So, Zaphod's is closing.

ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX IS CLOSING


The other day the news broke that Ottawa live music staple Zaphod's is closing. The venue has been a staple in the Ottawa music scene for over 25 years. Zaphod Beeblebrox got it's name from the character in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and many of the drinks and events have names based off the book series. 

Over the many years Zaphod's has played host to hundreds of artists from the local scene to international touring acts, iIncluding local superstar Alanis Morrisette; Nickelback; Jewel, and many others In 2005 the Rolling Stones filmed a music video there. 

Local musician and promoter Ryan Fitz (Castlefield and The Indie Scene Promotions) broke the news to the world over his Facebook profile with the statement, "Zaphod's is gone. There goes our last decent mid-sized venue... :(" Many people were shocked and upset to hear that the venue was closing and didn't want to believe what Ryan was saying because there were no articles about it from any news agencies. A few hours later the first articles were beginning to appear online.
 Michael Wood, owner of Ottawa Special Events and former guitarist for the band Circuit posted on his Facebook wall, "Before you get upset about Zaphod's closing ask yourself first 'when was the last time I went out to see live music?' The less we all go to support the great talent we have in Ottawa, the more venues will continue to close."

I am inclined to agree with Michael and say that if we don't get out there and support the Ottawa scene then more venues are going to close. The music industry is an industry that is hard to make a living in. With the invention of music streaming services, illegally downloaded music, and watching  shows on YouTube (which is also free) not many people are going out to shows anymore. Why would you if you can watch it for free on YouTube or listen to an illegally ripped audio version of the show.

I talked with local musician Noah Cook from the bands Martyrs and Ringwraith about how he felt about Zaphod's closing. He said, "Obviously a closing venue in Ottawa means one less place to enjoy music publicly and to meet new people. It's not only another blow to the local scene but it's forcing it to go more underground. It also limits the amount places big out of town bands can play. I'm necessarily not surprised but I definitely am bummed to see it go, if anything it reinforces bands to play DIY venues and will bring the scene tighter together which is gnarly. It's sad to see Zaphod's go but we have to keep moving up and make the best of a shitty situation."

Written by: Kyle Stumpo

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