Melbourne-based music venue Stay Gold is closing its doors in June following the end of its lease, the venue operators announced today (29 April).
Located on the hip Brunswick area of Sydney Road, surrounded by venues such as the Retreat Hotel, Bergy Bandroom, Howler, Union Hotel Brunswick and Brunswick Ballroom, Stay Gold has been the perfect 420-capacity, small-to-mid-sized space for up-and-coming Australian acts, as well as for international bands, to perform in the heart of Melbourne.
Beyond the music, Stay Gold became a local favourite because of its vibe. As a punter on the Melbourne Reddit declared, “Some of the stickiest floors my shoes ever gripped. Dark, dingy, and perfect.”
On their most recent national tour, homegrown metalcore stars Northlane went back to their roots and performed at intimate venues, including Stay Gold. Recent performances have included H.E.A.T., LANDMVRKS, A Wilhelm Scream, Magnolia Park, Nerdlinger, Paledusk, Cartel, Boundaries, Wayside, Fever 333, Bleed From Within, Bloom, and many others.
This scribe has seen memorable gigs at the venue from acts including Suzi, Balance And Composure, Antagonist A.D., Blood On My Hands, Chasing Ghosts, and more.
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Stay Gold became part of Melbourne’s energetic music scene in late 2018, taking over the space formerly known as The Phoenix, with a brand-new band room and indoor and outdoor licensed areas.
It launched thanks to the work of the group behind successful Brisbane venues such as The Brightside, Blackbear Lodge, Blutes Bar and Barbara, as well as the 2018 Good Things Festival.
Group Director Jesse Barbera said at the time, “When the opportunity came up to transform The Phoenix, we took it immediately. Brunswick and greater Melbourne generally is one of the most supportive music communities in the world, and we’re very excited to join it.
“Our goal is to provide great shows, parties and events for that community on a weekly basis.”
Eight years later, Stay Gold is saying farewell to its supporters.
“On Sunday, the 21st of June, our lease comes to an end, and it’s time for us to say: thanks for the memories,” the Stay Gold team wrote in an email to subscribers and on their social media accounts.
They continued, “When we first walked into 133 Sydney Road, there wasn’t a whole lot going on, apart from an unusually large amount of Yeni Raki behind the bar and a space that needed plenty of elbow grease.
“Since then, the shared memories feel endless. Countless sweaty nights (OGs will remember the portable aircon days), debuts to farewell gigs, sold-out shows to sparsely occupied rooms, and everything in between.
“We were there for every one and have love for every single one of you that joined us along the way. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being there.”
In the coming months, the Stay Gold crew will share “some of our favourite memories” and encourage punters to share theirs, too. Artists looking to perform at the venue one last time can enquire about booking, but only a few spots remain.
“We look forward to sharing these parting pints with you - we’ve got some f*$%ing good shows to send us off, including some massive closing parties,” the venue’s team concluded.
Closing parties include performances from Static Dress, Press Club, Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Delilah Bon, and more, plus emo nights, and a “To The End” show featuring DJ sets by Ocean Grove, Future Static, and some “old friends to be announced.”
Head to the Stay Gold website and follow its socials for updates ahead of its closure.
