WHERE WE STARTED
Ding Dong Lounge was founded in New York City in 2001 by Bill Nolan, opening on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It quickly became a haven for artists, writers, actors and musicians, earning a reputation as one of the city’s most beloved punk rock dive bars.
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In 2003, Nolan’s close friend Bill Walsh opened Ding Dong Lounge Melbourne, bringing the same raw energy and live gig atmosphere to Australia’s underground rock scene. Over its 15-year run, the venue hosted legendary acts and became a staple of the CBD’s nightlife before closing in 2018.
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In 2013, the legacy continued in Auckland, where Mat Jorgensen and Andrew Treeby brought the spirit of Ding Dong Lounge to Aotearoa. From its earliest days, the venue was shaped by a deep commitment to live music and community, transforming a downtown bar into a live music institution that would become a cornerstone of the local scene.
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While both the original New York and Melbourne venues have since closed their doors, Auckland’s Ding Dong Lounge remains the last standing, proudly continuing the legacy of music, mischief and friendship that began over two decades ago.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
Through hard work, determination, blood, sweat and tears, the owners and regulars of Ding Dong Lounge have built up the Auckland dive bar into the diverse live music venue it is today. While the bar’s opening saw it functioning without live music, the demand soon increased—driven by early team members who helped shape the venue’s identity and championed the shift toward live performance.
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In December 2019, Ding Dong Lounge celebrated the opening of Dead Witch, officially naming the upstairs bar that has hosted countless bands, comedians, jam nights and private functions.
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Bands, regulars and the team at Ding Dong worked furiously to invest in live sound equipment and lighting, providing a space for original bands from NZ and worldwide to play—and a space for punters to experience live music in one of the most intimate little venues.
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Now in its second decade, Ding Dong Lounge continues to thrive as a cornerstone of Auckland’s alternative music scene. With a dedicated team, a loyal community, and a commitment to inclusivity, the venue remains a home for loud nights, raw energy, and unforgettable experiences.
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Whether you’re catching a sweaty punk set, spinning records, or just sinking into a booth with a drink, Ding Dong Lounge is more than a bar—it’s a sanctuary for the loyal, the loud, and the unapologetically alternative.