In Partnership with Keno
There’s something about live music in a local pub that just feels right. No inflated ticket prices, back row seats, or long treks out to a stadium – just a crowd, a stage, and a lineup of artists doing what they do best. That was the vibe on Saturday, May 24th, when Rolling Stone Local Legends took over Brisbane’s Stock Exchange Hotel. Powered by Keno, the one-night-only event celebrated some of the country’s most exciting emerging talent.
By 4pm, the doors were open and the place was buzzing. Locals rolled in early, keen to catch the full lineup, which started with a high energy, old-school funk set by Brisbane octet The Steele Syndicate.
Next up, Charli Lucas and Molly Millington took the stage for a ‘Together We Play’ acoustic session that felt perfect for the stripped-back format of the venue. Leaning into the casual setting, the singer-songwriters chatted with each other and the crowd between songs.
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As the sun set, New Zealand band Borderline stepped up to keep the energy going. Their polished blend of alt-pop and rock brought the first big swell of the crowd, with fans gathering closer to the small stage to have a boogie.
From front to back, “Stockies” was packed as Perth’s Great Gable launched into their headline set. Known for their signature indie rock groove, the band felt right at home on the pub’s intimate stage, which was close enough to high-five from the front row.
“Eight times out of ten I’ll prefer a more intimate venue,” Great Gable frontman Alex Whiteman told Rolling Stone AU/NZ, ahead of the gig. “It can feel like you’re just with a bunch of mates at the pub.”
That’s exactly what it felt like as Great Gable tore through a tracklist that featured songs from their 2024 album Small Fry alongside old fan favourites, plus the band’s now-tradition to close things out with a surprise cover.
Credit: Supplied
Over the course of the night, more than 400 people came through the venue, transforming The Stock Exchange Hotel into a proper live music hub. “I can’t believe this is Stockies,” said one local on the night. “It looks awesome.”
That sense of excitement for live music is exactly what Rolling Stone Local Legends is all about. Launched in partnership with Keno, the events shine a spotlight on the local stages that help catapult Australia’s next generation of artists.
The Brisbane show was the first of two Rolling Stone Local Legends events, with Melbourne alt-pop trio Blusher headlining the second night at Hotel Steyne in Manly on Saturday, May 31st.
Missed out on being there? Check out our hype reel from the night below.
HYPE REEL
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