profile of JAKECLELAND






There is no greater representation of our universe's slow crawl towards death, spurred on by inevitable forces of destruction, as the steady procession of venues having to close their doors marches on. The Gasometer Hotel, formerly located on one end of Collingwood's Smith Street, is just the latest.


While much has been made in the media this year over the potential end of The Palace Theatre in Melbourne's Bourke Street, including rallies and lobbying the local government, the closure of The Gaso has come as a complete shock. Although it was reported two weeks ago that the venue was up for sale, it continued to host shows, including several during Melbourne's Maggot Fest last weekend, right up until yesterday. As The Age reports, a sign went up on the door yesterday morning, which read, "Unfortunately, The Gaso is in limbo! Closed 'til further notice. Sorry for any inconvenience." The reason? Massive debt, including a significant amount owed to South Australian craft brewery McLaren Vale, who applied for a winding up order via the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to resolve their debt.


All parties involved are keeping quiet about the specifics, but you've gotta wonder: if a bar which seems packed for every show, which has hosted some incredible musicians (courtesy of booking agent Tim Scott), still finds itself insolvent, is it something they did, or simply reflective of how difficult it is to operate a live music venue in Melbourne? Either way, Melbourne music fans are undoubtedly sore today, having lost another pillar of the local music scene. So long and thanks for all the chips.



profile of JAKECLELAND