170 Russell 2027

About 170 Russell

The address has a long nightlife history. The basement opened in the mid-1960s as the Lido cabaret, later became the Total Theatre, and from 1980 was the Billboard nightclub for more than three decades before reopening as 170 Russell in 2014. The building itself, a brutalist car-park structure, was added to the Victorian Heritage Register after surviving a demolition threat. Today it is a standing room of a few hundred, around the size of a large club, favoured by metal, hardcore, grime, electronic and alternative acts. Our 2027 list already shows more than a dozen shows there, including two nights each for JME and Igorrr, Carpenter Brut, THROWN, Drain, Free Throw, Rachel Chinouriri and The Early November.

Getting to 170 Russell

170 Russell is in the basement of a heritage-listed 1960s building on Russell Street, between Bourke Street and Little Bourke Street. The Bourke Street trams stop at the Russell Street corner, inside the Free Tram Zone. Parliament station is about five minutes’ walk east, and Melbourne Central or Flinders Street are both within ten. Chinatown on Little Bourke Street is around the corner for food before doors. Late-night trains run from Parliament and Flinders Street on Friday and Saturday nights, which suits shows that finish after midnight. Driving is pointless; CBD parking is expensive and the street is busy.

170 Russell 2027: seats, bags and timing

It is a standing venue below street level; expect stairs on the way in. Sightlines are best on the raised areas at the sides and back if you are not tall. Smaller rooms like this often sell out without a second date, so the presale counts. Many shows here are 18+ and ID is checked at the door, so bring photo ID even if you look old enough.