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Over the last few days rumours have been flying around facebook that the Bohemian in Richmond is closing or being sold. Does anyone know if this is true. There seems to be know word from anyone directly involved with the place.

To quote their website "The Bo has been going for 28 years and has become somewhat of an institution in Jozi, particularly amongst the music watching / listening public."

It really would be sad to see this place go. It may be a bit of a hole, and it may not have the best sound but to me it's just the best live rock venue in Jo'burg. Many of the best shows I've seen have been at the Bo. It just has an atmosphere that nothing else here provides. With all the closing down of live venues in recent years, I really hope we don't lose this one.

Any more info would be appreciated.
    Psean wrote: Over the last few days rumours have been flying around facebook that the Bohemian in Richmond is closing or being sold. Does anyone know if this is true. There seems to be know word from anyone directly involved with the place.

    To quote their website "The Bo has been going for 28 years and has become somewhat of an institution in Jozi, particularly amongst the music watching / listening public."

    It really would be sad to see this place go. It may be a bit of a hole, and it may not have the best sound but to me it's just the best live rock venue in Jo'burg. Many of the best shows I've seen have been at the Bo. It just has an atmosphere that nothing else here provides. With all the closing down of live venues in recent years, I really hope we don't lose this one.

    Any more info would be appreciated.
    I have no info regarding the closing down affair, but you're spot on about the sound at the place. It's really bad. I've played there once and vowed not to do it again. Woefully underpowered house system. Add to that the fact that they only work on "door-deals" for the bands and I would say it's not such a great loss if all of the above is true.
      Ja, the "door deals" was the worst part for the bands - helping a friend's band collect the takings there wsa an eye opener; you're lucky if you have anything left after paying the sound engineer. I still think it's a special place, despite the way the "pay" for musicians works, and the crappy sound. I far prefer it to a number of JHB venues that have awesome sound.

      I think it will be a seriour loss, especially for people who want to see bands who aren't necessarily big names, but who are passionate about playing the music they want to play. My favourite live venue.
        6 months later
        News for anyone who's interested:
        "Good news is that the Bo will start to operate from the old Back2basix premises across the way from UJ residences (now Tipsy Gipsy).

        Joe Tweehuysen will take over the premises and will operate as the Bohemian once all the decor and tidying has been effected.

        It is with great sadness that the old business has had to scale down by force of events, but the venue has already started work on the stage and sound for future music gigs - and a new pizza oven is also planned.

        Please pop in if you get a chance - you will see the same familiar faces and be welcomed with open arms!

        Watch this space for further news and updates.

        Your loyal support over the years is sincerely appreciated - here's hoping the new venture will be graced by your presence soon!

        Go Joe and the team, Go Bohemian!"
          a month later
          The Boh was a great venue..... Yes the PA was under powered and sound could be tough but thats the beauty of such a venue.
          And the door deal issue, well I dont see the issue, if you are a decent band you pull the crowd and get paid (thats what real bands do)
            It was great ? And ja, the sound wasn't good - I wouldn't say it's the beauty of it but it was part of the deal and didn't stop good bands putting on awesome performances. Many of the best shows I've seen were there. That said, it was just a building after all - hopefully it'll retain at least some of what made it special in the new venue. Should be popping in soon to see what it's like.

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              • Post #7
              I went home to Joburg recently and for some reason thought it has closed down? Possible that I also heard the rumour while I was there and jumped to conclusions... Or maybe I'm getting it muddled up with Back2Basix? So out of that loop... Eish.
                MoreCowBell wrote: I went home to Joburg recently and for some reason thought it has closed down? Possible that I also heard the rumour while I was there and jumped to conclusions... Or maybe I'm getting it muddled up with Back2Basix? So out of that loop... Eish.
                Ja, there were rumours towards the end of last year that the Boh was closing (Back2Basix had already closed a few years back and something called Tipsi Gypsi had taken over the building). Then IIRC they said it had closed (after a whole series of Last gig at The Boh performances ???). EDIT: The lease at the old venue (cnr Park & Menton) wasn't renewed so that had to shut down temporarily.

                Then last month it was announced that although the Boh had to shut down at it's original Richmond venue, it was moving to the old Back2Basix venue (eish - confusing ? ). So now Back2Basix has become the Bohemian (or the other way 'round - who knows).


                  5 days later

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                  • Post #9
                  Wowza. No wonder no one I spoke to seemed to know what was happening! lol!
                    8 days later
                    A bit blurry - no access to a scanner so I took a photo :-\ But here's more news[img]http://[/img]
                      a month later
                      I've been once. Sound is crap. There's a wall/counter thing dividing the lower level where the stage is from the upper level and the stage is really high so that you can see it over the wall. If you want to stand near the stage there's about 3m of space. The PA speakers are basically pointing right at a concrete wall a few meters away. I've also heard the whole payment of bands story is not good.
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