Overview
Cherry Bar co-owner James Young has been asked to step away from the much-loved live music venue by his business partners, just days after causing a stir with a now-deleted Instagram post. Sharing his frustrations about the ongoing Melbourne CBD protests, Young said "enough is enough," claiming that frequent demonstrations taking over the city streets meant that people couldn't access Cherry Bar.
"I just can't understand why our Council and our Government favour the 'rights' of illegal protestors (for a large number of varied causes) over the rights of long-term small business operators to open their doors and trade, trying desperately to reignite the ailing Melbourne hospitality industry and pay our bloody rent!" said the post.
Cherry Bar on AC/DC Lane.
"Of course, Cherry Bar has a heart and a real passion for freedom of speech," continued the post. "However, Melbourne, after two long years, surely we can sit down and find a better way forward."
Yet the backlash was immediate, with hundreds of people quick to point out the rock and roll and punk scenes' connection to protest movements around the globe. While the post was quickly deleted, Young's three business partners have now shared their own statement on Cherry Bar's socials, saying they were "aghast" upon seeing it and demanded it be taken down.
"Rock n roll has protest in its DNA. Its tradition platforms outsiders, amplifies rage, and turns noise into community, reminding us all that rebellion can be not just loud and creative, but hopeful too," said the statement. "[Young] has expressed his sincere remorse and understands the harm of his actions. At our request, he has agreed to step away from the company for the time being."
Founded in 1999, Cherry Bar remains one of Melbourne's longest-standing rock and punk venues, hosting gigs for big names and emerging acts, as well as being a regular haunt for local musos and touring stars keeping a low profile — most recently Chappell Roan ahead of her performance at Laneway Festival.
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