Brisbane’s Home of the Heavy is set to return in the very near future, with Crowbar‘s Trad Nathan and Tyla Dombroski announcing plans to once again set up shop in the River City. But they won’t be returning to their old stomping ground – future Crowbar Brisbane punters will instead ascend a familiar Ann Street staircase, when the punk, metal, and alternative venue opens up on the site formerly occupied by local legend The Zoo.
Nathan and Dombroski dropped the game-changing news earlier today, in a statement released by Deathproof PR. Nathan said:
“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. 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.”
Dombroski, who is also a board member for Sound NSW, and president of the Live Music Venues Alliance, went on to say:
“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 music venues across Australia.”
Crowbar’s Brisbane location was an early victim of the COVID-19 closures, shutting up shop after eight years and a move from the OG Brunswick Street spot to The Brightside. More than 7000 bands took to its stage, both international and local, and its closure hit the alternative scenes hard. The Zoo, meanwhile, closed earlier this year, after an incredible three decade run, citing increased insurance costs and plummeting bar sales as the main reasons behind its demise, all exacerbated by ongoing cost of living increases. The closure left bands and music fans alike reeling, and many took to social media to share their disappointment, as well as their favourite memories.
Having focused on Crowbar Sydney in the interim, the Crowbar team already have a firm hold on many East Coast tour schedules, and the 500 capacity of the former Zoo site will certainly make Brisbane an enticing prospect for bookers. The announcement also comes hot on the heels of the appointment of Powderfinger‘s John ‘JC’ Collins as Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner. JC, who also co-owns The Fortitude Music Hall and The Triffid, has been tasked with reviving the struggling scene, starting with a close examination of the rules, regulations, and red tape that impact live music venues.
Renowned Melbourne artist Callum Preston will head up the Crowbar rebrand, which will span across both the Brisbane and Sydney venues. And alongside the expected renovations, Crowbar Brisbane will also play host to its very own Ultimate Pig restaurant, offering Valley gig-goers the same American style grub as their Sydney counterparts.
There’s a certain poetry to today’s announcement, with two much loved and much mourned Brisbane institutions returning from the dead in such a way. Back in 2020, when Crowbar Brisbane last closed its doors, a statement from the team said “we hope to be back in Brisbane sometime with a very loud bang.” And loud it was. Welcome home, Crowbar – we’ve bloody missed you!
Now, where the hell did I put my Crowbar Cult card?
Crowbar Brisbane is aiming for a mid to late November opening, with plans for a monster week of live music to celebrate when the time comes. To stay up to date, give them a follow across their newly updated Facebook, Instagram, and website.
