It was a sad day for our club scene when Ambar, one of the oldest nightclubs in Perth closed its doors. But while we were still mourning, the owners weren’t wasting any time – transforming the underground bar into something very different. Phoenix-like, from the ashes, emerged Lucy’s Love Shack. We checked out their Grand Opening last Saturday, September 15.
A new late-night destination for rockers and rollers, Lucy’s is open from 6pm til very late Wed-Sat and features live music and DJs, as well as a great selection of drinks and fresh pizza served all night long.
Though had quietly opened for a few sneaky drinks on Friday as well, and earlier in the week hosted the after-party for Queens of the Stone Age with members of the band turning up to spin some tunes, the Grand Opening was last Saturday.
As you walk down the familiar laneway off Murray St and through the doors, it’s immediately obvious a lot of effort has been put into the new joint. Bright red neon graphics and slogans greet you as you walk down the stairs emerging into a welcoming new space that is at once familiar, yet completely different.
The bar is still in the middle, but has undergone a real makeover with overhanging glasses, stacks of tomato tins, a stocked bar, cocktails and beer on tap. One side of the club is more of a chill area, to sit at round tables, wood panelled booths, or hang around the pool table.
Big booths and alcoves have been installed along other walls too, while the main dancefloor area remains, though the iconic raised DJ booth is gone, replaced with a bigger stage in the corner. The room was soaked in red lighting and retro rock and roll posters are plastered all over the walls – a sign of intent. Despite being new, the place has character and the fit out has done wonders to revive this long time Perth haunt.
Lucy’s is inspired by the best of rock, indie, punk and metal from the 60s through to the 90s, with an underground dive bar ethos, giving a nod to the seminal New York City punk rock scene and CBGB. The club will feature a host of local bands playing a mix of originals and covers, as well as DJs and familiar faces spinning a choice selection of rocking tunes to keep you dancing all night.
Earlier in the evening, young new band Moonlighter had the packed crowd dancing and throwing themselves around to their rocking mix of bluesy, grungey songs.
After the band, DJ Aarom stepped up behind the decks – a familiar figure about town, the dreaded and bespectacled man of great musical taste spun a wicked selection of classic rockin’ party jams including The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, The Ramones, The Velvet Underground and even more obscure gems like Liam Lynch’s United States of Whatever that kept the dancefloor full.
Following Aarom was a late night surprise set by local cover band Atomic who unexpectedly took the stage around 2am. Their vibe was well suited to Lucy’s and they looked the part, launching into a lively version of Pat Benatar’s classic Love Is A Battlefield. They moved through a selection of other rock classics including Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ and Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love.
It’s just bloody awesome to be rocking out to a live band at 2:30 in the morning. Lucy’s has tapped into something new and lacking in the Perth nightclub market – a tastefully designed late night rock bar with a mix of bands and DJs providing the musical backdrop, as well as ample room to sit and chat with friends while enjoying some fine beverages and pizza. It was an impressive opening night with all the right ingredients and everyone seemed to be digging the Love Shack – a little old place where you can get together. This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship…
Lucy’s Love Shack is open now.
