Show is over forlive music venue

ONE of the region’s premier live music venues has closed its doors.

After about 2500 gigs and countless fond memories for many, management behind The Eastern closed the business earlier this month.

Licensee Matt Stone said that after seven years and the increasing pressures of running the business, it is time for a change.

Matt Stone took over the management of the venue after decades of enjoying the region’s live music scene.

“We’ve done it long enough and it’s time to get out,” he said. “We offered it up for sale all year and no one bought it, so we’ve just got to move on.”

A wellspring of support and appreciation came from musicians and punters alike following the announcement on 10 December via the business’s Facebook page.

“The response has been huge,” Mr Stone said. “Feels a bit like we’re letting everyone down but we’ve got to move on and maybe somebody else will set something up.”

Last drinks: The Eastern owner Matt Stone has closed the business after nearly seven years in operation. Photos: TIM BOTTAMS

Mr Stone took over management of the venue in 2018 alongside his partner Chrissie after decades enjoying the region’s live music scene.

He said the space was “a lot emptier” when he started running it.

Throughout Mr Stone’s time operating The Eastern, the venue was upgraded bit by bit with an updated kitchen, expanded menu, a new bar, and an overhauled beer system.

Countless band stickers were also added throughout the building.

Matt Stone doubts The Eastern will be revived as a live music space.

Alongside pointing to personal highlights including Tropical F*ck Storm and New York-based jazz band Mystery Lights, Mr Stone said he has enjoyed seeing how The Eastern has supported local bands.

“It’s been everything for the local live scene,” he said. “There’s going to be a pretty big hole from us leaving.

“It was great to watch the local young bands getting bigger and better, and grow. We’ve had great metal nights and a lot of international bands come over. “A lot of the local stuff were the best nights, when the town filled the place up.”

Pre-COVID, gigs were held at The Eastern five days a week, after which the rate of shows dropped to three a week.

“Things definitely changed after that. There just wasn’t as many artists or punters. Everything was a bit different,” Mr Stone said.

Recordings of past shows will be donated to local Ballarat audiovisual archivist Rex Hardware.

Mr Stone said he doubts the venue will reopen as a live music space.