The Vanguard Newtown
42 King St, Newtown
www.thevanguard.com.au
The Vanguard, a beloved icon of Newtown’s live music scene, has been at the heart of Sydney’s creative culture for more than two decades. Yet, this vibrant venue has faced more than its fair share of challenges over the years. From closing its iconic red doors in 2016 to a brief stint as Leadbelly, and then battling the difficulties brought on by the pandemic, The Vanguard’s journey has been anything but smooth. Despite these hurdles, the venue has once again reopened, stronger than ever, under new ownership and with a fresh vision.
Back in 2016, The Vanguard shocked its loyal following by announcing it would be closing its doors after 13 years of offering live music, burlesque, and comedy. During its first iteration, the stage hosted an impressive range of talent, including Elvis Costello, Diesel, and even Russell Crowe’s band, 30 Odd Foot of Grunts. The loss of The Vanguard was deeply felt by the Newtown community and Sydney’s wider music scene. But it wasn’t long before hope returned. The venue was reborn as Leadbelly, a blues-and-rock den that aimed to capture the spirit of the original but, unfortunately, it too was unable to last the distance.
In 2018, The Vanguard rose from the ashes once more, reopening with high hopes for the future. Yet, like many venues, it wasn’t immune to the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the red doors were forced shut again. However, the spirit of The Vanguard refused to be extinguished, and now, under the ownership and management of Beau Neilson, the venue is back with a fresh sense of purpose and excitement.
Neilson, who previously led the creative direction at Phoenix Central Park in Chippendale, is no stranger to the world of live music and performance. Her passion for the arts and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences make her the perfect person to carry The Vanguard into its next chapter.
“My goal is to preserve the rich history of The Vanguard while making it an even more inclusive, vibrant space where artists and audiences can connect,” says Neilson. “With a lush new look, upgraded sound and lighting systems, and excellent food and drink, we’re ready to embrace the next generation of performers, experimenters, and lovers of music, art, and expression.”
To bring her vision to life, Neilson enlisted the help of renowned designer Michael Delany (Piccolo Bar, The Hook et al), who worked closely with her over an intensive eight-week renovation period. The transformation of The Vanguard is nothing short of remarkable. Every detail has been meticulously considered, from the layout of the bar to the design of the bathrooms, all with the aim of enhancing the experience for both audiences and performers.
Perhaps the most significant changes have been made to the venue’s technical capabilities. The sound, lighting, and video systems have all undergone major upgrades, ensuring that The Vanguard can deliver a world-class experience on par with global standards. A state-of-the-art d&b audiotechnik audio system has been installed, providing artists and fans with impeccable sound quality. In addition, the venue now boasts 30 new lighting fixtures and a powerful 7000 Lumen Epson Projector, giving performers the tools to create immersive and visually stunning shows.
But The Vanguard’s revival isn’t just about the music – it’s also about the food. The venue has partnered with BUSH, an innovative culinary team known for their unique approach to Australian cuisine, which revolves around the concepts of “native food proliferation, invasive food obliteration.” Executive chef Grant Lawn is excited about the partnership, saying, “It’s an exciting prospect to collaborate with The Vanguard. Surrounded by art, music, and shows, BUSH is in a great space.”
The menu at The Vanguard now offers a range of mouth-watering dishes that showcase the best of native Australian ingredients, paired with bold and creative flavours. Highlights include Red Pepper Roo Tail, Wild Rabbit Puff, and Fingerlime Guac & Corn Chips – a true feast for the senses. Whether you’re there to catch a show or simply enjoy a meal, the kitchen’s offerings are sure to delight.
The Vanguard’s reopening signals more than just a return to live music; it’s about fostering a sense of community and bringing people together through art, performance, and great food. Regular live performances are now back on the calendar, with a diverse program that celebrates talent from across Sydney and beyond. From up-and-coming musicians to established artists, The Vanguard is once again a hub for creativity. True to its roots, the venue will continue to host its famous burlesque shows, a nod to the eclectic mix of entertainment that has always set The Vanguard apart.
Comedy lovers are also in for a treat, with a stellar lineup of performances that promises plenty of laughs. Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate acoustic gig, a wild night of rock and roll, or a dazzling burlesque performance, The Vanguard’s program has something for everyone. And with its newly upgraded facilities, every show is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
For those eager to be part of The Vanguard’s new chapter, tickets for upcoming shows are now available via the venue’s revamped website, which makes it easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the latest events. Whether you’re a long-time fan of The Vanguard or discovering it for the first time, there’s no better time to step through those iconic red doors and immerse yourself in everything this historic venue has to offer.
The return of The Vanguard is more than just the reopening of a venue – it’s the rebirth of a cornerstone of Sydney’s live music scene. With a fresh look, top-tier facilities, and a commitment to supporting the arts, The Vanguard is poised to cement its place as a leading destination for live music, performance, and dining in the Inner West. As Neilson and her team welcome a new generation of artists and audiences, The Vanguard’s legacy of creativity, community, and expression is set to continue for many years to come.