For those who've noticed 'Venue TBA' pop up in band announces for the Newcastle leg of tours, the wondering is over with the team behind The Cambridge Hotel set to revitalise their nightclub operation King Street with an expansion and refit of the current site.
With an artist line-up already brimming with international talent (Eagles of Death Metal, Unwritten Law and La Dispute) and swollen by an impressive Aussie billing including Slumberjack, King Parrot, Winterbourne, Magic Dirt, Busby Marou, Slowly Slowly and Teenage Dads, King Street is the new destination for those craving those live-music feels.After their attempts to buy the Cambridge site failed (beat out by developers earlier this year), the Cambo team turned their attention to the King Street site, which they have operated for the previous 20 years hosting the likes of Coolio, Vanilla Ice, Alison Wonderland, The Chainsmokers, Dom Dolla, Boys Noize and many other high-profile names.
The new venture will see the multiple-level space (which has also taken over the building next door, formerly a Domino's Pizza) host five separate music spaces with an overall vibe focused on live music, entertainment, community, and inclusivity.
"The entirety of King St has been gutted and revamped," shares local artist Joab Eastley (Raave Tapes), who had a sneak peak earlier this week.
"It feels like a venue in a big city. From the mezzanine level in the massive new room, the huge lighting rig in the small room and even the smokers area, it is so aesthetically pleasing.
"You can see how much consideration has been poured into this thing. And it's so nice to see all the old drum skins and bits of paraphernalia from the old Cambo as a wholesome nod to the past.
"It truly feels like the kind of venue we can't wait to show off to our friends from all around the country. Cannot WAIT to get on that stage!"
Located in the heart of Newcastle, the five performance spaces will be The Bandroom, The Warehouse, Club Level, Street Level and Broken Hearts Bar; with each space having the ability to host performances at the same time.
"Nothing will replace The Cambridge and its history," shares the owners, "however having operated the Cambo for eight years, we know what makes it sing.
"King Street of course will be a different building but still with the same staff and same focus on bringing all genres of music together.
"We want to build new memories and create an experience at this venue. . . and a venue is nothing without its people, so creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone is our objective. Hope you like it."
The venue is set to open mid-July and will operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays weekly.
King Street 2023 Line-up
Fri 28 Jul - Eagles of Death Metal (Bandroom)Fri 28 Jul - Stumps (Warehouse)
Sat 29 Jul - Slumberjack (Warehouse)
Sat 5 Aug - King Parrot (Warehouse)
Fri 11 Aug - Henry Wagons (Warehouse)
Sat 12 Aug - Unwritten Law (Bandroom)
Fri 18 Aug - Winterbourne (Warehouse)
Sun 20 Aug - La Dispute (Bandroom)
Fri 15 Sep - Magic Dirt (Warehouse)
Sat 16 Sep - Busby Marou (Bandroom)
Fri 22 Sep - Slowly Slowly & Stand Atlantic (Bandroom)
Fri 29 Sep - Mitch James (Warehouse)
Sat 7 Oct - Volumes (Warehouse)
Sat 14 Oct - Teenage Dads (Bandroom)