Melbourne’s live music scene is about to take a hit, with the iconic Gasometer Hotel announcing it will close its doors for good next month. \
The news was dropped on social media on Thursday evening, leaving fans and locals reeling.
A Shock Decision
The statement from the Collingwood venue revealed that the director is moving on to new projects, and despite efforts to find a new owner to take over operations, the last day of trading will be March 31st.
The venue is currently on the market, with the hope of finding someone to maintain its legacy with minimal disruption.
A Rich History
The Gasometer Hotel has been a staple of Melbourne’s music scene for years, hosting some of Australia’s biggest acts, including Jet, Mallrat, and Paul Dempsey.
More recently, it’s become a hub for local up-and-coming artists and indie bands, providing a platform for them to showcase their talent.
The venue’s former owners, Clint Fisher and Shan Vanderwert, sold the Gaso to James Martelletti in 2021, after a seven-year run.
At the time, they expressed their confidence in Martelletti, saying “we know the Gaso is in excellent hands and the tradition of live music will continue.”
A Troubled Past
However, the venue’s history hasn’t been without its challenges. Back in 2013, the Gaso was on the verge of liquidation, with defaulted payments to Victorian Workcover and The Wine Company Pty Ltd.
An insolvency notice from ASIC also revealed that the venue had been in financial trouble for some time, with an unsuccessful wind-up action brought forward by the Australian Tax Office.
What’s Next?
As the Gasometer Hotel prepares to close its doors, fans are left wondering what’s next for the venue. Will a new owner step in to save the day, or is this really the end of an era for Melbourne’s live music scene?
Only time will tell.
For now, music lovers can take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the amazing acts that have graced the Gaso’s stage over the years.