James Young, the owner and booker of Melbourne rock institution Cherry Bar will be stepping away from the company “for the time being”, a post made by the venue's partners has confirmed.
The news comes just days after a since-deleted post was uploaded to Cherry Bar's social accounts on Sunday, February 22nd, with Young criticising ongoing protests in Melbourne and lamenting an inability for the venue to "host our famous Cherry Blues Sunday afternoons showcasing the best local live Blues acts."
"Enough is enough," the post, which was signed by Young and sighted by The Music, read in part.
"I just can't understand why our Council and our Government favour the 'rights' of illegal protesters (for a large number of varied causes) over the rights of long term small business operators to open their doors and trade, trying desperately to reignite the ailing Melbourne hospitality industry and pay our bloody rent!"
Backlash to the post was swift and immense, with the overwhelming majority of comments criticising Young's placing of profit over peaceful protest and global change.
The post was later deleted that night, though screenshots have since emerged on social media.
On Wednesday, February 25th, the Cherry Bar Facebook page issued a statement recognising the original post and distancing themselves from its content.
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"We immediately were aghast as many were, and demanded the post be taken down," the post read. "The views in that post do not represent the views of Cherry, the other partners, our staff, or associates.
"Rock n roll has protest in its DNA. Its tradition platforms outsiders, amplifies rage, and turns noise into community, reminding us all that rebellion can be not just loud and creative, but hopeful too."
The post continued by recognising the effect that the widespread backlash has had upon the venue's team, noting that Young has also since recognised the impact of his actions.
Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our incredible team who have had a difficult few days. We request that members of the public please keep in mind that they are blameless in this.
We have met with James Young in person today. He has expressed his sincere remorse and understands the harm of his actions.
At our request he has agreed to step away from the company for the time being.
While the post was signed by Cherry Bar's three partners, Young himself has not issued a statement in response to the content of his now-deleted post.
Originally opened in 1999 by former Cosmic Psychos drummer Bill Walsh, Cherry Bar has managed to become considered a Melbourne rock institution since. Attracting high-profile local and international guests (including a performance from Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith in 2023, and a visit from Chappell Roan earlier this month), Young took over management of the venue in 2006.
Cherry Bar relocated from its original home in AC/DC Lane to Little Collins Street in 2019, taking over the former Pony/Boney venue, where it has since continued to host live music.
