The 23rd of February marks the launch of " We've Been Expecting You", an avenue for up and coming artists Australia wide to get into the Melbourne music scene. Handpicked, the best of the best will be presented to the masses on the last Thursday of every month at PONY, 68 Collins Street. The grand opening of " We've Been Expecting You" will showcase ZUZU ANGEL, who are a rock n roll movement built on flirtatious guitar driven riffs and hip-shaking rhythmic grooves. They are guaranteed to make you move, so beware. Supporting these devilish characters are THE 80 ACES, who will kick off their Australian tour next month. Also onboard, and with amazing stage presence is WHITE SUMMER, who will kick the night off with a bang and give the other bands a run for their money.

So be sure to circle the 23rd on your calendar and start counting down the days. "We've Been Expecting You" and National S.L.A.M. day - an event not to be missed.

WHEN ARE THE TERRORBYTE STRIPES PLAYING?!" Your mind will undeniably scream in delighted agony, after this booze fuelled rock extravaganza set for Melbourne City on the 23rd of February. The TERRORBYTE STRIPES are a two piece gun slinging pack of madmen from the shadows of the Shaolin. They are pillaging out of their temple of rock to blow your senses for one night from inside a Pony. The TERROR is brought by the lead singer (forcibly) known as Zipperman. His in-your-face slam style of gothic grobble will make your woman moan and your children have heart attacks. This is brought together by the "prodigal son of sound" Francoius Craiug - a living tribute to music and thunder - his speed and precision makes for a culmination of high octane rock played in front of your very eyes like some kind of instrumental Houdini holy son of the oracle. Wowsers. This clan of living devastators will be lighting Pony on fire with their take no prisoners resurrection of the real meaning of rock. Ladies grab your axe wounds from out of the closets, the boys are in town!

Following the success of their last EP 'Dark Rainbows' (2011) and a tour of the UK, THE SUNDAY REEDS launch their highly anticipated new single 'Kill this Party'/'Fall from Grace' at Pony on Friday 24th of February. The single was recorded by the band, mixed by guitarist Drew Jones and mastered by acclaimed alternative U.S. producer Kramer. Not only is it the launch of their new single but it is the launch of their own label Heartgun Records. They release the new single in association with UK counterpart Squirrel Records for European distribution. They are joined by the always sublime GRAND PRISMATIC, Sydney garage-punk band BUNT who leave audiences wanting more with their frantic onstage antics, the experimental noise of three piece MAYA and the performance art of DANE CERTIFICATE and CORAL JADE who will entertain and thrill with their magic and hula-hoop skills. It will be an extravaganza of musical talent and performance art - this is definitely a show not to miss!

Copies of the single will be available at the show. For more information about the single and the label go to thesundayreeds.com and heartgunrecords.com.

Kellie Lloyd, better known as the bass player in Brisbane's Screamfeeder (who are taking an indefinite hiatus), returns in 2011 with the first single from her second solo album.

Kellie is back on the stage performing as a solo artist (or with a drummer or with a full band) in the lead up to the release of this much anticipated and long overdue release. 2011 saw her on stage with the likes of Kurt Vile (US) and Sounds Like Sunset, Keep On Dancin's, Tape/Off, Jeremy Neale (Velociraptor), Kate Jacobson (Texas Tea)

The first single Your Heart Is A Hunter was released on 7 inch flexidisc and available as digital download in November 2011.

January 2012 Kellie has offered the single as digital download for people to choose what to pay with 100% of sales going to a fund to help young girls in developing nations go to school. Kellie's bandcamp - http://kellielloyd.bandcamp.com/

The album is to be released in March 2012 on 12" vinyl/CD/download/CD independently via www.kellielloyd.com and available at live shows all over the country.

Be sure to come down and check out KELLIE LLOYD in the Pony late show. You never know, if you shout out some Screamfeeder requests, she might just play 'em.

Just on three years ago Blue Swimmers drummer and local legend Juddy Roller tragically passed away. Now every year we celebrate his life with the Annual Juddy Roller Memorial gig and all the money we raise goes to a trust fund for his son. This year's show is on the 25th of February and it's at Pony. There's a whole night of ripping bands starting with local kids RIOT CITY KNOCKOUTS, Lads from Shepparton INEDIA, local rockers THE TEARAWAYS, local fuckheads THE BLUE SWIMMERS (who are launching their new album DEADWEIGHT on the night).

So if you knew Juddy or if you just dig on awesome local bands, get your ass to Pony on the 25th and come and rock out with us. It's for a great cause.

The JUDDY ROLLER MEMORIAL SHOW continues into the 2am late slot with some killer dance like your convulsing tunes from electro rockers TRUST US. It's a great way to cap off what will be a huge night remembering one of the big contributers to the Melbourne scene this century. So we'll see y'all at Pony for a night of celebrating.

