Did you know that Mayfield’s long-standing go-to community pub right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Maitland Road, The Stag & Hunter Hotel, is also home to a weekly 90s grunge night?

Brought to you by South Australian-born, now Newcastle local Emily Smith, the weekly themed music night, Temple of the Stag, has been taking up centre stage in this iconic venue since its inception in October 2022.

Starting from Emily’s personal admiration for the 90s punk scene including bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, Jebediah, Spiderbait, The Superjesus, and Silverchair, and discovering that this genre of music still resonates with people today, the concept for Temple of the Stag was born.

“The diverse range of great bands that emerged in the 90s created timeless music and I knew it [Temple of the Stag] would work as a unique night.

“We have built a community that feels like a new home, where we can all be a part of something special and create new memories that harken back to our shared childhood music experiences,” Emily said.

Every Monday night, The Stag stage comes alive with The Temple of the Stag’s pilot band featuring Matt Semmens on guitar, Sam Madden on bass, Emily Smith on guitar and vocals, and various well-established Newcastle drummers such as Justin Ngariki, Tyson Hilder, Mat Taylor, and others that rotate in.

“The goal is to create a community of individuals who find safety and empowerment on the stage while supporting one another. The infectious energy spreads over the night strengthening the Newcastle music scene.”

What does the name, Temple of the Stag represent? 

“It’s inspired by the band Temple of the Dog, who released a single album and showcased the essence of underground 90s grunge. We aim to capture that same energy and feeling, creating a night that resonates with the crowd that comes along religiously or others that drop in. There is something for everyone.”

Head along to The Stag & Hunter on Maitland Road on Monday nights from 8pm-10pm to experience Temple of the Stag. Whilst you’re there, make the most of the venue and enjoy their two-for-one pizza deal or a jug of Young Henry’s Newtowner beer for $17.

“This is a great night backed with a welcoming and strong community. We need to support our local music scene and venues so Newcastle continues to remain the best city for live music… we would love to see some new faces at Temple of the Stag and see the night grow.”

For all upcoming Temple of the Stag gig information, follow The Stag & Hunter on Facebook and Instagram.