The owner of The Zoo, a live music venue in Brisbane, has announced that the venue will be closing its doors due to financial struggles exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the live music industry. Despite efforts to keep the business afloat, declining revenues and increasing costs have left the venue unable to continue operating. The owner, who took over the venue in December 2020, cited a significant drop in revenue from just under $2 million the previous year to around $1.2 million, leading to mounting financial losses. The closure of The Zoo reflects the challenges faced by many live music venues across Australia, with events like Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo also being cancelled this year.
The closure of The Zoo is part of a larger trend affecting the live music industry in Australia, with venues struggling to survive in the current economic climate. John Collins, who owns two other music venues in the Valley, highlighted the financial pressures facing the industry, including high operating costs and reduced revenue due to fewer patrons attending shows. The closure of The Zoo is seen as a significant loss for the Brisbane music ecosystem, leaving a void that will impact both artists and music enthusiasts. The venue had been a stepping stone for bands on their way to larger venues like The Triffid and The Tivoli, providing a vital platform for emerging artists.
The owner of The Zoo, while acknowledging the difficulties faced by small live music venues, called for government support to help sustain the sector. Suggestions included implementing an excise tax of $1 per ticket for larger international acts, with the proceeds being used to support smaller venues struggling to cover expenses like insurance and rent. By redirecting funds from successful concerts to assist local music scenes, venues like The Zoo could potentially receive much-needed financial assistance to stay afloat. Despite the closure of The Zoo, the owner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to save the venue during the pandemic, extending its lifespan by 3.5 years before ultimately having to shut down.
The financial challenges experienced by The Zoo and other live music venues underscore the need for a sustainable business model that can weather economic downturns and unforeseen events like the COVID-19 pandemic. With declining revenues and rising costs, many venues are finding it increasingly difficult to stay in business, leading to closures and disruptions in the music industry. The closure of The Zoo serves as a reminder of the fragility of the live music ecosystem and the importance of government intervention to support small venues that play a crucial role in nurturing local talent and providing entertainment for audiences.
As live music venues continue to face financial pressures and uncertain futures, the closure of iconic venues like The Zoo highlights the urgent need for industry-wide solutions to ensure the continued viability of the music scene. Government support, such as the proposed excise tax on tickets for larger acts, could provide much-needed relief for struggling venues and help preserve the cultural significance of live music in Australia. The impact of the pandemic on the live music industry serves as a wakeup call for stakeholders to come together and find innovative ways to support venues, artists, and music enthusiasts alike, fostering a thriving and resilient music ecosystem for years to come.
