MUSICIANS and performers of the Fly By Night Musician Club will have to consider other options from August.
The City of Fremantle Council reconsidered the club’s lease at Victoria Hall in February.
Mayor Brad Pettittsaid it had been a difficult decision to make with the club being an iconic part of the Fremantle music scene.
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READ NOW“It had been on the scene for more than 30 years – hosting great performers and nurturing local talent, It would be heartbreaking to see it close,” he said.
“Since the National Trust decided not to renew the Fly’s lease on the Old Drill Hall in 2014, the City of Fremantle has gone out of its way to help the Fly survive, including offering half-price rent on Victoria Hall, spending more than $20,000 to improve the acoustics of the hall and giving them a $20,000 cash grant.
“The Fly has not been able to make Victoria Hall work as a profitable venue.”
In a statement provided by the City it said that the council agreed to waive the club’s outstanding debt to the City around $70,000.
The statement also said the City officers have looked into the Fly presenting shows at other venues including the Navy Club, Fremantle Town Hall and South Fremantle Football Club event space.
Fly by Night Musicians Club Board of Directors chair Steve Wells said the board would meet later this month to finalise its exit strategy from Victoria Hall and consider the future directions of the Fly.
“The Fly appreciates the support it has received from Brad, Arts and Culture manager Pete Stone and a range of other City staff since our forced move from the Drill Hall by the National Trust,” he said.
“It will be a shame if we need to leave Fremantle after all this time but that is one of the options our board is currently exploring.
“We are committed to the Fly continuing as a not for profit promoter of live independent music.
“We know we need to change the business model if the Fly is to continue and we are confident that the support of government, WAM and even philanthropists will help the Fly to achieve its full potential.”
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