EXCLUSIVE: Iconic Brisbane Live Venue Announces Upgrades Alongside New Partnership

Beloved Queensland venue The Zoo has announced a new owner partnership alongside various upgrades.

The Zoo owner Pixie Weyand has welcomed husband and wife team, renowned tour manager Luke 'Boo' Johnston and Cat Clarke (former National Publicist at Cooking Vinyl Australia), to the venue.

"I'm looking forward and moving past a really difficult year towards a bright future, with a strong team surrounding the venue,” Weyand said of the new owner partnership.

“My focus is and always has been around the longevity of live music within The Zoo and doing whatever it takes to make sure it remains an integral part of Brisbane and the broader Australian live music scene. I am excited to be able to share the journey of The Zoo, giving it long term stability, along with the opportunity to grow, evolve and move into a new phase full of life and live music.”

Johnston and Clarke added: "We are delighted to become co-owners of one of Brisbane’s most celebrated live music venues and very excited to be working with Pixie and The Zoo crew. 

“The Zoo holds a special place in many Brisbane hearts, and we are dedicated to keeping The Zoo alive and well for all that love her. The venue has undergone a difficult time and we are encouraged to find ourselves in a position, with the assistance of a partnership, where we can provide stability and ensure that the iconic venue continues to thrive in Brisbane’s vibrant live music scene.” 

The new partnership will allow for upgrades throughout the year, including air conditioning, an extension of the current liquor licence to 3am and refurbishments to restroom facilities.

Johnston will continue to operate touring services company Road Agent Touring Services, which he launched last year, while Clarke oversees communications and marketing for The Zoo.

The Zoo will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2022 and has hosted the likes of The Pixies, Silverchair, The Black Keys, Mogwai and stacks more over the years.