Late last year, Melbourne lost one of its inner-city live music venues as it entered into administration but despite a swan song message that they were “closed and will remain closed,” the venue is making a welcome resurrection.
The Gasometer Hotel, a mainstay of the garage and punk scene located in Collingwood, is set to reopen under new management on 24th April, according to Sydney Morning Herald’sSticky Carpet column.
The Gaso, as it’s affectionately known, will be rebirthed under the ownership of three established live music venue operators aiming to return the venue to its rightful place in the inner north pub scene. Clinton Fisher, of the Brusnwick’s Retreat Hotel, and Daniel Caneva and Shan Vanderwert from The Post Office Hotel in Coburg have joined forces to bring the Gasometer Hotel back from the brink.
Last November, the Collingwood venue abruptly began cancelling gigs following shortly after rumours that the pub was being put up for sale on the property market. It was then revealed that the venue had entered into administration, owing debts of up to $30,000 following a wind up action brought against the Gasometer by a liquor vendor and supplier.
The venue’s former co-owner, Kody Abrams, issued a statement confirming that the Gaso was gone for good. “Unfortunately it was too much and too big for me alone to keep its head above, there were many factors involved. I was never a business man and never wanted to be, I just wanted a place I could go see bands.” Rebirthed under the ownership of three established live music venue operators aiming to return the venue to its rightful place in the inner north pub scene.
The Gasometer Hotel’s rebirth under its new owners also sees the venue undergoing renovations for a new look and design, retaining its 350-capacity bandroom, but constructing a new entrance along with a feature mezzanine and retractable roof. Also famed for its menu, the pub’s restaurant and dining area will also be making a comeback, while an upstairs room for private functions also holds the potential to host smaller gigs.
All in all, it’s welcome news considering the surfeit of Melbourne music venues that have taken a downturn in recent months, including the iconic St Kilda pub The Espy being put up for sale, the Barley Corn Hotel in Collingwood closed its doors, while The Palace Theatre has once again come under threat from property developers as new plans have been submitted to City of Melbourne for approval.
On a more positive turn, Music Victoria recently issued an action plan to pressure the Victorian Government to show their support to live music. The paper, titled Position and Priorities contains 19 key recommendations for the State to help better the local music sector and ensure “the next Gotye, Vance Joy, Courtney Barnett or Hiatus Kaiyote don’t fall through the cracks,” in the words of Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan.
