Chat On Tap
Chat on Tap is a podcast about pubs and the people in them. Each week, host David A. Lennon and a rotating cast of your new best mates pull up a stool as they chat with legends, locals and tap in on what to drink and where to drink it. Chat on Tap is both a love letter to Aussie pubs and beer, and a guidebook to where to go next.
Chat On Tap
EP07 WHEN's the gig? With Phil and Marc Lennon
In this episode, it’s a family affair as David is joined by his dad Phil Lennon and brother Marc Lennon at WHEN Studios for a deep dive into pub gigs, live music, and the heartbeat of Australian pub culture.
From first ever pub gigs, to catching Queen live from row D, the Lennon trio swap stories about the golden era of pub bands, the slow fade into DJ sets and pokies, and why there’s hope for a new summer of live music.
They also share their own band tales, uncover the origins of WHEN Studios, and debate the “perfect number of beers”
In This Episode
- Pub gig nostalgia — first concerts, favourite venues, and chaotic band stories.
- The state of live music in pubs today — pokies vs. performers, the comeback trend, and how tribute bands fill the void.
- Roadtrip pubs across Australia — from Victor Harbour to Beechworth, and the towns still keeping live music alive.
- Listener Mail – Austin’s $6 Reschs tip sparks a full-blown beer maths debate.
- Pub Quiz – Cold Chisel, AC/DC, Powderfinger, Kylie — can the Lennons keep up?
- Last Drinks – What venues we’d bring back, and what we’re each the “master of.”
Tapped In (What’s On At Your Local)
- The Townie (Newtown, NSW) – Live local vibes and $6 happy hour schooners. @thetownienewtown
- Rosemount Hotel (Perth, WA) – Great food deals, $15 pizza & jugs, big live stage. @rosemounthotel
Other venues mentioned:
Hibernian Hotel Beechworth - Great beers and Dad's medical assistance
St Mary’s Leagues Club • The Lookout (Scarborough) • Blacktown RSL • Pump House Sydney • Jolly Frog Hotel • Seven Hills Hotel • Beechworth Hotel (Tanswells) • Bridge Road Brewers • Barracks on Barracks • Mildura Hotel • Victor Harbour pubs
The Bands
- Marc - Amberdown, Young Lennon
- Phil - Johnson's Bridge, Thru The Lens, Love Child
- Dave - Thru The Lens
Chapters (Auto-Generated)
00:00
Introduction to Pub Gigs and Family Connections
02:48
Memorable First Pub Gigs
05:36
Evolution of Live Music Venues
08:48
The Impact on Live Music
11:30
Current Trends in Live Music
14:48
Exploring Regional Venues
17:43
Listener Recommendations and Tips
20:34
The Perfect Number of Beers
23:29
Pub Quiz and Trivia
29:20
Closing Thoughts on Live Music
📍 Recorded at: WHEN Studios – Sydney, NSW
🍺 Proudly supported by: Oasis Brewing Co – @oasisbrewingco
• oasisbrewing.com.au
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @chatontap
Email: hello@chatontap.com
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com
🎸 Support your local gigs. Buy the ticket. Drink the beer. Keep the music alive.
Episode produced by WHEN Studios.
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Hosted by David A. Lennon - @davidalennon
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