The four Barstools playing acoustic guitars on stools in a timber barn

Melbourne's inner west

Four voices.
Four stools.
Harmonies to die for.

A semi-acoustic vocal quartet serving up the classics you know, the originals you'll love, and plenty of banter in between.

Complete Barstools are a band, of sorts. We plug in our acoustics and bass (and sometimes mandolin), step up to the mics, and deliver solo vocals plus duo, three- and four-part harmonies, depending on the song. We love what we do, and we think you will too.

Black and white portrait of Jay Harvey, Peter Thompson, Peter Byrne and Ron Wenzler
The Complete Barstools reacting to the news of their first gig.

The Complete Story

We are not a dance band!

But after nearly 40 years of playing live, we know how to read a crowd and give them what they want.

Jay Harvey, Peter Thompson, Peter Byrne and Ron Wenzler are The Complete Barstools — four musicians whose history stretches back to Melbourne’s pub-rock scene of the late 1980s and early ’90s. Back then, it was loud, gritty and occasionally a little rude — big amps, drums and everything turned up to eleven.

By the early 2000s, the Barstools had traded the big amps and drums — and anything else too heavy to carry — for acoustic guitars, rich vocal harmonies and intricate guitar parts.

Their sets draw on great songs from across the decades: Australian favourites from Cold Chisel, Powderfinger, Pete Murray, Richard Clapton and Paul Kelly; American classics from the Eagles, America, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp; and British favourites including The Beatles, Supertramp, Elton John and Joe Jackson.

The songs are given the Barstools treatment — stripped back, rearranged and built around four voices and acoustic guitars.

Four blokes. A few acoustic guitars. Four decades of history. And a lot of great songs.

The Complete Barstools — we’re not a dance band, but you might find yourself singing along.

News & gigs

Where we play

Next gig coming soon

We're lining up the next one now. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to hear first, or get in touch to book us for your venue or event.

Recent shows

  1. Stags Head Hotel

    Sunday from 4pm · Front bar · No cover charge

    Favourite classics from the 60s, 70s and 80s with rich harmonies, acoustic vibes and plenty of sing-along moments. Round up your mates and grab a spot.

  2. Ship for Good, Docklands

    Sunday 2pm–4pm · Melbourne City Marina, Victoria Harbour · No cover charge

    Cozy, great atmosphere with a great city backdrop.

  3. The Rose Hotel, Williamstown

    Friday 8pm · 49 Ferguson St, Williamstown · No cover charge

    Great beer, wine, cocktails and meals.

  4. Stags Head Hotel

    Sunday from 4pm · Front bar · No cover charge

  5. The Rose Hotel, Williamstown

    49 Ferguson St, Williamstown · No cover charge

  6. The Rose Hotel, Williamstown

    49 Ferguson St, Williamstown · No cover charge

  7. The Rose in Willy

    Friday from 8pm · 49 Ferguson St, Williamstown · No cover charge

Stool Samples

Get in a time machine, set it for 1975

That's the Barstool sweet spot. A set list built from the songs everyone knows the words to:

  • Aussie classics Cold Chisel, Powderfinger, Pete Murray, Richard Clapton, Paul Kelly
  • American classics The Eagles, America, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp
  • The Brits The Beatles, Supertramp, Elton John, Joe Jackson

Sample 1

Bow River & Take It Easy

Sample 2

Can't Stand the Rain, Rocket Man & Black Water

Stay in touch

Book us, or just say g'day

Want to know where we're playing next, or want us at your venue, party or festival? There are a couple of ways to reach us.

Just leave a message, maybe I'll call. (Sounds like a lyric I've heard somewhere.)