Probably the greatest music story success of all time was the emergence of" The Beatles " back in the 1960's. This group of four young Englishmen battled to get a gig in a live music venue and from there developed a music style that swept the world.. Many of the Australian bands that achieved fame and fortune got their start playing to weekend audiences in the live music scene centred on local pubs.
That was then - and this is now ! That live music scene is shrinking and with it the opportunity of talented young musicians to break into the big time. The music scene is a tough nut to crack. In the past the pub scene offered benefits to both parties. If the patrons liked the music the band was playing the numbers grew and the publican made more money.
The tide began to turn when the state enacted noise abatement laws. Not only a growing number of complaints about the sound of music played, but the noise of cars and people when these venues emptied out. The licensing of poker machines in pubs also had a big influence on the live music scene. Areas set aside for live music was more profitable converted into a poker machine arcade.
It became quite clear that the law favoured even the most unreasonable complainant. Restrictions began to kill off popular venues in the suburbs and for a time live music only lived on in country towns. In the city, live music had been attractive to local people who enjoyed a walk to the pub to avoid the need to drive and when noise laws drove out the music this attraction waned.
The Sydney music world is aghast at the news that the Basement at Circular Quay is closing its doors as a live music venue. This news broke on Facebook last week and it has been confirmed that the Basement will close in less than a week. The building is owned by AMP Capital and it seems that the lease has been terminated by " mutual agreement " with the lessee.
Circular Quay is the epicentre of the Sydney ferry trade and it is the cities prime business centre but in recent times new buildings have enhanced a move for the return of city living. This form of accommodation is both luxurious and expensive and we now have people nearby to exercise those noise abatement laws. Perhaps this is one of the reasons for the closure of the Basement. The streets of Circular Quay are crowded during the day, but are often almost deserted at night.
The music genre will certainly miss the Basement. It had become iconic and hosted both emerging and famous names and its future use is uncertain. There is speculation that it may be turned into valuable office space in the heart of the city, but it will also be an attractive option for a new restaurant.
Whatever the outcome, the chances of young people with music talent hoping to put together a band that will bring them fame and fortune recedes even further.
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