Frankston’s famed 21st Century Nightclub reborn as the Pier Bandroom, a venue for top Aussie and international bands
THE 21st Century Nightclub was known in its heyday for more than its revolving dancefloor, and now its operators have a fresh plan they hope will restore its glory days.
South East
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A FRANKSTON icon abandoned about four years ago is set to rock again.
Known in its heyday as the 21st Century Nightclub and later as Pier Live, the Pier Hotel’s upstairs venue will be relaunched as the Pier Bandroom.
Venue promoter Andrew Parisi, who has joined with owner ALH Group to reboot the site, said it would host premier Australian and international bands.
“Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula are an enormous growth area and I could see a fantastic opportunity to supply the area with world class talent,” Mr Parisi told the Leader.
“We will provide top acts so patrons don’t have to travel to Melbourne’s CBD.”
Mr Parisi said the reborn venue was a nod to “that classic period of touring (live) music”.
The famous revolving dancefloor won’t operate, but has been retained and recoated to resemble a vinyl record.
Mr Parisi said vinyl albums would also be placed on the walls.
“The vinyl is a nod to that thriving band scene that existed a few years back,” he said.
ALH Group national entertainment manager Sharlene Harris said many people could recall having a great time at 21st Century.
Ms Harris said there had been repeated queries from acts and promoters about the venue’s future. A change in population as a result of Peninsula Link also influenced the decision to reopen.
“Our drive as a group is bringing entertainment closer to where people live so they don’t have to travel so far,” she said.
“Our (live music) heritage is based on the fact this happened in the burbs — there’s room to bring that back.”
ALH is investing more than $500,000 into rebooting the site.
Mayor Brian Cunial said he was rapt the venue was being reborn and would host international acts.
“We welcome the reopening of the venue and trust that it will bring more visitors to our vibrant and popular waterfront city,” he said
The Pier Bandroom will launch with a street party outside the venue in Davey St with acts including the Birds of Tokyo and Pierce Brothers on March 18.
A show featuring Cog the same night has already sold out and another with Aussie rockers The Living End on April 1 has almost sold out.
For details, visit pierbandroom.com.au