Uni Bar Hobart To Shut Its Doors

In devastating news for live music fans in Tasmania, an iconic haunt—Uni Bar in Hobart—has announced that it’s calling last drinks.

The cornerstone of Tasmania’s music scene is closing as a result of the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay redevelopment and the venue’s lease, therefore, not being renewed.

The venue’s impending closure has been described as a “significant blow” to the Hobart live music scene, Tasmania, and Australia as a whole. Uni Bar has long been a beloved institution for music lovers, hosting many of Australia’s favourite national and international acts.

As punters know, Uni Bar has been a watering hole for enthusiastic music fans and performers for generations. The venue's roots can be traced back to 1976. Originally formed by the Tasmanian University Union, it has long been a staple of the university campus.

Artists including Faith No More, Public Enemy, Cold Chisel, PNAU, Divinyls, Bliss n Eso, Grinspoon, The Amity Affliction and many more have performed at the venue.

Its coming closure marks the end of an era and a serious void in the local music scene.

Venue licensee Brendan Self said of the sad news, “The Uni Bar has been more than just a venue. It’s been a home for live music in Tassie, a place where generations of music lovers have come together. It’s heartbreaking to see it go, but we’re incredibly proud of everything this place has meant to so many people.”

As a press release notes, the announcement of Uni Bar’s closure represents the many complex challenges Australia’s live music community continues to face and the importance of supporting cultural spaces for as long as we have them.

Luckily, Uni Bar won’t be closing without saying goodbye. According to a press release, “a series of farewell events” have been planned ahead of the venue’s closure in the coming months. So far, Stand Atlantic and Kisschasy are already playing at the venue in the next few months.

Uni Bar will “go out with a bang,” with venue operators Vandemonian (VNDN) hinting at farewell shows that would benefit the venue.

VNDN is committed to celebrating Uni Bar’s legacy and giving it an epic farewell. More information about the farewell events can be found on the VNDN website.