Sydney’s live music scene has been dealt another blow today following the announcement that the iconic Basement is up for sale.
Many of us have our own special reason why we love The Basement. It has hosted some of the great performers around including Dizzy Gillespie, Dudley Moore, Taj Mahal as well as being frequented by Renee Geyer and James Morrison. More recently, The Basement’s stages have been graced by the likes of Prince, Adam Cohen, Neil Diamond, K.D Lang and Ryan Adams, not to mention a brief cameo by Ex-President George Clinton, who played alongside Maynard Ferguson Band in 02.
The venue is nearing its 40th birthday and has stood strong despite the waves of associated venues, musicians, and companies that have come and gone over the years. The current owners have spruced up the joint prior to putting it on the market. Renovations include a new paint job, re-establishing The Green Room Bar, re-framing and re-hanging the artist photos, and a few new lounges thrown in. And still not a single pokie machine in sight.
The Basement has only changed owners twice since 1973, when it first opened as Sydney’s original permanent jazz club. Now with The Green Room, the main show room, and punters favourite Macquarie Place Bar, The Basement is now three venues in one. It would be an absolute crime to lose this institution!
If you’re interested in becoming involved with Australian music history or know someone who would be, you can contact Adam Spencer-Carr of Spencer-Carr Property.
