A new hard rock bar and live music venue has opened beneath the historic Kinselas Hotel, promising to fill a gap in Sydney's live music landscape.

Sydney's live music scene just got louder. Dead Set, a new underground hard rock bar and live music venue, opened its doors on January 30th beneath the historic Kinselas Hotel at Taylor Square in Darlinghurst.

Built for Raw Rock

Located in what was once rumoured to be a morgue (fitting, given Kinselas' origins as a funeral parlour), Dead Set is purpose-built for hard rock, punk, metal, doom, and alternative acts.

"Deep below one of Sydney's most recognisable corners, Dead Set is fun and full of character, dimly lit with arcade machines, rock'n'roll playlists and jam-packed with vibe," says the venue.

A Familiar Face Behind the Bookings

Music programming is curated by Jordan McDonald, the creative director of entertainment consultancy Nite-Rite and co-owner of the legendary Frankie's Pizza. McDonald collaborated with venue operators Redcape Hospitality on everything from concept development to the room's overall direction.

If Frankie's taught us anything, it's that McDonald knows how to build a venue that becomes essential to a city's music culture.

The Details

  • Location: Basement, Kinselas Hotel – 383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst (enter via Little Oxford Street)
  • Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 5pm till late
  • Live Music: Friday and Saturday nights

Why It Matters

Sydney has lost too many live music venues over the years. Dead Set represents a counter-trend—a new investment in grassroots rock culture at a time when the city desperately needs more spaces for emerging and independent artists to play.

The venue joins a small but mighty cohort of Sydney rooms keeping guitar music alive, including the Oxford Art Factory, Crowbar, and the recently revitalised Lansdowne.

Dead Set is located at 383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst. Follow @deadsetdarlo for gig announcements.