Fate of underground club in limbo

Last week Sydney’s premier music venue went back on the market after a sucessful 13 years of thrilling audiences. The Basement has been enjoyed
by the likes of Prince and Piers Brosnan and played host to the talents of Lloyd Cole, Dizzy Gillespie and Vince Jones among others.

It’s been reputed as “One of the best jazz venues in the world” by
Downbeat Magazine. Fans were shocked to hear owners Mr Read and Jane Burridge’s decision as the club still has 10 years on it’s lease.

Musicians have also admired The Basement. Australian singer/songwriter,
Michael de Grussa raved about his Saturday night performance on Facebook.
“Had a great night playing your awesome piano on Saturday with Blanche Dubois, hope to see you again soon, and thanks again Kris for being so amazing at doing the sound thing.” he wrote.

A regular at The Basement, Rhina Ferris claimed the upmarket venue holds many memories for her. “After 30 years [or me] of weddings, birthdays, wakes, amazing music and all around wonderful, fun times, its the end
of this era and the start of a new one at The Basement Sydney,” she said.

Mr Read and Ms Burridge have reported that this decision was a result of personal committments. The Syndey Morning Herald reported the words of Mr Read: “It’s the magic that live music is. The sale was a tough decision, but the right one.

“You can’t really take long service leave when you own a business that reinvents itself every time the doors open. I really want to put some of that family aspect back into my life.

“Frankly when you own a business … the only way to do it is to sell it.

“That’s it in a nutshell.”

Located in the heart of Sydney, Circular Quay will continue to enjoy the venue as they continue to make bookings for the next couple of months.
Tickets for as late as September are currently on sale when popular singer/songwriter James Morrison will take to the stage.