Corner Hotel

In 1871, a humble pub opened its doors near the Richmond railway station. It was the Corner Hotel. It quickly became a popular spot thanks to its convenient location. The Corner Hotel saw a major renovation in 1881 under William Malone, who focused on improving both the lodging and the drinks. He ran the Corner Hotel successfully for many years. Let’s fast forward to the 1940s. The Corner Hotel started hosting live jazz performances, adding a new dimension to its character. The 1950s brought another transformation. The Melbourne Cooperative Brewing Company rebuilt the Corner Hotel in 1954. They even managed to keep serving drinks during the reconstruction. Imagine trying to get a pint during the six o’clock swill! Workers would rush in after work to squeeze in as many drinks as possible before the 6 p.m. closing time. In 1966, the Corner Hotel was demolished and rebuilt. This was to make way for wider railway lines. The Corner Hotel was reborn, slightly shifted from its original spot. The real rock ‘n’ roll era began in 1983. Wayne Gale brought in bands like The Adventure and Big Music Works, kicking off a new chapter in the Corner Hotel’s history. Big Pig played the following night. The Corner Hotel became a launchpad for Australian music legends. Mick Pealing’s band, the Spaniards, held the first Saturday night residency. Under Gale’s management, the Corner Hotel saw an incredible run of success, selling out 15 shows in just 16 days. This was a remarkable feat given the competitive Melbourne music scene. Bands like Johnny Diesel & The Injectors, Spy vs Spy, and Baby Animals used their residencies to build their reputations. Even international stars like Mick Jagger and David Gilmour played secret shows at the Corner Hotel in 1988. Pink Floyd had such a blast jamming with the resident band, the Party Animals, on a Monday night, that they came back for a full show on Friday. The Corner Hotel even hosted music masterclasses. One class with Billy Joel’s drummer, Liberty De Vito, had a surprise guest appearance by Billy Joel himself! The Corner Hotel welcomed international acts like Ian Gillan, Spencer Davis, Canned Heat, and many more. It also became the go-to place for seeing up-and-coming Melbourne bands. In the mid-1990s, Tim Northeast and Mathew Everett took over the Corner Hotel. They continued its legacy as a premier music venue. The Corner Hotel also witnessed some iconic music moments. The White Stripes created the riff for “Seven Nation Army” during a soundcheck there in 2003. U2 filmed their “Window in the Skies” video on the rooftop in 2006. Crowded House chose the Corner Hotel for their final Melbourne show in 1996 before their reunion. The Corner Hotel has earned numerous awards and accolades over the years. It has consistently been ranked among the top global club venues. The Corner Hotel stands as a testament to Melbourne’s vibrant music scene.