An icon of Melbourne's live music scene, the future of The Tote Hotel as a destination for music lovers to gather has been assured by its new owners.
Officially acquired by fellow local publicans, Shane Hilton and Leanne Chance of The Last Chance Hotel, the survival of The Tote was in part due to a massive Pozible crowdfunding campaign that raised more than $3M with donations from 12,000-plus supporters.With a 42-year history, the venue's three PA systems will remain as will the current staff who'll transition as the sale is completed.
"Thanks to the astronomical support of the wider music community – which lead to the world's biggest music-based crowdfunding campaign – the Tote will survive as a live music venue forever," Shane Hilton and Leanne Chance says.
"We're in awe of what the Melbourne and Australian music community has achieved over the last six months. This huge undertaking would never have happened without the support of the tens of thousands of people who passionately got behind what seemed to be an impossible task. It's thanks to you we're able to keep the Tote doing exactly what it's been doing for the last 42 years.
"We want to thank everyone who contributed to the campaign in any way. Whether it was financially through Pozible, with their time, their music, or their art. We can't express the gratitude or esteem we have for the entire community who made this happen.
"It's an historic achievement that would never have transpired without every person's energy, enthusiasm, and commitment.
"Community is what music has always been about. This result is the most beautiful example of what music, our music community, can achieve.
"This cultural institution and beating heart of the Australian music space would not exist without the incredible work and endurance of Jon, Sam and Andy, and the owners who built the venue up before them.
"We'd like to thank Jon and Sam for entrusting us with the Tote, and for giving us the blessing to lead it into its future.
"The last three and a half years have been the toughest our industry has ever faced. To have kept the flame burning at the Tote over the last 11 years, particularly through COVID and the hard years that have followed, is no small feat.
"We wish Jon and Sam continued success at Bar Open and look forward to working with them to ensure a smooth transition into a new era at the Tote for all the staff, bands and punters."
Adds Jon Perring, current co-owner of The Tote: "We are very happy and excited to hand The Tote over to Shane and Leanne, whom we know are so passionate about live music.
"It's with great relief that we leave The Tote behind in full knowledge that it will continue to be Melbourne's and Australia's home of rock & roll, and that it will continue the venue's 42-year history of live music culture.
"They will bring fresh energy and a new vision to the Tote, which is needed for it to continue to be the beacon of local rock & roll – the culture that we all love. We wish them all the very best."
Although a significant day for the local and national music scene, Shane and Leanne are looking forward to the community getting behind The Tote to make it a viable asset for many years to come.
"There has been a lot of concern, fear and emotion swirling around The Tote sale. What is needed now is for the community to now get behind the venue and its staff to ensure The Tote’s ongoing success," Shane and Leanne says.
"The Last Chance To Save The Tote campaign wasn't just about protecting the walls, but everything that happens within them. To be able to continue that means the absolute world to us.
"To every band, musician and artist who makes our world a better place, thank you. As the new custodians of the Tote, our sole aim is to facilitate a space in which all the amazing art that people create can be nurtured, supported and celebrated.
"We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone – whether it be the staff, punters, bands, record labels, promoters, bookers, community radio stations or venue management who have made the Tote such an incredible place over the last 42 years.
"We look forward to working with the present staff to make the Tote the best live music venue in the world while continuing to support all the amazing musicians who will continue to contribute to the amazing legacy of the Tote.
"As it's unlikely we are ever going to have the platform and reach we have right now, we want to take a moment to encourage the wider community, the media, government, industry stakeholders and every other person in Australia to truly start listening to and supporting the world-class talent and culture that the independent music community in Australia continues to produce, in spite of all the difficulties we face. Go to the shows, buy the albums, wear the t-shirts and listen to C.O.F.F.I.N."
To celebrate, a last minute free Friday night gig (8 September) at The Tote has been put together. The line-up is Persecution Blues, Hanny J, Kill Bell, and Roddy & The Rodents with tunes by Grandmaster Vicious (from midnight).
