Introduction by Christopher Kevin Au // All images supplied by OAF

Anybody who lives in Sydney has experienced an absolute belter at Oxford Art Factory.

Over the past 9 years, the intimate space has carved out a reputation as the city’s favourite live music venue, hosting world-class internationals and Australia’s premier talent alike. Equally as important, their accompanying Gallery Bar has acted as a breeding ground for emerging talent to perform and fine-tune their skills. To say that Oxford Art Factory is a Sydney staple would be a gross understatement – we can’t even count the amount of amazing gigs we’ve attended here, and we’re certain that there’ll be much more sweaty dancefloor action in the future.

This Saturday night, OAF will be celebrating 9 years on the tail end of Oxford Street, and you’re invited to their birthday bash! Headlining it all are LWA faves Skegss, who are joined by Dorsal Fins, High Tails, Jody and more. Best of all, it’s absolutely free with an RSVP here – and if you get there before 9:00pm, you also get a free drink! We do love free stuff.

Ahead of the party, we asked the lads from OAF to name 9 unforgettable gigs in their 9 year existence – and they have provided. Relive the memories below, and we’ll see you on Saturday night:

We’ve done our very best to come up with 9 acts that we feel are representative of what we are all about at the OAF. No question, there’s been a lot left off – including the likes of Crystal Castles in 2007, The Temper Trap in 2008, The Jezabels in 2010, MF Doom and Skrillex in 2011, Alt-J, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, Ellie Goulding and Grimes in 2012, Fuck Buttons, Vance Joy and Violent Soho in 2013 to The 1975 and The War on Drugs in 2014… But we digress. Thank you to every single artist, musician, patron and punter. 9 years is a testament to all of you, we wouldn’t be here without you. Now here’s to 9 (+) more! Without further ado, here’s 9 events from 9 years of the OAF:

1. LADY GAGA: SEPTEMBER 24, 2008

Truly one of the biggest names in pop music, Lady Gaga played her first Australian show at the Oxford Art Factory before the venue was even a year old. She returned to Australia a little over 18 months later and played two sold out shows at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

2. TAME IMPALA: FEBRUARY 26, 2009

Now one of the biggest bands on the planet, Tame Impala played one of their first Sydney shows at the Oxford Art Factory supporting their self-titled EP in 2009. Tame Impala would return to OAF later in 2009, playing headline at All Ages initiative, Xray Spex.

3. MUMFORD & SONS: FEBRUARY 2 & 3, 2010

Their first ever visit to Australian shores see Marcus Mumford and company slay two sold out shows, all but headline Laneway Festival and leave with the Triple J Hottest 100 Number 1. Not a bad record.

4. FOALS: JANUARY 22 & 23, 2013

Fresh off the hottest Big Day Out ever – literally and figuratively – FOALS slay two huge underplay shows only weeks before the release of their third album Holy Fire.

5. THE DEAD WEATHER: MARCH 27, 2010

Many bands get the ‘supergroup’ tag, but few deserve it as much as The Dead Weather – Made up of Alison Mosshart (The Kills), Jack White (The White Stripes), Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age) and Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs, City & Colour). These guys announced a show two days before the event and sold it out in minutes. Seeing these guys at the OAF was something to behold. No pics for this one unfortunately, cloak your cameras at the door!

6. CHET FAKER: AUGUST 16, 2012

After playing the OAF Gallery Bar as unknown on one of our regular ‘No Dice Paradise’ nights, Chet Faker makes his triumphant return to Sydney with his first headline show on the Cigarettes & Chocolate Tour.

7. THE RUBENS: JULY 18 & 19, 2012

Sydney darlings The Rubens are another band who came through the Gallery Bar pipeline, playing numerous shows before getting onto the main stage with two sold out shows in 2012. Now they are winning the Triple J Hottest 100 and playing at the Hordern Pavilion – Not bad for a group of boys from Menangle.

8. MATT CORBY: FOUR SHOWS, 2012

At the time only 21 years of age, Matt Corby plays four shows to sold out adoring fans off the back of his 4th EP Into The Flame – four shows was the record until…

9. #1 DADS: JULY 14-18, 2015

#1 Dads come in and steal the show, with an unprecedented five shows in one week, going from Tuesday through Saturday supporting their record About Face. Unfortunately these would be the last headline shows for #1 Dads, for now…