The legendary live rock venue, the Cherry Bar has announced its relocation after nearly 20 years in AC/DC Lane off Flinders Lane in the Melbourne CBD.
Owner James Young, who took over ownership of the bar 13 years ago has said the owner plans to sell the building and a medium-to-long term lease wasn’t able to be negotiated.

Cherry Bar has until later this year to find new premises, however Young said it was important from a business point of view to make the announcement now so as to keep the name alive and advertise to the loyal patrons that Cherry Bar is here to stay.

Young said that he’s currently in negotiations with 11 different possible locations so it’s safe to say with that range of options he’ll be able to secure a new home and Cherry Bar is here to stay. It’s been a beloved location for true rock and music fans in Melbourne and the world over with international acts visiting in their private time and to perform over the years. The point of distinction Cherry Bar possesses is authenticity.

There are no pokies, the carpet is sticky, it hasn’t been gentrified to state of soulless, bland comfort with overpriced drinks, it’s dark, it’s dingy and Cherry Bar has been a true home to the roaring heart of rock n’ roll, which is why people love it, not unlike the legendary Punter’s Club in Brunswick St., Fitzroy in past years and the Corner Hotel in Fitzroy today. It’s also a fun venue, people get drunk, dance around and laugh wildly, truly enjoying the rock n’ roll greats that are played when there isn’t a live band playing and it’s a non-judgemental, down-to-earth bar with unvarnished, exposed dark wood roof beams.

There used to be other similar venues in Melbourne such as Punter’s Club, the Arthouse in North Melbourne, The International Lounge in the CBD, the Builders Arms and A Bar Called Barry but they’ve all been yuppified now although there are places such as the Corner Hotel, the newly reopened Esplanade Hotel in St. Kilda and of course the Prince of Wales Band Room keeping the flame alive for decent live venues and pubs in Melbourne. Bruce Springsteen often plays at Cherry Bar when touring in Melbourne, Noel Gallagher from Oasis and Axl Rose both love it and Lady Gaga was once turned away in favour of a local Melbourne band, adding to its colourful history and underlining its commitment to local music.