Former Silverchair bassist Chris Joannou’s Newcastle bar goes up in flames

Police are investigating the cause of a fire that has destroyed most of former Silverchair bassist Chris Joannou’s bar and live music venue The Edwards.

The venue, on Parry Street in West Newcastle, caught on fire early last morning, with police suspecting it to have originated near the kitchen.

Ten fire trucks responded, evacuating nearby residents as a precaution. 70% of The Edwards has been destroyed.

Joannou was in attendance as emergency services fought the flames, at one point having to run out of the building when part of the roof collapsed.

He posted on social media, “Friends, as we process the enormity of what went down last night, we are absolutely blown away by the love and support that has poured in from our beloved Newy and wider community – for this, words alone will never do, it’s all feels.

“Chris & Chris (Johnston) would like to thank YOU for making The Edwards what it is, for the amazing outpouring of love and all the good times.

“It will be a while before we know any of the things you might be wondering, so sit tight and we’ll get back to you when we can.”

Joannou moved back from Sydney to Newcastle four years ago to set up The Edwards with friends Tim Leveson and Chris Johnston.

When he heard his parents were retiring from their laundry business, he helped his father change it into a bar. The old steam presses were converted into beer taps.

Joannou Sr is the building’s landlord.

The Edwards has maintained close ties with the local music community, with regular gigs and its own record store run by Waterfront Records co-founder Chris Dunn.

Of late, the industry held discussions on mental health and the future of Newcastle’s live music sector at the venue.