Brisbane’s defunct music icon The Zoo will reopen after closing in June due to unprofitability.

This morning, heavy metal venue The Crowbar announced it would take over The Zoo with a view to reopening in mid to late November.

Prior to closing, The Zoo was one of the longest-standing and most well-known live music spaces in Brisbane’s nightlife.

The Zoo’s owners said the venue had been losing money for three years prior to its collapse in 2024.

The Crowbar closed its Brisbane venue in 2020 due to the financial pressures of COVID-19.

Crowbar co-founder Tyla Dombroski said it was a very difficult time for Australian live music.

“It’s an opportunity we couldn’t pass by, and hopefully we can do some amazing work with Australian and international artists.”

An industry on its knees

Ms Dombroski said COVID-19 was the final blow for many venues that were already struggling to make a profit due to the rising cost of alcohol.

She said Australia’s ever-increasing alcohol excise taxes were making it difficult for venues to keep prices low enough to bring people in the door.

“We have one of the highest alcohol taxes in the world, and for live music venues that’s how we make our money,” she said.

“I had a $20 pint in Brisbane a week ago — I nearly put my wallet away and walked out.”

“We’re hoping with government support, and hopefully some changes, that we can make it a viable solution for all music lovers.”

The Queensland government recently appointed a nightlife economy commissioner to reform the sector.

Ms Dombroski hoped to open the venue in mid to late November, depending on how smoothly the renovations go.

The Crowbar co-founder Nathan Trad used to play at The Zoo as a band member, and was involved with the venue as a booker, promoter, and punter.

The heavy metal enthusiast said The Zoo had cemented itself as part of Brisbane’s nightlife.

“Crowbar intends to honour the amazing path laid before us and continue offering great events for years to come,” he said.