‘Significant Loss’: Melb Venue Owners Axe Live Music

Brunswick mainstay Penny’s Bandroom (now known as NONO), will cease to host live music after this weekend.

Two months' worth of confirmed shows have been impacted, with venue booker Jeremy Fox, who also looks after Leadbeater Hotel, Edinburgh Castle and more, telling The Music the owners and managing director “decided it is not in the best interest of the business to continue with live music for the immediate future, and have taken a different creative approach over summer”.

“This decision was unexpected and not what had been communicated previously,” Fox said.

“This will be a significant loss to emerging artists, touring acts and live music fans but fortunately Brunswick has a long list of well-established venues keeping the scene thriving

“This Saturday’s show will be the final confirmed live music performance for the foreseeable future, with nothing else locked in over summer.”

The beloved Melbourne venue, formerly The Penny Black, has hosted some of the country’s largest touring artists, including Tash Sultana, Alex Lahey, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and countless others, and provided an essential platform for emerging acts.

Fox added that the venue has “been a key part of the Melbourne music scene for over a decade”. Penny’s Bandroom’s current owners have been involved with the venue for the past two years.

This Saturday’s show will feature Miracle Mile (aka Club Common), Gecko and Big Stretch.

Posting to Facebook, Miracle Mile said: “Our little indie-pop band was lucky enough to keep our spot this Saturday night, and so we somehow have ended up with the dubious honour of being the last band to ever take the stage.

“It's a sad day for the local scene, so if you want to come down for one last night of tunes and send Penny's out with a bang, please come along, everyone's welcome.”

For more info on the event, click here.

Earlier this week, it was announced that beloved Sunshine Coast venue NightQuarter had closed its doors.

In a post shared on social media, owners revealed the shattering news: "Our independently owned live music venue and entertainment destination, NightQuarter has closed its doors," co-owner Michelle Christoe wrote.

"After opening mid-pandemic, two years of trading through Covid restrictions and the bleak after effects that have beleaguered our industry, we have made the call to close."