Jeremy Marou reopens Rockhampton Flamingos nightclub as a music venue

A Rockhampton nightclub will be reopening for the first time in four years. Check out the plans here.

Tunes will be heard on the Toonooba coming from the old Flamingos nightclub for the first time in four years as Jeremy Marou hosts a music gig in his latest venture.

The Rockhampton icon and one half of ARIA award winning music duo Busby Marou, in partnership with Jamie Boon, has organised “Tunes on the Toonooba” to be held at the Quay Street venue on December 28.

Acts including Lake House singer Brad Cox, Coastline band Hollow Coves, Jack Botts and Central Queensland local Brad Butcher.

Formerly known as Republik and Stadium, the venue sold to Rockhampton businessman Wayne Riddell in 2011 for $1.5 million.

It was reopened and was quite popular on weekends before it closed around the New Year of 2017/2018.

While the opportunity arose for Marou to host some gigs there, he didn’t think twice.

“It’s one of the best spots in the city, it’s heritage, this whole Quay Street front is amazing,” he said.

“Old school nightclub with Stadium dollars, a lot of people from my era would be familiar with.

“It’s a great spot …. It’s nice to be a part of it, it’s nice to have your name attached to an iconic venue.”

Over the years, artists from Jimmy Barnes and Suzie Q to Mental As Anything, Powderfinger and Midnight Oil have played at Flamingos.

Marou wants to see the legacy of music continue.

“We just want to bring live music back to town and the venue,” he said.

“The venue is iconic … back in the day it was the place to go to.

“I have been ringing around to a couple of old production guys and everyone I talk to go, goes ‘oh jeez the old Flamingos, I used to do gigs there’ … It’s iconic for sound engineers, crews, bands.”

Some work has been underway inside getting the place ready.

“Just the stuff you would predict, fresh carpets, a fresh bit of paint here and there,” Marou said.

“The room itself has been set up for a while, it’s always been set up for music.”

With one gig advertised, stay tuned as there are plenty more in the pipeline.

For tickets to Tunes On The Toonooba (Darumbal for Fitzroy River), head to www.oztix.com.au

Originally published as Jeremy Marou reopens Rockhampton Flamingos nightclub as a music venue