Dream of ‘great live music’ shut down as popular SA venue closes
Another SA live music venue is set to shut its doors, with the popular venue announcing it would cease operations after this weekend.
Woodshed in Royal Park announced the news of an imminent closure to Facebook followers on Monday night.
“This was not an easy choice. What started as a dream of great live music and quality craft beer turned into something far more meaningful — a place where strangers became friends, where bands found a stage, and unforgettable nights were shared,” the post said.
Woodshed co-owner Michael Gangnuss told InDaily on Tuesday that the decision to close the popular Royal Park venue “wasn’t taken lightly”.
“I didn’t make the decision lightly; a lot of the bands are friends of mine. Obviously one less venue definitely hurts the [music] scene,” he said.
Gangnuss said it was not a financial decision to close Woodshed on Grandwood Street.
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“I work a day job and Woodshed started off as a fun thing on the side. Working seven days a week had just taken its toll physically and mentally,” Gangnuss said.
The Woodshed first opened its doors in 2022 and has since become a hub for live alternative rock music, hosting local, interstate and international artists.
One Facebook poster said: “I’m so devastated by this news once I got it this afternoon, it was my second home”.
Over the next few months, the venue was set to host many live bands and artists, which have subsequently been cancelled.
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However, the Haus of Coffin Burlesque Revue for the Adelaide Fringe on March 13 will still be hosted at the Woodshed.
“I’ve spoken with all of them. I’ve got really good rapport with all the bands that had shows booked, so they’re all understanding,” Gangnuss said.
He said “the door is not completely closed” on a return to the Woodshed into the future.
“The building’s not going anywhere and all the fittings and fixtures inside aren’t going anywhere — I may decide down the track to do something with it again.”
The closure follows a recent pitch from MusicSA, the state’s peak music industry body, for a $12 million investment from the next state government.
A key feature of the policy pitch was a $1.25 million grant to speed up funding access for artists, venues and festivals, which MusicSA hoped would boost the number of live music venues.
A recent live music report also revealed a surprising top music venue, with Khukuri Nepalese Restaurant topping the chart of the most live music performances hosted in the Adelaide CBD – second only to the Adelaide Festival Centre.
Gangnuss has called on the public to visit the Woodshed this weekend “for one last round” and “a proper sendoff”.
“Come and support live, original music and some great Adelaide bands that are playing Saturday night for the last time,” he said.
The Woodshed is set for a final day of service this weekend on Sunday February 22.
