‘Simpsons’-inspired Live Music Venue Opening In Melbourne

A new Melbourne live music venue will open its doors on High Street in Thornbury next January.

The space, dubbed Shotkickers in reference to The Simpsons, is the latest project from musicians Christopher Windley and Mathias Northway.

Formerly known as Swamplands Bar/Tago Mago, which opened in 2010 and hosted Spencer P Jones, Kim Salmon and more, the 200-cap space has been overhauled and now includes a larger stage, new band room, booth seating throughout the venue and a kitchen menu helmed by Get Out Of Here Burger.

Its name reinforces the duo’s desire to “breathe fresh life into the venue and make it their own”.

“Shotkickers is a band venue Marge visits where the men are super rowdy yet super gentlemanly, and it seemed like a great mantra,” Windley said. “I also love Simpsons shitposting so hopefully I can claim to own the biggest Simpsons meme in town."

Windley also said it’s a “venue built by musicians, for musicians”.

"The bar was welded by a muso. The stage was built by musos. The roof got painted by musos. Everyone is so excited to bring something fresh to the scene.”

Northway added: “While reimagining the venue we’ve had the artist experience at the forefront of every decision.

“Bands have had a rough trot of late and many incredible musicians live a stone’s throw away. We love the idea that bands could literally walk to the venue, backline is provided, booze is flowing and the sound system is top notch."

Alongside booking various Melbourne venues in recent years, Windley has drummed for the likes of Mangelwurzel and Dallas Frasca and has also tour managed The Teskey Brothers, while Northway plays in Aussie rock outfit CHILD.