Collingwood’s beloved home of metal, punk, psych, doom and rock’n’roll, Bendigo Hotel, has called last drinks.
In an announcement that reverberated through Melbourne’s music scene, The Bendigo Hotel, affectionately known as “The Bendi,” has revealed its decision to cease trading after 14 years of serving as a cornerstone for live music in Collingwood.
A staple of the Melbourne music scene for several years, this absolute gem has been putting on some awesome shows year after year, featuring rock acts from all around the world.
Despite relentless efforts by its dedicated team, the management made the difficult decision to close down due to insurmountable financial challenges.
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“We are grateful for your unwavering love and support of The Bendi over the past 14 incredible years,” the venue said in a statement to social media.
“Today, we have some tough news to share with heavy hearts. Despite our team’s tireless dedication and unwavering perseverance, we’ve come to a point where we’ve explored every avenue to keep the Bendi going.
“The financial burden on our business and personal fronts has been immense, leaving us no choice but to stop trading. Sadly, we are forced to sell the business to settle our debts. We understand this news may come as a shock and sincerely apologise for any disruption it may bring. Making this decision was incredibly hard, but after exhausting all options, we’ve found ourselves at the end of the road.”
For those who have frequented the venue over the years, this news undoubtedly comes as a shock. The Bendi has been more than just a venue; it has been a cultural hub, a gathering place for music enthusiasts, and a cherished institution in Melbourne’s live music scene.
The venue will continue to operate until the end of March, promising a series of memorable events to bid farewell in style. They have invited bands and performers to grace the stage one last time, offering a chance to be part of the venue’s final chapter.
“If you’d like to perform one last gig hit us up via [email protected]. We guarantee that all scheduled shows before March 31st will be honoured, and we are actively working with bands and other venues to ensure future events proceed as planned elsewhere.
“We offer our deepest gratitude to all the musicians who graced our stage and our loyal patrons for sharing this incredible journey with us. Feel free to reach out if anyone is interested in owning a metal/live music venue.”
This news follows a rough few years for the venue,
As the final curtain draws near, the venue’s legacy will undoubtedly be celebrated, and its impact on Melbourne’s music scene will be remembered fondly. For now, make the most of the remaining time at The Bendi, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the music that has defined the venue for over a decade.
Keep up with the latest gigs here. Find the Bendigo Hotel at 125 Johnston Street.
