Overview
It's long lived up to its name as one of the west's most respected live music haunts, but Footscray's Reverence Hotel is gearing up to call last drinks, set to shut its doors for good in March 2019.
Owners, Matt and Melanie Bodiam, took to Facebook in November to deliver the blow to the pub's many fans, thanking everyone who's supported their venture in its impressive six and a half years of life. Unable to secure another long-term lease on the site and with the current month-to-month operations putting a damper on any long-term plans, they've announced Saturday, March 2 as The Reverence's last hurrah.
"Looking back we are really proud of our achievements, the community that has congregated, and the memories that have been made are immense," the owners say in the post. "What we've created here has far surpassed our expectations!"
As well as giving a shout out to the community, past and present staff, and all who'd given help and support, the owners hinted that the venue won't be going out without a sufficient bang. A massive 14 gigs will take place over the pub's last three weeks of operation, with a lot of regulars coming in to see it off, including Melbourne faves The Smith Street Band and locals Camp Cope.
A few shows have already sold out, so make sure you snap up some tix for one last gig at the Rev. And keep an eye on the Facebook page for details around the final on Saturday, March 2 — it's set to be an all-timer.
REVERENCE HOTEL FINAL GIGS
Thursday, February 21 — Space Junk, Wicked City, Claws and Organs + Shane and the Dog Hunts
Friday, February 22 — Hard Aches, Nothing Really, Premium Cable + Yo Lande (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, February 23 — Camp Cope with Drmngnow + Hexdebt (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, February 23 — Mount Defiance, Squid Fishing, Luke Seymoup + Eaglemont
Sunday, February 24 — Wil Wagner and the Dead Salesmen Duo
Tuesday, February 26 — Secret (TBC) + Taco Tuesday
Wednesday, February 27 — Foxing + trivia
Thursday, February 28 — Pridelands, The Gloom in the Corner, Caution: Thieves + Setmeonfire
Friday, March 1 — Post Truth, Extinct Exist, Fourteen Nights at Sea, Diploid + Excircling Sea
Saturday, March 2 — Secret (TBC)
The Reverence Hotel is located at 28 Napier Street, Footscray. It will close its doors for the final time on March 2, 2019.
Updated: February 19, 2019.