Popular Collingwood live music pub to close its doors permanently
A Collingwood pub known for its heavy metal gigs, will be the latest venue to shut its doors permanently.
The Bendigo Hotel – or the Bendi as it was affectionately known, was an iconic part of the Melbourne music scene, feeding its need for live music for 14 years.
However, the venue is just the latest to succumb to the many financial pressures crippling the industry.
The pub announced the closure via its social media platforms.
“Dear valued Bendi patrons, bands, performers, punters and live music lovers.
“We are grateful for your unwavering love and support of The Bendi over the past 14 incredible years.
“Today, we have some tough news to share with heavy hearts. Despite our team’s tireless dedication and unwavering perseverance, we’ve come to a point where we’ve explored every avenue to keep The Bendi going.
“The financial burden on our business and personal fronts has been immense, leaving us no choice but to stop trading. Sadly, we are forced to sell the business to settle our debts.”
Pub goers and band members have expressed their dismay, with one punter saying: “Far out this is devastating, the Bendi is my second home most weekends. It’ll be sad to see it go.”
Drummer Rob Brens noted the hit to the local music scene.
“Done so many gigs in so many bands here and had some incredible nights as a punter too,” he wrote.
“A huge loss to future generations of young musicians.”
The owners will have said they will help artists who had booked gigs from April find a new venue to play. Meanwhile, bands that were scheduled to March 31, will see out the venue’s finale.
“Be assured that our final two weeks will be memorable. If you’d like to perform one last gig hit us up,” the owners said.
The closure follows that of Brunswick East live music venue Whole Lotta Love Bar.
Bendigo Hotel owner Guy Palermo has been active in trying to keep the live music scene alive in Melbourne following the pandemic, calling on the government to do more.
“Melbourne thrives from our live music,” he wrote on a petition that gained 29,000 signatures.
“It is the beating pulse that binds us together and pumps money into our local economy.”
Jonathan Jackson, 18th March 2024
