A prominent nightlife venue in the heart of the Sunshine Coast is set to close after years of entertaining the masses.
The owners and operators of Solbar – a live music venue, bar, restaurant and nightclub on Ocean Street in Maroochydore – announced via social media that it will shut after a “farewell gig” later this week.
They stated that industry challenges, including rising operating costs, had taken their toll.
“With incredibly heavy hearts, we’re announcing that Solbar will be closing its doors permanently after this Saturday.”
“The decision has not been made lightly, nor quickly. We’ve fought hard right up to the point that this has become the only available option.”
Help us deliver more news by registering for our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your email at the bottom of this article.
Co-owner Dimitris Limnatitis reflected on the venue’s impact.
“Solbar was created with nothing more than a genuine passion for live music,” he said.
“We’ve watched artists take their first steps on our stage and go on to perform on the world stage, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Solbar started at Coolum in 2001 in Coolum under previous owners. The Maroochydore iteration of Solbar, co-founded by Mr Limnatitis and Alex Johns, has been on Ocean Street since 2011. It has hosted droves of popular acts and was a focal point for many nights out for locals and visitors, and was recognised with another Queensland Music Award in 2023.
“For over two decades, Solbar has been a Sunny Coast institution. It’s been a home, a community, a place where lifelong friendships were formed, where first gigs turned into careers, and where thousands of unforgettable nights unfolded,” the Facebook post continued.
“Many of our team have spent years and years of their lives here, some well over a decade. We’ve grown up in this venue together.
“We’ve poured everything we had into it: every show, every late night, every encore, every quiet moment after the ugly lights came on.
“This isn’t just the end of a business. It’s the end of an era for us, and we know it is for so many of you too.”
The announcement sparked more than 1000 reactions online within a couple of hours. Hundreds of people left comments.
“This is such sad news for the live music industry, artists, promoters, staff and punters,” Steve Romer said.
“The industry still needs small venues as they’re an integral and important part of being a stepping stone for all major artists.”
“My brain has imploded,” Kimberley Ferguson said.
“Well done to an incredible team. You’ve been an incredible venue and have held years of amazing experiences for your punters. I can imagine the difficulty in this decision and it truly is a sign of how challenging these times are for venues.”
“A very heavy heart. Alongside many others. I was lucky enough to be part of the Coolum days and it’s only when venues close that you realise how lucky you were to be there amongst all the happy people,” Jason Jaywah Castle said.
The looming closure follows the shut-down of another live music venue, The Station, late last year.
Solbar stated that times had been tough and thanked those who supported them.
“The live music industry is facing challenges unlike anything we’ve seen before, and while this decision has not come easily, we are endlessly proud of what this community has created together for so long,” the owners posted to social media followers at the time.
“To every artist who played our stage. To every team member who gave their heart. To every person who walked through our doors and became part of the story, thank-you.”
A Solbar statement said its closure comes amid mounting challenges for the live music industry across Queensland.
“Rising operating costs, changing audience behaviours and ongoing economic pressures have created a difficult environment for venues to survive.”
“These challenges have placed enormous strain on independent venues, many of which serve as critical launching pads for emerging artists.”
Solbar Entertainment Manager Melissa O’Bryan said the venue had played a key role.
“We have worked hard at nurturing artists, to sound engineers, bar managers, chefs and more, and couldn’t be more proud of our place in the local community and the music industry at large. To everyone that supported us back, thank you.”
Solbar Marketing Manager Katie Mateus, who’s been part of the team for 12 years, said the business was a favourite of patrons and staff.
“Solbar has always been more than just a venue,” she said.
“It has been a home, a family, and a place where countless memories were made.
“Many of our staff have dedicated over a decade of their lives to this space and the reluctant decision to close has been heartbreaking.”
Details of the “one last farewell gig” at Solbar were set to be shared on Tuesday.
“So, keep Saturday free, we’d love for you to come say goodbye and tear the roof off one last time.”
Management stated that some scheduled events during week would take place but scheduled future events would be impacted.
“This Friday’s show will be going ahead as planned. Last ever comedy this Thursday, last ever open mic this Wednesday.”
“The 046 this Saturday has unfortunately been cancelled, all ticket holders will be contacted by Oztix and refunds processed automatically.
“Our other shows will either be rehomed with the option of a refund, or will be automatically refunded if the show cannot be rehomed. Ticketholders will receive communications from Oztix once finalised.”
