The Zoo Goes Anti-Social

Overview

One of Brisbane's go-to live music joints for more than a quarter-century, The Zoo is usually a hive of activity on any given Friday or Saturday night. That's obviously changed over the past few months, with the Ann Street venue temporarily closing due to COVID-19 restrictions — but, should Queensland's next stage of eased lockdown conditions allow it, it's planning to turn the tunes back on from mid-July.

Dubbed The Zoo Goes Anti-Social, the series of gigs will take place from Saturday, July 11–Saturday, September 12, featuring 30 acts across 15 shows. Butterfingers and Resin Dogs' DJ Katch will kick the whole thing off, in what just might be the most old-school Brissie lineup there is, before the likes of Bugs, Perve Endings, The Steel Syndicate, Beddy Rays, The Dreggs, Concrete Surfers, Asha Jeffries and Fat Picnic all hit the stage. And, yes, the list goes on.

In line with the anticipated rules from July 10, only 100 people will be allowed at each gig. If the series proves popular, more shows could be put on — either on the same nights or on others.

It's worth noting that, while The Zoo Goes Anti-Social tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday, June 11, the Queensland Government is still yet to publicly confirm that the state's third stage of loosened COVID-19 restrictions will definitely come into effect by then. It's expected that they will, as per the government's already-outlined plan, but just keep in mind that venues and the public haven't been given the official go-ahead for 100-person gigs from mid-July as yet.

Ticket pricing is also adapting to the times, with costs varying per show — and punters required to purchase a ticket (all money from which will go to the artists) and commit to a $40 minimum spend at The Zoo at the same time. Regarding the latter, you'll pay in advance, then receive $40 in credits when you get to the venue, which you can spend on booze, other drinks and The Zoo merchandise on the night.