In spite of both state and local governments’ current progressive stance towards the importance of live music, live music venues are still experiencing turbulence.
Last week popular Melbourne venue The Gasometer Hotel (‘the Gaso’) announced it would be closing its doors on 31 March, while Adelaide venue The Austral is reopening following legal issues with its landlord.
The Gaso shared its news on social media.
“After three years of rhythm and booze… our director is moving on to other projects,” the post read.
“We are currently on the market looking for someone to take over operations with as minimal disruption as possible to someone who wants to maintain our venue’s legacy.”
The post also called for support for the remaining shows.
Supporters of the Gaso are devastated.
“This is sad news, we really cannot lose another music venue and especially one who has been so supportive of original local bands,” one commenter said.
However, not all the commenters were supportive. Some came following 3AW host Tom Elliott’s recent dogwhistle, calling the venue “woke”, after misinterpreting a January post where the Gaso pledged to work towards a “more equitable music community”.
The Gaso addressed the slight in true Aussie fashion.
“Get a grip, d**khead,” retorted the venue.
“It’s hilarious how easily information can be misconstrued to cause this level of anger from the 3AW listener community. Please put your thinking caps on and use common sense.”
Outgoing venue director James Martelletti commented again today on the post.
“Rising costs across the board have made it impossible for almost anyone to enjoy a drink anymore. Corporate greed is what’s killing our music industry!” he said.
Meanwhile, in Adelaide’s East End, a collaboration between The Austral operators and General Admission Entertainment (GAE) see The Austral’s doors open once again, following a legal battle between operators Brettski Stewart and Ian Stewart and the venue’s landlord.
Cousins Brett and Ian believed the issues arose due to miscommunications through the property manager, but fortunately this has now been resolved.
The new partnership comes hot on the heels of the announcement of the temporary closure of nearby Crown & Anchor this July, which was saved from demolition last August.
The Austral cemented its role as a home for both up-and-coming and touring artists decades ago.
GAE said in a statement that it is proud to be part of the venue’s resurrection and will be kicking off the planned revitalisation of the East End’s live music scene at the end of March.
