We said up the top of this article that a list such as this could be divisive, but let’s face it, nothing ever compares to that feeling of discovering a local musician at your local venue – whether it be The Tote, or anywhere else – and realising the transformative effect they have upon you.

There’s nothing quite like hearing them for the first time, wondering where the hell they’ve been hiding, and the level of confusion you feel as you wonder why more people aren’t witnessing this with you.

Maybe there’s something in the water in Melbourne, or maybe it’s a testament to the musical capabilities that Victorians have, but it’s fair to say we’ve all seen at least one artist play a show that leaves you feeling certain they could make it big one day. And even if it’s just for one brief moment, they break into your personal list of the best Melbourne artists of all time.

For more on the best Melbourne artists of all time, head here.