The Brisbane live music scene suffers yet another loss this week, as Jamie Simmonds, owner of The Bearded Lady, announced his beloved bar was closing.

The Beardo, as it was affectionately known, was a safe haven for Brisbane’s alt crowd. It was known for its welcoming atmosphere, its support of young artists, and its eclectic performances featuring everything from electronica to sea shanties. For close to 12 years, it’s been a mainstay on Boundary Street at West End.

On Monday, Simmonds took to Instagram on May 15 to share the news.

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“We’re reaching out today with the heaviest of hearts to let you know that The Bearded Lady will be officially closing, with our final day of trade on Friday 23rd May, 2025,” began the statement.

“We’ve done everything in our power to keep the doors open, but unfortunately, negotiations with the landlord fell through yesterday. Key members of our local music community were ready and willing to take on the lease, but at the last minute, the landlords informed us they no longer wish to be involved with hospitality.

“Thank you for supporting our beloved Beardo and thank you for all your efforts to keep our Lady loud … We are devastated by this news, and for our beloved bands and music community. Your frustrations are not lost on us.”

Simmonds originally ran a cafe called Jam Jar in the space before pivoting to open The Beardo in September 2013. The bar had been dealing with financial pressure and Simmonds launched a fundraiser in March. He said the venue was struggling in the face of inflation and rising costs. The Go Fund Me campaign raised close to $30,000, but it fell short of Simmonds’s $200,000 goal.

Simmonds had been looking for a partner to take over the lease, who would keep the venue open as a live music space, but ultimately the landlords decided against maintaining the space as a hospitality venue.

Since the announcement, there’s been a groundswell of support from local musicians and gig-goers alike. They took to the comments of the Instagram post to share memories of performing at The Beardo or of falling in love with local artists there.

Singer Thelma Plum commented, “Devastating news. West End won’t be the same without you.” The Full Flower Moon Band shared a vote of thanks saying, “You gave Brisbane and the larger Australian arts community so much for so long. God knows where underground local and touring acts are going to go now. The silence is deafening. Thank you for over a decade of being there for us.”

There’s still one last gig to go before The Bearded Lady falls silent. Special Feature, Placement, Double Date and Kings Currency are taking to the stage tonight. Tickets are available.

@thebeardedladywestend