A Newcastle bar co-owned by former Silverchair bassist Chris Joannou has been destroyed in a fire, and has now become a crime scene.
Police say the fire at The Edwards bar began around midnight on Thursday, 21st June, shortly after two employees locked up the venue for the night.
After nearby residents were evacuated, the fire was extinguished, but the building had already sustained “major structural damage”, police say.
Taking to social media the next day, Joannou and his team thanked their supporters.
“Friends, as we process the enormity of what went down last night, we are absolutely blown away by the love and support that has poured in from our beloved Newy and wider community – for this, words alone will never do, it’s all feels,” he said.
“Chris & Chris (Johnston) would like to thank YOU for making The Edwards what it is, for the amazing outpouring of love and all the good times.
“It will be a while before we know any of the things you might be wondering, so sit tight and we’ll get back to you when we can.”
It’s unclear what started the blaze, but police are continuing their investigations. It’s believed to be the third fire in the area this year.
Earlier this year, Joannou sold a bunch of guitars and equipment from his personal collection.
