Originally slated to play city nightclub Le Rox, breaking Seattle grunge act Nirvana was re-booked in a bigger room at the Old Lion for their 1992 Adelaide gig.
But sometime between the scheduling of the well-loved North Adelaide pub and the January 30 show Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic released the global hit album Nevermind and went from underground stalwarts to the biggest band in the world.
It soon became clear that an even bigger venue was going to be required, and the historic Thebarton Theatre, already an iconic South Australian rock venue, was immortalised.
Even there things were tight as young Gen Xers and a smattering of hip boomers crammed in to see the band that was riding high in the charts with Smells Like Teen Spirit.
According to a review by arts writer Patrick McDonald, the "Thebby" was transformed into a "slamming orgy of stinking sweat and beer" during a show he called "the concert you had to be seen at this year".
"This year" was probably underselling things, as that Nirvana gig is still spoken about 33 years later.
The Thebarton Theatre recently reopening after an $8 million facelift – jointly funded by the State Government and the City of West Torrens – and now boasts an upgraded entrance and foyer, a new bar and lounge areas and, for the first time in its history, the Theatre now has a lift, providing full accessibility for all patrons.
The mark this makeover we thought we’d look back at some of the biggest names to play at the almost 100-year-old theatre.
Names like Metallica (pictured), who next month will play to a sold-out Adelaide Oval but in 1989 played a much smaller show at the Thebby.
It was the Californian metal band’s first-ever show in Australia, scheduled thanks to a petition compiled by fans pleading for an Adelaide concert.
Another act wh
o also sells out the Oval but cut his teeth at 112 Henley Beach Road was an upcoming young troubadour named Ed Sheeran (pictured).
It was the Englishman’s first run of headline shows in Australia, and those who were there can now say they saw a pop phenomenon in a truly intimate setting.
Those at the Coldplay show in 2001 also get bragging rights.
Closer to home, the Thebby has played host to a who’s who of Australian legends – INXS in 1984, Sunnyboys in 1982, Savage Garden in 1997, Silverchair in 95, 96 and 07, and the incomparable Kylie Minogue in 1998.
There have been loud punk rock shows – Green Day in 1996, Iggy Pop & the Stooges in 2013 and the Dead Kennedys in 1983 – and more sedate affairs like The Shins in 2007 and the late, great Kris Kristofferson in 2014 and 2019.
You can read a complete list of who’s played at the Thebarton Theatre here.
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