Iconic Brisbane live music venue The Zoo will close after 32 years, citing “cost of living stress for our patrons” amid a myriad of reasons.
Having hosted acts including The Pixies, Silverchair, Powderfinger, Lorde, The Black Keys and Nick Cave, the Fortitude Valley venue has also been a place for thousands of emerging local and domestic bands to showcase their talents.
But the “hard truth” that the business has been “running at a loss for over three years” has prompted owner Shane Chidgzey to shut the doors on July 8.
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“Sadly, the financial reality of keeping music venues afloat in 2024 is all too stark,” read a post on the venue’s Instagram page.
“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.
“The cost of supplying alcohol is rising, and bar sales are going down, likely due to a mix of lifestyle changes and cost of living stress for our patrons.”
The statement claims the business unsuccessfully attempted to secure funding through “every avenue available to us”.
It implored governments to do “everything they can” to combat the “financial pressure that is decimating” the live music industry across the country.
“To our loyal punters and past performers, we thank you for the great times we’ve shared; the decades of dancing, singing and moshing,” it said.
“The kindness of our community of music lovers is a gift The Zoo team has cherished.
“We hope you’ll continue to support local live music and keep the scene alive in Brisbane and nationwide.”
The venue encouraged punters to head in for a “last dance” before its closure.
