Iconic Melb Venue Reopens Its Doors To Live Music

Beloved Melbourne venue Chasers will open its doors to live music again this July under the banner Three Eight Six.

In a big win for the state’s live music scene, the mid-sized Chapel Street space will once again host international and national bands, as well as stand-up comedy and cabaret, all with a new “state-of-the-art” sound system, lighting rig and stage.

In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, the venue briefly hosted gigs, including Sonic Youth, The Church, Hunters & Collectors, You Am I, Regurgitator and more.

"Chasers is a Melbourne institution and we love connecting with people and hearing their stories about the venue,” Chasers co-owner Martha Tsamis said.

Chasers is one of the state’s only venues with a 24-hour licence, and as a live venue can now cater for 700 people standing or 300 seated.

Its iconic Saturday club night Poof Doof will continue, while the other six nights will be open for live music and other events.

“This venue will fill one of the key missing pieces in the Victorian live music jigsaw puzzle,” Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan said.

“Chasers has a proud tradition of supporting contemporary music, and I enjoyed seeing many bands at its weekly rock night Outlaw Hard N Fast. Even Mick Jagger turned up one night to check out the talent.”

The first gig at Three Eight Six will take place on July 6 while this November, Chasers will celebrate its 40th anniversary.