The Zoo Archives - Fortitude Valley News

The Zoo Roars Back to Life with Heavy Metal Heart at Fortitude Valley

After closing its doors in June, The Zoo in Fortitude Valley is rising again, with the team behind heavy metal haven Crowbar at the helm.

This marks a significant development for Brisbane’s live music scene, which has grappled with venue closures and financial pressures. The much-loved space is expected to welcome music lovers again by mid to late November.

Crowbar, known for its dedication to punk and heavy metal, is taking on the challenge of revitalising The Zoo. Co-founder Tyla Dombroski expressed enthusiasm for breathing new life into the iconic venue and providing a platform for both Australian and international artists. This move comes after Crowbar’s struggles, having been forced to close its original Brisbane location in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dombroski acknowledged the tough climate for live music in Australia, citing rising operational costs and exceptionally high alcohol taxes as major obstacles. She highlighted the financial strain these taxes place on venues, which heavily rely on alcohol sales for revenue.

Despite these hurdles, Crowbar remains optimistic. With anticipated support from the recently appointed nightlife economy commissioner, the team aims to restore The Zoo to financial stability and revitalise Brisbane’s live music scene.

For Crowbar co-founder Nathan Trad, a former band member who once graced The Zoo’s stage, the reopening holds special significance. He emphasised Crowbar’s commitment to honouring the venue’s rich history while continuing to host memorable events.

Renovations are underway, and the new owners, contingent on a smooth progression, aim for a November reopening. As Brisbane continues to lose cherished live music venues, the revival of The Zoo under Crowbar’s stewardship greatly boosts the city’s cultural landscape.

Music enthusiasts across Brisbane eagerly anticipate the return of this iconic venue and its contribution to the local music scene.

Published Date 15-October-2024

The Zoo to Close After 32 Years of Bringing Live Music to Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: The Zoo

In a major blow to Brisbane’s live music scene, iconic Fortitude Valley entertainment venue The Zoo will be closing for good in July 2024, after over 32 years in operation.

Owner Shane Chidgzey cited a “perfect storm” of financial pressures forcing the closure of the 500-capacity Fortitude Valley institution, as well as its sister venue, Stranded.

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According to Chidgzey, the Zoo’s current revenue stands at only 60% of the previous financial year due to cost-of-living pressures impacting alcohol sales and a trend of declining drinking among younger audiences. Insurance costs have also nearly doubled in recent years to $65,000 annually.

**Powderfinger performing at the Zoo, 1995**
Photo Credit: Instagram / @powderfinger_bandofficial

“The model is broken, unfortunately, when it comes to music venues,” Chidgzey lamented. “You’ve got a cost-of-living crisis in Australia, which is huge … And there’s a new trend of not drinking, which is a wonderful trend for health but not so good for bars.”

The Zoo’s location in the government’s Safe Night Precinct added further financial strain through increased regulations, security costs, and higher rent compared to other local venues outside the precinct boundaries.

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Chidgzey argued a levy on major international touring artists could help subsidise grassroots music venues. “They need to be putting a dollar transaction per ticket on that to put into local music,” he stated.

Opened in 1992, The Zoo quickly became an iconic part of Brisbane’s music fabric. Original owner Joc Curran reflected, “The Zoo was an impossible thing, that became possible because of community, love, and a belief that magic could happen … but now it is time to say goodnight.”

Renowned Australian musician Robert Forster, co-founder of The Go-Betweens, recalled the venue as “the first well-run, stable, encouraging, well-organised venue in Brisbane that I’d ever encountered,” providing a vital permanent space for local acts.

While plans are underway for farewell shows and an auction of memorabilia, the closure represents a major loss for Brisbane’s live music ecology after over three decades of history.

As Chidgzey bluntly put it, “The model is broken” for small music venues navigating the current financial climate.

In Jo Walker’s eulogy for The Zoo, he said “The place was small, but it felt like it belonged to all of us. And even when the air-con was finally installed, we earned that sweat.”

“It’s not enough to pour one out for these lost venues. We must support the precious spots we have left. Go see a local band. Shout another round. Tip the bartender. Buy the merch. Tell your friends. Get sweaty and get rowdy. That’s the legacy of The Zoo.”

Published 5-May-2024

‘Stranded’: New Bar to Open in Fortitude Valley

The team behind The Zoo is getting ready to launch ‘Stranded,’ a new bar and bottle shop in Fortitude Valley.

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The new venture will occupy the old headquarters of QMusic and APRA AMCOS at the upper-floor tenancy of Winn Lane on Winn St to transform it into a cocktail-oriented bar that can accommodate up to 80 guests.

The ground floor, which was once home to Tym Guitars, will be turned into a bottle shop. For drinks, the focus will be on tequila mezcals but martinis and wines from organic producers will also be on offer.

the zoo ann st — Photo credit: bagarteaga0/Pixabay

The owners envision the place to be a refined yet comfortable space for people who love great music, quality food and unique cocktails.

A pedestrian walkway will connect the place to a 500-capacity bandroom, making it easier for guests and staff to move between the venues. Refurbishments are also underway for the team’s existing kitchen that currently offers pizzas and tapas.

fortitude valley bar — Photo credit: Qywee/Pixabay

The full menu is not available yet, but guests can expect plenty of skew share plates to feast on such as the likes of mezcal-infused beef cheek slow-cooked for around 32 hours.

the zoo bne — Photo credit: The Zoo/Facebook

Now celebrating its 30 years in the hospitality business, The Zoo has become one of Brisbane’s oldest and most beloved live music venues.

It has welcomed some of the world’s most famous acts, including The Pixies, The Black Keys, Paul Kelly, Lorde, Nick Cave and the Dirty Three, Ben Harper, Powderfinger, Silverchair, Violent Soho and Mogwai to name a few.

Stay tuned to The Zoo’s Facebook page for updates. Those who want to get in early prior to the opening can book for pre-launch access at the Stranded Bar’s website.