<blockquote>
“Night obliterates the day. And all the fun begins”</blockquote>
— The Damned
The story goes, they invited Sid Vicious to audition as lead singer but he never showed up, so the band went with David Vanian instead. Now punk music’s Count Dracula has been at it for almost half a century, with no sign of wear on his blistering baritone. Their first single beat the Sex Pistols to the charts. Their first album, Damned Damned Damned, invented a punk sound that was as dexterous and tuneful as it was ragged and unhinged. Their first US tour was so turbo-charged it helped inspire the birth of hardcore. Every move since—from the white-hot garage rock of 1979’s reformation record Machine Gun Etiquette, through to the psychedelic theatrics of their goth era—proved The Damned have a carefree defiance that’s pure punk rock. And a dedication to sparking live-wire glee from deep within the gloom. 
Witch were formed in 2005 by Dinosaur Jr guitar legend J Mascis and his friend, from Teepee Records, David Sweetapple. J embraced his first instrument and got behind the kit while David picked up the bass. With the backline locked, they recruited Kyle Thomas from King Tuff on vocals and guitar, and these days they’ve got Graham Clise (from Annihilation Time and Melbourne shredders ROT TV) wielding the lead axe. After releasing two famously gnarly albums in the 2000s that worship at the altar of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Black Flag, Witch are returning with a dirty hessian sack full of new material. 
Since 2013, cult duo VACUUM have fortified punk shows and techno dance floors alike with their own sensory brand of sub-bass, abnormal beats and mechanical scapes. Recording and releasing their astute self titled debut in 2022 on Heavy Machinery/It Records during lockdowns, Jenny Branagan and Andrea Blake bashed trolleys together, scoured construction sites for the most resonant clanging and waded creek-beds for field recordings. These earthy and girder-thick noise loops were hooked up with a deep throb of gothy-synth and industrial techno. Sub bass shudders like an engine below a dystopian dancefloor. The results dig deep like an excavator.

Witch Supporting 2

The Damned Supporting 2

Vacuum Supporting 1

<ul>
<li>TICKETS | Tickets also available via Ticketek </li>
<li>TRANSACTION FEE | All bookings via RISING incur a $4 transaction fee. Additional fees may apply for purchases through Ticketek.</li>
</ul>

The Damned and Witch

__Please contact Forum Box Office for more detailed information.__  

- Box Office Phone: 1300 11 10 11  
- Accessibility & Box Office Enquiries: ticketing@marrinergroup.com.au   

## [WATCH THE VENUE ACCESS VIDEO](https://youtu.be/Y3aExkU3mbA)

ACCESSIBLE PARKING  

There is limited street parking but Forum patrons can access [special rates](https://marrinergroup.com.au/offers/discount-parking) at select Wilson Car Parks. This offer must be booked on the their website before arrival.  

PARKING  

Wilson Parking is available Flinders Gate Car Park, 172-192 Flinders Street (60m from venue) or at Fed Square Rooftop, Russell Street (190m from venue). Parking is available at Wilson Parking locations found in and around the CBD. Plan your journey with online options available, [click here](https://www.wilsonparking.com.au/) for details. 

ACCESSIBLE DROP OFF  

The best spot for drop off and pick-ups is either on Russell Street next to Culture Kings (30m from the Forum entry) or on the Russell Street extension next to the Ian Potter Centre (approximately 80m across Flinders Street).  

PUBLIC TRANSPORT  

Nearest accessible train station: Flinders Street Station is approximately 250m from The Forum. All metro lines leave from this station.  

Nearest accessible tram stop: The closest tram stop is Russell Street – Stop 6 which is on the Route 70, 75 or City Circle lines. This stop is a level access stop.  

ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE  

There is a wheelchair accessible entrance at the Box Office to the right of the main entrance via a small ramp into the foyer. Please speak to a staff member if you need assistance.  

ACCESSIBLE BATHROOMS  

Accessible bathrooms are located near the side of stage area, which is available for wheelchair users to view the performance. Ramps can be provided to access side of stage. Staff are in attendance to assist.  

A gender neutral and fully accessible toilet is located on the left of the main entrance foyer (facing the stage). Just follow the signs to the Manager’s Office. It can also be accessed from the main room through the wooden door at the back of the room. This is located to the left of the entrance to female toilets.  

SUPPORT ANIMALS AND GUIDE DOGS  

Support and assistance animals are welcome at The Forum. Please contact The Forum Box Office (03) 9299 9800 prior to the show so entry and a reserved space for you can be arranged.  

Please be aware that the venue is a noisy and busy environment, so you may want to consider the use of an alternative aid when attending a show.  

LIGHTING  

There is low lighting in the venue as needed for shows. All walkways are clearly marked, however if you have low vision and need assistance, please let staff know—they will be happy to help.  

Signs will be displayed for any shows with strobe lighting. If you have any concerns about strobe or flash lighting for any show you are attending, please contact The Forum.   

SEATING OPTIONS  

If you have trouble standing and require a seat for a standing show, The Forum can arrange this for you. They have a few different seating options suitable for different mobility levels and it’s always recommended that you confirm your needs with the box office prior to show day. [Visit their website](https://forummelbourne.com.au/accessibility) for more information.  

WHEELCHAIR VIEWING FORUM MAIN ROOM  

Depending on the show The Forum has multiple viewing areas available for wheelchair users in the main room. Access to both areas is via a ramp from the foyer.  

These areas are:  
- Behind the booths  
- Near the main bar  

To book a wheelchair viewing spot [please call or email the Box Office](https://forummelbourne.com.au/accessibility). If you’ve been to a show with us before and have a preferred area, please let us know when booking. These areas have a limited capacity so it’s best to get in contact as early as possible.  

Wheelchair seats for seated shows are located at the back right of the dance floor, please contact The Forum box office to book a wheelchair seat.  

Please see the security or The Forum box office staff when you arrive and they will be able to show you to your space.  

WHEELCHAIR VIEWING FORUM UPSTAIRS  

Forum II has a number of wheelchair spaces available at the front of the room. If you would like to reserve a wheelchair space, please contact the Box Office before purchasing tickets.  

These are limited so we would suggest getting in contact as early as possible.