Sydney’s World Bar calls it quits after 18 years as two more Australian venues prepare to close

In the latest shock closure of a long time music venue, Sydney’s World Bar is going dark on November 29 after 18 years of operation.

A sign reading “See ya later” is posted outside the venue, while owners took to social media to thank patrons and musicians for their support.

They cited acts that had their start there as including Gang Of Youths, Alison Wonderland, Flume, and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.

In a farewell post, the owners encouraged patrons to put the pressure on “elected officials” to  change legislation affecting venues – and to go out and support venues that are still existing.

They said: “Our parting words to anyone who loves Sydney’s nightlife are these – the best way to rebel is to go out.

“There are great venues and amazing music alive in the Cross and surrounding areas, so please get out there and support all our incredible friends – promoters, venue owners, artists – still battling away for their love of live music.”

The closure is the latest around the country to affect places where acts can play and cut their teeth.

5,000 people have signed a petition urging South Australia’s minister for planning, Stephan Knoll, to help revive Adelaide’s Ed Castle Hotel.

The petition read: “The Edinburgh Castle Hotel in Adelaide’s West End risks becoming another unfortunate victim of the wrecking ball.

“The building is now up for sale and potentially faces its last days with real estate agents advertising it as an ‘exciting development opportunity’ with ‘high rise development potential’.”

This week, Melbourne’s Reverence Hotel announced it was closing on March 2.

Its operators explained, “We haven’t managed to secure another lease on the pub and have been operating on a month-to-month basis.

“Without a lease or any certainty for a home, we are unable to plan long term and have had to stop investing back into the venue.

“Looking back we are really proud of our achievements, the community that has congregated, and the memories that have been made are immense.

“What we’ve created here has far surpassed our expectations!”