Why this pub with no beer is a beacon for a city thirsting for music
The Hopetoun Hotel in Sydney’s Surry Hills, once a vibrant hub for live music from the 1980s to 2000s, launched the careers of artists like Sarah Blasko, Paul Kelly, and the Hoodoo Gurus despite its modest, low-cost setup. Though the pub has been closed since 2009, it remains a symbol of grassroots music culture and community resilience. The article reflects on its legacy as both a historical landmark and an inspiration for reviving accessible live music spaces. With rising interest in Sydney’s music scene, the author sees the shuttered venue as a provocation to support emerging artists through public investment.
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This excerpt is published under fair use for community discussion. Read the full article at The Sydney Morning Herald.