Iconic WA Live Space To Shut After More Than Two Decades

Norfolk Hotel basement live music venue The Aardvark has announced its closure, with plans to shut in October.

The Fremantle venue, which launched in 2018, occupies the same space that used to be home to The Odd Fellow and The Norfolk Basement; the basement in general has hosted live music for over two decades in one form or another.

“After four years of underground good times, the teams at Bespoke Touring and The Norfolk Hotel are today announcing the decision to bring The Aardvark to an end this October,” reads a statement from the venue.

“The basement venue has been a pillar in the WA local music community for 22 years and Bespoke Touring are proud to have been part of the most recent, best and (likely) final chapter of live, original music in the iconic and heritage listed space.

“Starting as a jazz cellar, morphing into The Norfolk Basement, The Odd Fellow and finally The Aardvark, the room has hosted some phenomenal acts including Tame Impala, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Pond, The Presets, John Butler and many, many more.

“Since rebranding as The Aardvark in 2018, the goal of the venue was to make everyone who walked down the stairs feel like they were walking into a mate’s living room and thanks to the world class hospitality team led by the Norfolk’s Andy & Una, we can happily leave saying we achieved that.

“Whether it be an international touring act, an emerging artist launching their latest release or simply a local band playing their first gig, The Aardvark provided a safe, inclusive and vibrant space for live music enthusiasts every weekend in the heart of Fremantle.

“Testament to this; the likes of Spacey Jane, Stella Donnelly, Great Gable, Death By Denim, Noah Dillon & Sly Withers to name a few, all cut their teeth playing at The Aardvark during their formative years.

“Like many live music venues, the pandemic took a toll and cemented the decision to end an era for this venue as a live music haven and welcome the expansion of the Norfolk Hotel’s cornerstone hospitality offering to include the basement area.

“Both The Norfolk Hotel and Bespoke Touring are ending this chapter on a high note so stay tuned for some special events and final gigs to be announced over the coming weeks, culminating with a closing party, details to be announced soon.”

The latest iteration of the venue pays tribute to local legend Richard Utting, who used to own a restaurant in the space called Aardvark’s in the ‘90s.

Head to the venue’s website for all details on upcoming shows.