The Underground is not under the ground in a bunker type of way (though it is below street level), and neither it is underground in the abandoned industrial early 90s rave culture, only those in the know know, type of way.
For one, it is located in the world famous (in Auckland) St Kevins Arcade and is just a few steps away from a mixologist, barista, barber, chef, pizzeria and some epic vintage threads. And two, since it opened in 2021 it has been an all ages venue, providing young people who appreciate original live music by their peers a place to go at night.
Before we move on, I’m going to introduce some sadness. In late May 2023, the last gig was held at The Underground, though it continues as a fantastic space for artists to hire. I would like to salute the tremendous commitment of those who launched The Underground and kept it running as a live music venue. You provided many a young band the chance to perform and develop their craft. Thank you. I shall pick up below my memory of the picture I took, albeit by referring to The Underground in the past tense.
Aesthetically, The Underground was rad, largely in part to it being an old, gigantic vault. The door appeared original in that you would need dynamite to prise it open, and there was no natural light. To the left was a burgundy leather sofa from a cigar era, the stage was not a stage but just a power-cord lined section at the back of the room, and the ceiling was flanked by the structural foundations of the arcade.
It was solid, felt air-raid safe, and was square-box shaped which meant noise bounced around with no nook and cranny to escape except for the bathroom that was next to the ‘stage’ and was reached by sometimes having to step onto the stage. Spending a penny came at the cost of feeling awkward.
When a band had more than three people, things got cramped, hence why in the picture above you’ll see the guitarist for FESHH playing statue as his bandmates prepare for their set as part of The Others Way Festival.
Out of shot are three other band members. When all six – Shay, Lilith, Vinnie, Sonnie, Max and Beau – are all good to go, and the audience edges real close, everyone is in everyone’s business.
And yet it worked. Just as it worked for the band Melanie (that’s their drum kit in frame) that came before FESHH, and for Late to Chelsea, Buzz, and The CMC, the acts that followed on The Others Way bill.
There are others it worked for. Zoom in and you may well recognise a few of the names on the wall. I do. The Butlers. Marmalade Skies. Lime Cordiale. Coast Arcade. Groups that came to The Underground and made a contribution to live music in Auckland, just as every patron did by walking through that big old vaulted door.
R.I.P. The Underground.
Suggested Further Reading:
