The final hurrah of Pistol Pete's plays out this weekend, signing off on ten years of blues and roots romance.
Much like Robert Johnson, Pete Raimondo found himself at a crossroads last month when considering the lease renewal of his beloved South American blues restaurant, Pistol Pete’s Food ‘N’ Blues. Whilst there was no deal with the devil in exchange for becoming a guitar virtuoso like the former, the crossroads presented two paths – to stay or to go.
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In especially unfortunate news for the Geelong hospitality and local music scene, Raimondo made the heart-breaking decision to walk the unbearably difficult path leading away from the establishment. Citing economic pressures, a downturn in customer traffic and general viability pressures of trading, the decision has been made to bid farewell to not only a beloved hospitality hotspot and a teeth-cutting live music venue but an institution and community built from a decade of dedication.
It’s a month long journey to the end of the road when the illuminating blue and red neon guitar sign hanging overhead the entryway of the grand establishment powers off, and they’re making sure that the road travelled is not alone. Immortalising their ten years, Pistol Pete’s Food ‘N’ Blues are inviting their supportive community to join in on meals, music, stories and celebrations until their final day of service on Sunday 30 June.
In the spirit of storytelling, the Pistol Pete’s Food ‘N’ Blues book is full of tales full of friendship, triumphs, tasty food and talented songbirds.
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What was once a desolate, dreary corridor of Geelong became a hospitality hallway with Pistol Pete’s serving as one of the first businesses in the revitalisation of Little Malop Street. With Wizard of Oz emerald 1/3 offset tiles bordering the exterior of the symmetrically designed entrance, Pistol Pete’s quickly became an enticing environment for the locals. Stepping through the glass doors transports you into South America with music memorabilia lined walls, coloured bunting hanging across the ceiling, the aroma of spicy, juicy cuisine floating through the service area, a local or international blues, Americana or roots band tucked into the corner on busy nights and a warm southern hospitality greeting from Pete and the team.
Pistol Pete’s prides itself on authenticity not just in their genuine customer service that makes you instantly feel at home but in their recipes of the south. The menu tells a tale of tradition, honouring the recipes of the region – “just like how mama makes it”. Dark roux, vegetables, chicken, sausage, and shrimp served over rice, better known as Gumbo is the signature Louisiana dish that the Pistol Pete’s salutes. It is joined at the table by their exciting combination of fried chicken and waffles, the New Orleans born fried seafood sandwich the PoBoy, the spicy sensation of their jambalaya, stacked burgers sat atop of the signature red and white checkered paper that comes with a pickle speared on top, fresh oysters, mouthwater catfish, and, of course, the piece de resistance side of cornbread. Paired with a beer or an Ole Smoky Moonshine (peach flavoured every day of the week), prepare for a flavour journey across the Pacific Ocean.
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Senses are heightened with the blues, Americana, and roots geniuses swinging in the front corner. The years have seen international, national and local talent grace the stage including Grant Haua, Stefan Hauk, Anna Scionti, Nathan Seeckts, Sean Riley, Dean Zucchero, Andrea Robertson, Sarah Carroll, Tristan Bird and more.
The memories won’t stop here as many more are to be made across June. The month started strong on the music front with Oscar LaDell and Shane Pacey Trio with Dave Fester and Paul Blasi on 7 June, Maskell Love Band swung by Saturday 8 June, Sammy Owen and Liam Kealy in the Burning B3 Trio trotted through on Saturday 15, and Lounge Lizards blown in on Saturday 22 June. The venue also participated in City of Great Geelong’s ReSound Festival on the same day, with performances from Lucy Lorenne, Bec Goring and Wild Gloriosa.
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Getting the gang back together for a final send off the only way Pistol Pete’s knows how, they will be hosting a New Orleans Farewell with Jules Boult & The Redeemers on Friday 28 June followed by a big Blues Farewell featuring Maskell Love Band, Blue Sunday Blues Band, Andrea Robertson Band with Sarah Carroll, Wayne Jury & Eddy Boyle and Lounge Lizards on Saturday 29 June. The latter is already sold out as familiar faces farewell the beloved venue.
As with all cherished live music venues that come to an end, they will forever be immortalised in memories and merch. Thankfully Pistol Pete’s still have their 10 year anniversary designed merchandise available including t-shirts, hoodies, sauces, gift vouchers, books, caps and beanies. May Pistol Pete’s forever stay close to your heart and mind, literally, with these pieces.
So come on Geelong, let’s make the final month the most memorable for Pistol Pete’s Food ‘N’ Blues, and give them the goodbye, farewell, auf wiedersehen, so long and thank you that they deserve.
