Brisbane music venue The Zoo closes its Fortitude Valley doors in another devastating blow to Australian live music

An iconic Australian music venue will soon close for good, just months after recording its biggest year yet in terms of customers.

Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley Zoo has made the “impossibly difficult” decision that it is no longer feasible to remain open due to high cost-of-living pressures.

It opened in 1992 and is one of Australia’s longest-established live music venues. Over the years it has hosted numerous high-profile bands, including Powderfinger.

The much-loved venue will close on July 8 in the latest blow to Australian live music.

“Unfortunately, the financial reality of keeping music venues afloat in 2024 is all too grim,” The Zoo said in a rack.

Iconic live music venue The Zoo (pictured) in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley was in operation in 1992, but will close on July 8 due to rising operating costs

‘The zoo achieved the highest ticket sales in its 32-year history last year, but this was still not enough to counter rising operating costs and declining revenues.

‘As a music venue, we do our best to keep rental costs for artists and promoters as low as possible. This means that the financial risks lie with the location and that we are dependent on bar sales for profit.’

Despite record attendance figures, the venue has taken a hit due to rising alcohol costs, while liquor sales are plummeting.

Managers revealed the venue had not been profitable for more than three years

The closure also marks the end of sister location Stranded, which will close this weekend.

“Despite exploring all options available to us, we were unable to secure the level of support necessary to meet the ongoing financial pressures,” the statement continued.

‘We have no choice but to announce the last drinks for both of our beloved music venues.

‘To our loyal punters and performers of the past, we thank you for the great times we shared; the decades of dancing, singing and moshing.’

The venue urged Aussies to continue supporting the music industry.

The 500-capacity venue is a huge loss to Australia’s live music scene, which has seen multiple venue and festival closures in recent times (photo of customers at a merchandise stand before a performance at The Zoo)

“We encourage you to advocate for live music and implore our government and music organizations to do everything they can to prevent more venues from closing their doors due to the industry-wide financial pressures that are decimating venues across the country,” they wrote.

Music fans with tickets for concerts after July 8 will be contacted by the organizers.

In the meantime, management urged patrons to support their latest performances.

“We hope you’ll join us for one last dance in the coming months,” they said.

The news sparked sadness among fans, including Australian rock band Powderfinger.

“We are so proud to have shared so many incredible moments at this venue,” the band wrote.

Management want everyone to join them for their final performances in the coming months and have encouraged Aussies to support live music venues

“It was an integral part of our early journey and for so many other bands in Brisbane.

A beautiful legacy. Sending love to everyone who has been involved with the venue and who has celebrated and supported it over the years.”

Live music in Australia has been affected by rising costs, which has resulted in a series of festival cancellations.

Splendor in the Grass was canceled in March after bringing in Australian acts Kylie Minogue, G-Flip and Tones and I.