Grammy Winner Chappell Roan arrived in Melbourne this week with hopes of soaking up the city’s famed nightlife energy. But instead of a buzzing crowd worthy of her breakout anthem “Pink Pony Club,” the Grammy-winning pop sensation found herself stepping into a far more subdued scene.
Roan is in Australia to headline the Laneway Festival at Flemington Racecourse on Friday, one of the country’s most anticipated music events. Before taking the stage, however, she decided to explore Melbourne’s central business district and made her first stop at Cherry Bar, a well-known live music venue celebrated for its gritty charm and dedication to underground sounds.
Grammy Winner Chappell Roan : What she encountered was a quiet Wednesday night.
According to Cherry Bar owner James Young, there were only around 17 patrons inside when Roan arrived with her crew. For a city often praised for its vibrant and energetic nightlife culture, the modest turnout was notable.
Despite her global fame, Roan reportedly kept things low-key. She skipped the cordoned-off VIP area — known as the “VIP Andy Bar” — and instead stood downstairs at the main bar with everyone else. Young described her as “very modest, polite and lovely,” adding that she drank a couple of mocktails during her visit.
“I didn’t take any pictures of her because that would be uncool,” Young said, choosing instead to let the moment remain organic. “She didn’t hide in the VIP section. She stood the whole time at our main bar downstairs.”
For Young, who has long been a vocal advocate for Melbourne’s live music and arts scene, the visit meant more than just hosting a famous guest. He called Roan “the biggest artist on the planet” and praised her down-to-earth presence.
“She’s just a normal human. Gold,” he said.
Young was DJ’ing at the time Roan was there and described it as deeply satisfying to see the Grammy star embracing what he called the “local sounds” of underground Australia. Rather than seeking exclusivity, Roan appeared to immerse herself in the authentic atmosphere of the venue.
Her crew also left a positive impression. Young noted that they were especially supportive of Cherry Bar, something he appreciated at a time when Melbourne’s hospitality sector has faced ongoing challenges.
“I am so grateful to Laneway Festival for stimulating the struggling Melbourne hospitality scene,” Young said. “The world needs people on the streets.”
Cherry Bar has long been a magnet for music royalty. Over the years, global icons including Lady Gaga, Noel Gallagher, Mick Jagger, Axl Rose, Metallica, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have spent time at the venue. Founded and owned by Young, the bar has built its reputation on championing live music and supporting local artists.
Roan’s visit adds another name to that storied list, though the contrast between her rising global profile and the quiet midweek crowd highlights broader conversations about Melbourne’s nightlife recovery.
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The city has historically marketed itself as Australia’s cultural capital, famed for late-night venues, live music, and packed dance floors. Yet Wednesday’s scene at Cherry Bar painted a different picture — one of resilience rather than revelry.
Still, for those 17 patrons present, it was likely an unforgettable night: sharing space at the bar with one of pop music’s fastest-rising stars, who chose connection over exclusivity.
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As Roan prepares to headline Laneway Festival on Friday, her brief but meaningful stop at Cherry Bar serves as a reminder that sometimes the most memorable moments happen away from flashing lights and VIP ropes — in small rooms, with local music playing, and artists who simply want to be part of the crowd.