Former owners of the Annandale Hotel Matt and Dan Rule have elaborated on the venue’s plans to facilitate live music under its new ownership.
As per a message from the brothers posted to Facebook (below), the venue’s new owners The Oscars Group “wish to keep live music in place” and have expressed their desire to “continue with the same music strategy” that the venue has become known for. Oscars will officially receive the keys in August and receivers Ferrier Hodgson have vowed that all existing bookings until Wednesday, 31st July are still valid.
New contact information has been provided for bookers and bands who wish to take to the pub’s legendary stage. Bookings after August will be handled by Music Booze and Stuff, whose email can be found in the below statement.
The Rule brothers had fought a losing battle with Leichhardt Council since 2004, when an application to extend their trading hours was overturned, resulting in a lengthy court battle that cost them in excess of $200,000. In February, these costs in combination with other factors saw the pair forced to relinquish their hold on the Annandale after 13 years of ownership, giving the venue over to Ferrier Hodgson.
After weeks of up and downs, Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne threw his support behind the venue, declaring that the iconic Annandale Hotel would remain open for live music and would form part of a planned live music hub on Sydney’s Paramatta Road. Now it looks like the spiritual owners of the Annandale are satisfied that things will continue
Read the full statement from the Rule Brothers below.
“A message from Dan & Matt Rule:
After a recent meeting with the new owners of The Annandale, The Oscars Group, we are very happy to announce that they wish to keep live music in place! Oscars are very eager to continue with the same music strategy and are looking forward to the shows that are booked from when they take over in August. The receivers, Ferrier Hodgson, have assured us that ALL shows will continue til the handover on July 31. Music Booze and Stuff will be handling all the booking so please email music@musicboozestuff.com for any future bookings.
We encourage all agents and bookers to continue to put as many great shows at the Annandale as they can. Although we haven’t been around much we are very much looking forward to working with the new owners to keep the Annandale iconic and one of Australia’s most recognised rock’n’roll institutions!”
