Beloved Adelaide live music venue Fowlers Live has announced it will cease operations this December, after 15 years in operation.
In a statement, venue operators said Arts South Australia won’t be extending their licence, and has decided to redevelop the venue as a “multi use” art space.
Operators said they have unsuccessfully searched for an alternative space since 2014, when Arts SA announced it was considering new usages for the D. & J. Fowler Flour Factory, in which Fowlers Live operates.
“We would like to thank all the staff, bands, promoters, punters and all who have been a part of the Fowlers Live journey during the 15 years of us operating,” operators said, declaring the closure “an end to one of the best live music venues in Australia, and one which continuously offered licensed all ages events to build audiences for original live music”.
Read operators’ full statement, below.
In a further statement on Facebook, Fowlers Live employee Tahlia said, “Words cannot express how devastated all of us at Fowlers are feeling at the moment.
“We have fought and fought to keep the doors open for many many years, a few of those times we were almost closed, but we held on.
“To every patron, band member and crew member, we thank you for making Fowlers our home and yours, but all good things have to end.”
The 500-capacity venue has hosted a long list of acts throughout the years, including numerous heavy acts like The Amity Affliction, Thy Art Is Murder and Dillinger Escape Plan.
To check out the remaining shows scheduled at Fowlers Live, head to the venue’s official website.
UPDATE: News Corp Australia reports that the building in which Fowlers Live existed will continue to operate as a live music venue next year under the management of local music and events company Five Four Entertainment, who are also behind Spin Off festival.
