Countdown to Save the Tote 17 Days to go!
The closure of Live Music Venues is a topic very close to Jimmy’s heart, with our own venue closing late last year. Double-Wammy is that I frequently performed at The Tote back in the 1990s… so I’m sooky about it.
This very important venue is on the brink, and this time you can help!
So here’s the scoop on where The Tote is at …
- Unless money is raised to save the venue, it will be turned into an apartment development or some equally soulless modern structure.
- The current asking price for the building is 6.6 million dollars.
- The owners of The Last Chance Rock and Roll Bar in North Melbourne have cobbled together more than half the funds and launched a public crowdfunding campaign to raise the remainder.
- At the time of writing this post, we’re 17 days to the campaign’s end, and the donated total is AU$1,587,050, meaning this is still $1.4 million to raise.
If you need any added incentive to pledge, if successful, the Last Chancers will put the building into a trust that will legally protect the Tote from being anything other than a Live Music Venue for the rest of time.
They are giving the Tote to the bands of Melbourne forever!
Anthea Palmer
History of The Tote
The Tote is a historic live music venue located in Collingwood, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. It has played a significant role in the local music scene, as well as in the broader cultural history of Melbourne. It is intertwined with the development of Australian alternative culture and has been important in showcasing local talent and fostering a vibrant music community.
The Tote was originally established in 1980 and was known as ‘The Building.’ It was a multi-purpose space that housed various artistic and cultural activities, including art exhibitions, poetry readings, and live music performances.
In 1983 it was transformed into a dedicated live music venue and renamed ‘The Tote Hotel,’ which later become ‘The Tote.’
In the early 2000s The Tote faced significant challenges when its liquor license was threatened due to concerns about noise and safety. This led to protests and campaigns by the local music community and supporters.
In 2010 The Tote faced a major setback wth its liquor license was temporarily revoked, and after uproar and a lengthy legal battle, it was reinstated in 2011.
Now in 2023, in the aftermath of COVID-19, The Tote again requires support to keep its iconic doors open as a Live Music Venue.
Become a Patron Saint!
Every donation is appreciated, and options start at $20.
If you pledge $100,000 or more, you are the Patron Saint of the Tote and will receive:-
- a Painting of Yourself Behind the bar at the Tote
- all four T-Shirts
- The Last Chance Saves the Tote Compilation Vinyl
- your name on the supporter wall inside the Tote Band Room
- your name on the Lifetime Members Board in the Front Bar of the Tote
- we will help you book a night of Melbourne bands at the Tote with free entry for 50 of your friends
- your photo on the front bar ceiling of the Tote
- your personalised stool with kick-off rights for life
- 10% off at the Tote & the Last Chance for life
