Iconic Brisbane music venue The Zoo is set for a revamp under new ownership
Live music hub The Zoo, a mainstay on the Fortitude Valley strip for almost 30 years, is set for a much-needed revamp.
QLD News
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Iconic Brisbane music venue The Zoo is getting a makeover after new co-owners stepped in to salvage the venue from the 2020 live music slump.
Husband and wife duo Luke ‘Boo’ Johnston and Cat Clarke announced on Tuesday that they have joined Pixie Weyand as co-owners of the long-running Fortitude Valley music hub.
The new management structure means a gradual revamp of the venue, including installing airconditioning, renovating the bathrooms and an extension of the current liquor license until 3am.
The Zoo, which will celebrate its 30-year anniversary next year, opened in 1992 and nurtured the big acts of the Brisbane scene including Powderfinger, Spiderbait and Custard as well hosting stars such as Silverchair and The Pixies.
Weyand, who has owned the venue since 2016, said the past 12 months had been turbulent as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the live music scene.
“I’m looking forward and moving past a really difficult year towards a bright future, with a strong team surrounding the venue,” she said.
“My focus is and always has been around the longevity of live music within The Zoo and doing whatever it takes to make sure it remains an integral part of Brisbane and the broader Australian live music scene.”
Clarke is a national publicist for music booking company Cooking Vinyl Australia with 15 years’ experience in the music industry and Johnston is a long-time tour and production manager who owns touring services company Road Agent Touring Services.
“We are delighted to become co-owners of one of Brisbane’s most celebrated live music venues,” they said.
“The Zoo holds a special place in many Brisbane hearts, and we are dedicated to keeping The Zoo alive and well for all that love her. The venue has undergone a difficult time and we are encouraged to find ourselves in a position, with the assistance of a partnership, where we can provide stability and ensure that the iconic venue continues to thrive in Brisbane’s vibrant live music scene.”
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