Summer may be over, but the party goes on. After great reception at some of Melbourne's most prestigious venues in 2011, and a summer spent writing and recording, PALLET TOWN are back: refreshed and ready to dazzle again at their first show of 2012.

On the 1st of March, these youngsters from the Mornington peninsula will set the Pony alight with their uniquely accessible crossovers between Electro, Rock n' roll and Indie pop. Drawing on a diverse range of influences from The Kinks to Radiohead, to Animal Collective, Foals and The Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Pink Floyd and even Kanye West, this group always gives its audience a special experience to take home with them. Opening the night will be fresh Indie band FIELD TRIP, whose dreamy guitars and charming vocals will warm the heart. Also supporting are established Indie act HER?. These guys deliver stunning melodies and their energy is simply infectious. Once they hit the stage, you're dancing - whether you like it or not. So come on down for a night not to be missed at Pony.

3/4 BEAST are four wild animals, stolen from the jungle by scientists, and put through experiments with musical instruments strapped to them. Amazingly they have actually evolved into a highly explosive rock band that is infamous for their onstage antics. On Thursday 1st of March they will be released into Pony for a set that will blow your head off. Be there to experience the furious rocking energy and awesome sounds of 3/4 BEAST.

PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS..

https://www.facebook.com/events/256706284404690/

PUSH BUTTON AUTO are back .... at PONY on 2 March. "Push Button Auto is one of Melbourne's most interesting rock bands. Not inaccessible, but almost incomparable. Muscular? Angular? I'm not sure what you call 'em. But they're always compelling." Regularly compared to bands like The Pixies, Swervedriver and Pavement, Push Button Auto returns to Melbourne from overseas tours to rip out songs from their fourth and most anticipated album to date. The album received funding assistance from Arts Victoria's prestigious Victoria Rocks scheme. "Their reach sort of exceeds their grasp, but the fact that they're reaching that far is always a really good thing. I think you'll agree that they sound absolutely terrific. They're a bit special." (Stephen Walker, 3RRR-FM).
PUSH BUTTON AUTO will be joined by three of Melbourne's finest bands doing the rounds - RAYON MOON, KINCH KINSKI & THE STRANGERS and POP SINGLES.

It is going to be a night of excess and incest at the Pony on Saturday March 3rd as Xenograft headlines with support by the frolicking semi-rockers FRITZWICKY (featuring Xenograft keyboard player Tom Martin), grizzled young instrumentalists BEAR THE MAMMOTH and the sumptuous sonic fabrics of COCO VELU fronted by ex-Xenograft keyboard player Ziah Ziam. It's a cherry ripe start to what is gonna be a big, big, big, big big show at Pony.

The family fun doesn't end there with Xenograft unleashing a second completely different set featuring special guests, nestled vests, and vessel tests for any drinkers after danceable goodness at 2am! Their late set will be supported by Xenograft drummer James Carmen in the wunder-full duo of Chico Flash. Huge night, no excuses. See you there for both the early and late shows.

Melbourne's three piece hard rock juggernauts Street Fangs are back and ready to kick 2012 into sixth gear with their second headline show for the year. After a productive 2011 where they recorded and released two Ep's, they are now working on their first feature length album using their distinct method of combining classic rock with raw fast upbeat grunge. Graft Vs Host will be sharing the stage and tearing out some of their punk classics that they are well know for. Graft Vs Host shows are always full of energy and are guaranteed to give punters an awesome performance. Master_Beta are also along for the ride with their straight out, no-hold-back rock and roll attitude that cements them as one of Melbourne's loudest rock bands. If you dig hard rock/punk get yourself down to pony for the show, you will not regret it.

BLACKENED are a new band hitting the Melbourne streets with one intention - TO KILL....This four piece thrash metal act have high energy and are eager to let it out on stage providing you with a show and musicianship that you would expect from going to a Metal gig! BLACKENED's first release "THE SENSE IN VIOLENCE" (demo) is pure Thrash Metal with a pinch of early 90's Death Metal so if you dont like how things started to change in the mid 90's, this band will sort you out. You can pick up copies of their debut release at shows, Missinglink and Heartland Records. Prepare for war @ Pony Friday March 9th (2 am slot) - Blackened is about to raise the flag!!!"

Kretch is a genetic mutation, a Tourrete syndrome of rock 'n' roll. It is a band that exercises total emotion and reason, but has a complete disregard for occupational health and safety.

KRETCH has its origins in Yugoslavia, but is based in Melbourne. And no wonder: the quartet's blistering punk & roll has that Australian dissonance, that Down Under urge to fuck something up until it takes on a culturally specific life of its own.

