Beloved Rock’n’Roll Joint Cherry Bar Is Closing

Melbourne’s live music scene has received another blow. Cherry Bar will close its beloved rock’n’roll basement on AC/DC Lane in March after almost 20 years.

The news was announced on Cherry Bar’s Facebook page today by co-owner James Young, who says a new tenant will take over the space to “do something very different”. The good news is plans are underway to move Cherry Bar to a new location.

“To preserve its long-term future, Cherry Bar will MOVE from AC/DC Lane. Cherry Bar has not and will never be sold. It is my intention to take the name, the staff and the sticky carpet to a new Melbourne address with a long lease and a safe and secure future for live local music and late-night rock’n’roll revelry,” says Young in the post.

He says negotiations are underway with 10 different venues across Melbourne.

“When I came on board at Cherry a dozen years ago Cherry was on the cusp of financial ruin. The bar didn’t trade Sunday to Tuesday and didn’t have a PA or even host live bands!” continues Young in the post.

News of the closure follows the final night of beloved Melbourne nightclub Hugs & Kisses last weekend, and in April Swanston Street club, The Lounge, will close after almost 30 years.