Rock musicians support protection of the Thebarton Theatre during South Rd upgrade

The Thebarton Theatre harks back to a time when live music was paramount in everyone’s lives, says rock musician Dave Gleeson – adding his voice to the chorus calling to protect the building.

Dave Gleeson at the Thebarton Theatre after it has come to light that it may be under threat of being demolished due to the South Road redevelopment. 9 July 2019. Picture Dean Martin

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Rock musicians have shared their fondest memories of Thebarton Theatre, amid community support for the iconic venue after it was revealed it could be at risk under a major upgrade of South Rd.

Singer-songwriter Dave Gleeson first played at the Thebarton Theatre with The Screaming Jets as a support act in the early 1990s.

“It all kind of harks back to a time when entertainment was pretty much paramount in everyone’s lives,” Gleeson said.

“It’s a beautiful venue.”

Gleeson, who has played at gigs around the world, said the Thebby was “like a cousin venue” to all the beautiful theatres across Europe.

“The old saying is treading the boards, it’s not what you do in newer venues … but you get a real connection to the performers that have been through there in theatres like that,” he said.

Musicians Trent Worley, Sean Kemp and Dusty Lee Stephensen with Thebby employee Amy Boman outside the Thebarton Theatre. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Cold Chisel’s Ian Moss, who has been performing at the theatre for more than 30 years, says it is one of his favourites in Australia.

“This iconic venue’s importance to the live music landscape of Adelaide can’t be denied, nor could it ever be replaced,” Moss said.

A change.org petition to “Save Thebarton Theatre from the bulldozers” on Wednesday had attracted almost 40,000 signatures.

Its creator, Adelaide Hills music lover, Steve King said when he saw the Thebby and other buildings along South Rd were potentially at risk, it struck a nerve.

“My initial thought was, how can I get some, some voices behind this?,” he said.

Mr King, 51, has been going to concerts since he was 12 and says he is a regular at live venues across Adelaide.

“The government need to consider other options that preserve Thebby and some other buildings along that section of road.”

West Torrens councillor Brandon Reynolds said the theatre ultimately belongs to residents.

“I know that I’ll be making their voices known in the council chamber and to the State Government, and I suspect I’ll not be the only one.”