After a year of moose hunting, breast feeding and choir singing, Kretch is back from Barbieland for a ONE NIGHT ONLY Reunion Show (2am) on Saturday March 10th at Pony. Bring your body armour! This one is going to explode!!!

http://www.facebook.com/events/101204586674422/

What better way to celebrate Labour Day eve than with a night of punkrock, rockabilly and psychobilly headlined by Pony favourites the WORKINGHORSE IRONS. They've taken the best attributes from the rockabilly scene, and smashed it together with their roots in the Psychobilly genre to provide Melbourne with a punk-infused energetic live show. WORKINGHORSE IRONS will be ably supported by 4TRESS, who bring rock/punk rockin' guitar licks and solos performed with bundles of energy and an all girl front line. Also onboard are THE BOMBARDIERS who play alternative punk/rock with influence from The living End, Stray cats and The Cure. And kicking things off are hard rockers PUSH TO TWIST and rockabilly/punk band THE ROAD RATZ. Thanks god nobody has to go to work on Monday.

RETURN OF THE FUZZ!!! Come experience the brand new breed of grunge bands, each with their own twist. First up are RED RHINO combining all elements from the 90's which made it how we know of it - think Nirvana and Nine Inch Nails in a blender. Now pour it out into a jug and sip it. What does it taste like? Grungetronic, dirty synthesisers with great melodies!
HOME MADE is what you'd get if a hyper-sphere from the fourth dimension popped out of your refrigerator and began playing guitar. Yikes.
And headlining the night is CALADONIA, a band who've introduced flavours to their music previously ignored by many other bands. CALADONIA are gonna get in your face and they're not going anywhere!

PONY are absolutely ecstatic to have one of the hottest comedy talents in the world, ANDREW O'NEILL, in our dirty little bar for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Thursday 29 March - Sunday 22 March
(Showtime 7.30pm - no shows Monday or Tuesday)

2012 sees the return of occult comedian ANDREW O'NEILL. Over the past few years he has stormed the screens including appearances on Good News Week and Spicks and Specks. This year Andrew will be bringing his brand new show Alternative to Adelaide Fringe, Brisbane Comedy Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, making it his biggest Australian tour yet.

"Hilarious, incredibly smart, quick as a whip" Adelaide Advertiser

"Absolutely hilarious, laughed with delight from start to finish" Neil Gaiman
"One of the funniest comedians on the circuit at the moment ... hitting new heights of comedic brilliance" TimeOut

"He's got a natural optimism and love of silliness that leaves you feeling remarkably positive ... a winning blend of polemic and off-beat whimsy" The Guardian

Facts about Andrew O'Neill:
His fans include the comic book writer Alan Moore, who said "Andrew O'Neill is like comedy ball-lightning. Fast, electrifying, and even funnier than the misfortunes of others," and the musician Amanda Palmer, for whom Andrew opened in London.

He is in a Victorian-themed punk band called The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing.

It was his Adelaide-born ex-girlfriend that encouraged him to try stand-up.

He is vegan.

He is a (heterosexual) transvestite. (But doesn't look shit.)

He is absolutely, categorically NOT a goth.

On top of all the Australian television he has done (Spicks and Specks, Good News Week etc), he filmed a stand-up set for the most recent series of Stewart Lee's TV show. You can check it out here.

He appeared alongside Steve Coogan in the sitcom Saxondale.

Last year he unwittingly swam in shark-infested water. And is still shaking...

Come check out one of his shows in the intimate setting of PONY

Check him out online
www.andrewoneill.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGjbmywaKMI

Tickets available NOW
http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/search?tm_link=tm_header_search&user_inpu...

As part of their "Huxwhukw and the Crooked Beak of Heaven 2012 tour", Sydney's SERIOUS BEAK are bringing their eccentric amalgamation of mind-melting, toe-tapping psychedelic, progressive and poly-rhythmic discordant music to Melbourne's Pony Bar, sure to please fans of Meshuggah, Mastodon, Botch, The Mars Volta and King Crimson.

Headlining the night will be none other than quirky deathgrind band A MILLION DEAD BIRDS LAUGHING (the ornithological theme is coincidental, we promise), who recently performed at Absu's sold out Melbourne show, and continually prove to be one of the most consistently intense bands in Melbourne's live scene. Dropping the pace a bit will be "slow motion power duo" AGONHYMN; one of the most well-known names in the local doom scene, and an absolute powerhouse live. And CRADLE IN THE CRATER will be kicking off the night with a trip to mathcoreland.

FACEBOOK EVENT: https://www.facebook.com/events/242467812495795/

H.M.A.S VENDETTA return for 2012 at Pony on March 31st with a swathe of new Operatic Rock songs that tell the story of Australians in the Great War - from Gallipoli to the Western Front. Join our troops in the trenches as new electric-cellist Caerwen Martin adds yet more firepower to their sound. H.M.A.S. VENDETTA's war effort will be ably assisted by loyal allies DIVINE ASCENSION, CITRUS JAM and FALSE PROPHET. Enlist Now!