After having called AC/DC Lane home for twenty years, in 2019 legendary rock haunt Cherry Bar was forced to close up shop and relocate. It almost didn't happen. In July of that year, it closed its doors for what seemed to be forever, but grit and determination saw the iconic venue live on. "It is my intention to take the name, the staff and the sticky carpet to a new Melbourne address with a long lease and a safe and secure future for live local music and late-night rock n roll revelry," co-owner and booker James Young stated in a Facebook post.
Having played host to everyone from Lady Gaga to the Arctic Monkeys, Cherry Bar long held a special place in the hearts of those in Melbourne who love to rock out and amassed an army of die-hard fans over its lifetime. Back in 2014, the venue took just three days to crowdfund $90,000 for necessary soundproofing works, following the threat of mass noise complaints from a new residential building erected next door.
But like all good things rock n' roll (think Keith Richards), it just won't die. And aren't we glad. The current iteration is just 500 metres down the road from its former spot and has space for 230 punters. It's got live music and DJs on most nights of the week and has a fully stocked bar to keep the night rolling along nicely.