West End live venue The Bearded Lady’s shock plea to fans for $200k lifeline

A landmark inner-Brisbane live venue has launched a $200k crowdfunding campaign in a last-ditch bid to stay afloat.

Beloved West End live venue The Bearded Lady has launched a fundraiser pleading for $200,000 from its fans to help it battle rising trading costs and the cost of living crunch.

A GoFundMe posted by owner Jamie Simmonds has raised nearly $13,000 in just one day.

It came after iconic Valley live venue The Zoo closed last year after three decades, sending shockwaves through the industry.

Only a fortnight later, West End live venue It’s Still A Secret launched a GoFundMe in a desperate bid for cash to stay afloat, eventually raising $32,000.

The 120-capacity Bearded Lady has become known for not just live music, but innovations such as poetry readings, pub choir, life drawing, burlesque, live theatre and cabaret slam.

A band performs inside The Bearded Lady in West End. Picture: Jacob Morrison

“The Bearded Lady in West End has become an iconic institution in Brisbane and Australia’s live music scene and it’s a place that means so much to all of us,’’ Mr Simmonds said on the crowdfunding site.

“We’ve hosted some of Australia’s best bands and incredible acts from around the world, many of whom have gone on to achieve amazing things.

“We love the diversity of The Bearded Lady, not just hosting live music, but allowing creatives the space to try out new things.

“We’ve made it this far thanks to the unwavering support of bands, punters and our dedicated staff over the years.’’

But he said a perfect storm of rising trading costs, inflation and the cost of living crisis, which had affected the alcohol sales which kept the live music sector alive, had made it harder than ever to keep the doors open.

Jamie Simmonds, pictured in 2011.

“We’re at a point where we need help from the one group of people we know truly care about this venue and the music scene — you,’’ Mr Simmonds said.

“We’re not the type to ask for help easily, but the reality is that without your support we might have to say goodbye to our beloved Bearded Lady.

“We’re fighting to keep this special space alive. We have plans to increase the venue’s turnover, but those plans require some funding.’’

Mr Simmonds said the $200,000 would pay off some existing debt and allow minor improvements to facilities, plus an expansion of the overall floor space.

Donate here to save The Bearded Lady.