An iconic Aussie music venue will soon close for good, just months after recording its biggest year yet in terms of patrons.
The Zoo in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley has made the ‘impossibly hard’ decision that it’s no longer viable to stay open due to high cost of living pressures.
Opened in 1992, it’s one of the longest standing live music venues in Australia and has hosted countless high profile bands over the years, including Powderfinger.
The much loved venue will close on July 8 in the latest blow to the Australian live music.
‘Sadly, the financial reality of keeping music venues afloat in 2024 is all too stark,’ The Zoo said in a statement.
The Zoo in Brisbane ‘s Fortitude Valley has made the ‘impossibly hard’ decision to close in July
The iconic live music venue The Zoo (pictured) in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley has been operating in 1992 but will close on July 8 because of rising operational costs
‘The Zoo reached its highest ticket sales in its 32-year history last year, yet this was still not enough to combat rising operational costs, and decreasing returns.
‘As a music venue, we try our best to keep venue hire costs as low as possible for artists and promoters, which means that the financial risks are on the venue, and we depend on bar sales for profit.’
Despite record attendance figures, the venue has taken a hit with the increasing cost of alcohol as drink sales plummeting.
Managers also revealed the venue has been unprofitable for more than three years
The closure also signals the end for The Zoo’s sister venue Stranded, which will close next Monday.
‘Despite exploring every avenue available to us, we could not secure the level of support needed to surmount the continued financial strain,’ the statement continued.
‘We have no choice but to call last drinks for both of our beloved music venues.
‘To our loyal punters and past performers, we thank you for the great times we’ve shared; the decades of dancing, singing and moshing.’
The venue urged Aussies to continue supporting the music industry.
The 500-person capacity venue is a huge loss for Australia’s live music scene, which has had to deal with multiple venue and festival closures in recent times (pictured patrons at a merchandise stand before a gig at The Zoo)
‘We encourage you to advocate for live music, to implore our government and music bodies to do everything they can to prevent more venues from closing their doors due to the industry-wide financial pressure that is decimating venues across the country,’ they wrote.
Music fans with tickets for concerts after July 8 date will be contacted by organisers.
In the meantime, management urged patrons to support their last gigs.
‘We hope you’ll join us for one last dance over the next few months,’ they said.
The news sparked sadness from fans, including Aussie rock band Powderfinger.
‘We are so proud to have shared so many incredible moments at this venue,’ the band wrote.
Management wants everyone to join them for their last gigs over the next few months and have encouraged Aussies to support live music venues
‘It was an integral part of our early journey and for so many other Brisbane bands.
A wonderful legacy. Sending love to all who’ve been involved with and who have celebrated and supported the venue over the years.’
Live music in Australia has been impacted by rising costs, which has resulted in a series of festival cancellations.
Splendour in the Grass cancelled in March after locking in Aussie acts Kylie Minogue, G-Flip and Tones and I.
