Melbourne nightclub owner George Zogoolas dies in Bali

Melbourne’s entertainment industry is mourning the nightclub owner dubbed “the king of Chapel St”, who died suddenly in Bali.

George Zogoolas once owned popular Prahran club Love Machine.

Melbourne’s nightclub leaders are mourning the passing of “the king of Chapel St,” former Chasers and Love Machine owner George Zogoolas.

Mr Zogoolas died in Bali, in his sleep, of an apparent heart attack.

“George was a character. He was very influential with Melbourne’s club scene,” former Heat, Carousel and Cadillac Bar owner Glen Coburn told the Herald Sun.

“We all looked up to him, and admired the work he did in clubs. We learned from him.”

He added: “Brian Goldsmith was the king of Melbourne nightclubs, George was the king of Chapel St.”

Former hairdresser and nightclub owner Peter Metropolis also paid tribute to Mr Zogoolas.

“I knew George from primary school. We were best mates ever since,” Mr Metropolis told the Herald Sun.

“George and I started off as hairdressers. We worked for Edward Beale in South Yarra, then he and I opened up our own salon in Chapel St.”

George Zogoolas was a Chapel St pioneer.

Mr Zogoolas was once married to Real Housewives Of Melbourne star, Janet Roach

But the social scene of Chapel St and Toorak Rd lured them to the bright lights of nightclubs.

Mr Metropolis bought the Chevron club on St Kilda Rd, and Mr Zogoolas bought Chasers, on Chapel St, and a few decades later Love Machine.

“He was very charismatic, and very loud,” Mr Metropolis said.

“You always knew when George was around. He’d come up with things like, ‘Hey, I know about fashion. Don’t worry about that. I know what I’m doing.’ He was very sure of himself. ‘I know this, and I know that, better than anyone else.’”

“Chasers is an iconic club, and Love Machine also became iconic,” Mr Metropolis said.

“He bought both places when they were down, and turned them into thriving clubs.”

Mr Zogoolas was formerly married to Real Housewives Of Melbourne star, Janet Roach.

He is survived by his three children, two of them with Ms Roach.

Ms Roach told the Herald Sun: “We are absolutely devastated. We loved him and we’ll miss him.”

Mr Zogoolas bought Chasers when it was down and out.

Clubbing figures also remembered Mr Zogoolas as a mentor.

Festival X co-promoter Frank Cotela said on social media: “We all got our training at the Chasers University of Nightclub Training. Total legend.”

Popular DJ John Course said on Facebook: “One of the first inner city clubs I worked was Chasers and George was the owner.

“He was a character of the hugest order and oversaw a great club. I remember asking for a small pay rise, because I had an offer from Chevron (a competition club), he didn’t come back to me so I went in for a meeting and told him I was leaving.

He replied, “You’ll be a nobody in 6 months,” and I answered back, “Well George, I’ll be back here in 6 months when I’m still around and you can buy me a drink.’

“He laughed. 6 months later I came for that drink and he said ‘I always f..king knew you’d be back!’ and we had a drink.”

Another Melbourne DJ, Arlen de Silva, said: “Thanks to the king of Chapel Street. George Zogoolas, RIP.”

Club figure Alex Mate added: “George Zogoolas, you were my mentor and true visionary of our time, thank you for your support and kindness.”