Fly by Night Club facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fly by Night Musicians Club |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Former names | Fremantle Drill Hall |
| Alternative names | Fly by Night Musicians Club |
| General information | |
| Address | 179 High Street Fremantle |
| Town or city | Fremantle, Western Australia |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 32°03′17″S 115°45′04″E / 32.05467°S 115.75105°E |
| Current tenants | Fly by Night Musicians Club |
| Construction started | 1895 |
| Completed | 1896 |
| Landlord | National Trust of Australia (WA) |
The Fly by Night Musicians Club is a special place in Fremantle, Western Australia. It was started in 1986 by musicians and music fans. Their goal was to create a non-profit club that offers live music. It's a great spot for local artists to perform. It also hosts famous musicians from Australia and around the world.
The club used to be in an old building called the Fremantle Drill Hall. This building was once used by the Defence Department. Now, the club is located at Victoria Hall. This hall was designed by Talbot Hobbs. It was named in 1897 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
What the Club Does
The Fly by Night Musicians Club helps local musicians grow. It also provides a space for other community events. The main hall can hold up to 500 people, mostly standing.
In 1996, it became the first venue in Western Australia to ban smoking. There's also a smaller performance area called "the Fly Trap." It can hold about 100 people. This space is often used for local gigs by the club's own band members. Other smaller rooms are available for practice, workshops, and community fundraising.
Famous Performers
Many well-known bands from Western Australia have played here. Some even started their careers at the club. These include the John Butler Trio, The Waifs, Eskimo Joe, San Cisco, and The Panics.
Big names from Australia and overseas have also performed. These include Boy & Bear, Gotye, The Cat Empire, Paul Dempsey, Grizzly Bear, and The Black Keys. Since 2013, the club has been the regular home for the annual WAM Song of the Year event.
The Old Building
The Fly by Night Club first opened in an old Army drill hall. This building was at 1 Holdsworth Street, Fremantle. It was built in 1896 for a volunteer guard group. They were responsible for local defense.
In 1940, the building was changed. A brick part was added when it was used for training during World War II. The building has a unique design. It has curved wooden ribs and a curved roof made of corrugated iron. It was used by the military for almost 100 years.
Protecting History
The old drill hall is an important historical building. The National Trust of Australia (Western Australia) recognized it in 1974. It was added to the Register of the National Estate in 1978. In 2003, it was officially listed on the State Register of Heritage Places by the Heritage Council of Western Australia. It's also on the City of Fremantle's local heritage list.
