After months of petitioning to save iconic Brisbane live music venue The Zoo, word has it a former venue is stepping in to save it.
Crowbar closed its doors in 2020 after eight years of serving punters and giving 7000 bands a place on its stage, after falling victim to Covid restrictions.
The Zoo, in Fortitude Valley, saw a similar fate in July, closing its doors after 32 years, amid the rising cost of living crisis.
There was community uproar; a petition; and politicians called on the State Government to step in and save it.
But now, a glimmer of hope.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Sense Music Media announced Crowbar will now take over The Zoo.
The cryptic post provides little else, however it says it’s “a new era for Brisbane’s live music scene”.
Owners of the former venue Tyla Dombroski and Trad Nathan spoke to Concrete Playground saying: “The Zoo has been an institution in Brisbane for over three decades.”
“Crowbar intends to honour the amazing path laid before us and continue offering great events for years to come,” Nathan told the local news outlet.
“As a former punter, band member, booker and promoter, playing The Zoo was a great achievement for aspiring bands — we’re excited to be able to keep music within its walls.
“We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work with the landlords, the Apostolos family, in maintaining the property as a live music venue.
“Our focus is to continue providing a great space for artists and music lovers, while working with industry and government to ensure the survival of grassroots venues across Australia.”
It’s not known when Crowbar will move in.
More to come.
