Melbournes Iconic Rock Posters Factory Opens Doors for 40th-Year Celebration

Rock Posters, the printing house that has supplied Melbourne’s streets with concert billboards for four decades, will open its doors to the public for the first time during the Open House Melbourne weekend. Located in Thornbury, the factory will showcase its history and production process from 24 to 26 July 2026.

Founded in 1986 by the D’Aquino brothers, Frank and John, alongside Joe Di Natale, Rock Posters has printed posters for a wide range of performers—from pop stars such as Kylie Minogue to rock legends like The Rolling Stones. The company’s longevity is tied to early support from Australian music promoter Michael Gudinski, who championed the firm when it first opened.

Marcus Seal, the general manager, said the factory’s work has helped shape Melbourne’s live‑music culture. “It’s interesting for people to see 40 years of history in one place,” Seal told reporters. “The posters tend to bring back memories of going to a show or listening to an album for the first time.”

Despite the rise of digital platforms, Seal notes that physical billboards still attract attention. “We watch artists go and stand in front of their own billboard, and that’s what they want to show to their mum… it’s not the digital ad that you see on Meta,” he said.

Art director Luke Stewart, who has worked at the intersection of design and gigs for 27 years, explained that the factory can produce roughly 10,000 standard posters a week. “I still count traditional screen‑print art among my favourites,” Stewart said. He highlighted the bold, colourful work of Australian artist Ben Brown, citing the Hoodoo Gurus poster as an example.

Melbourne’s reputation as a live‑music capital is reflected in the volume of events the city hosts. A Music Victoria study notes that Melbourne holds 62,000 live concerts annually, making it one of the world’s leading live‑music hubs.

The Open House Melbourne event, themed “Generous City,” offers residents and visitors a chance to explore the factory’s interior and learn about the creative vision behind street posters. Seal hopes the tour will deepen appreciation for the street‑poster campaigns that have helped shape the city’s cultural life.

“You’d expect someone like Beyoncé to be very particular and for good reason. U2 and Sting were very particular too, and Kiss curate everything they do very well,” Seal said. He added that iconic posters from Midnight Oil, AC/DC, and the Sex Pistols are on display.

The factory’s production process remains largely traditional. Stewart noted that while technology has advanced, he still prefers the tactile quality of screen printing. “Most people only have a couple of seconds as they drive past, and you want to be as bold and artistic as possible to catch their eye,” he said.

The opening also provides an opportunity to revisit some of the factory’s most memorable works. Seal recalled the Cold Chisel Last Stand poster, noting that the image of Jimmy Barnes was staged with a bucket of water and a bottle that may not have contained vodka.

Rock Posters continues to operate as a key player in Melbourne’s music promotion landscape. The factory’s 40‑year anniversary and public opening underscore its enduring relevance in an industry increasingly dominated by digital media.

The factory will remain open for the duration of the Open House Melbourne weekend, offering guided tours, behind‑the‑scenes looks at printing technology, and a chance to see the posters that have graced Melbourne’s laneways for four decades.