'Enough Already': Sydney To Lose Another Iconic Live Music Venue

The Basement, aka the oldest licenced music venue in Sydney, is expected to close its doors permanently in under a week following 45 years of operation.

As reported by ABC, the news was broken by musician Danny G Felix on Facebook over the weekend with building owners AMP Capital confirming the closure today.

"We have worked with the management of The Basement for more than six months to ensure an appropriate transition could take place and have amicably agreed to end the lease," a spokesperson for AMP said.

Reports that the venue is closing to make way for more office space were denied as the spokesperson details; “It's too soon to say whether another music operator, bar or restaurant will move in.”

The iconic venue is considering a founding part of Sydney’s jazz scene, has housed the likes of Martha Wainwright, Megan Washington and Dizzy Gillespie, and survived former premier Mike Baird’s lock-out laws despite many of its peers folding at the time.

Gigs from acts like Dami Im and Diesel are scheduled in the upcoming months with no reports on whether they will be moved or cancelled.

read more:

• Iconic Sydney Venue To Close Its Doors Next Month

Musicians and fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment over the most recent blow to Sydney’s struggling nightlife.

“I feel like we are living in footloose but it’s getting worse...enough already Reverend Shaw.” Sneaky Sound System singer Connie Mitchell said.

“Terrible news to hear that iconic Sydney bar & venue, the Basement is closing for good this week,” hip hop artist Hau said.

“Not only have I played there, but I have seen some great shows there as well. Thank you, @thebasementsyd for your years of support, service and love.”

Leichardt Mayor Darcy Byrne pointed to the lock-out laws as the reason for the closure, posting on Facebook, "This is part of Mike Baird’s legacy (the Casino is still going great guns) we are one step closer to a sanitised Sydney."

The news broke prior to today’s NSW music inquiry hearing which saw Hoodoo Gurus’ vocalist Dave Faulkner, Brooke McClymont and Urthboy give statements on the of struggles of the music industry throughout the state.

The Music has reached out to The Basement for comment with no response.