For almost 15 years, the “local” under the Vienna Stadtbahn arches in Spittelau caused a sensation as a stage for newcomers and established musicians between blues, jazz, rock and singer/songwriterdom. Now “Vienna’s living room for live music” must close forever. A bitter loss to the local cultural scene. Those responsible are needed.
For patrons and aficionados of local music, the news came like a bat on Sunday evening. “Local” operator Christian Becker announced the end of the cult bar at the Spittelauer Stadtbahn arches in a few sentimental words. “The proverbial horrific end to one of the last live clubs in Vienna cannot be prevented. After almost 15 years and thousands of events, it is no longer economically possible to continue the club, which has become an institution,” he says on the local website, “last Friday the legal representation of our company filed for bankruptcy. application to the commercial court and all related matters. The necessary steps have now been taken.”
Corona pandemic as a cause
Becker announces multiple parts as the reason for the abrupt end for many. For example, the low occupancy and booking situation, numerous short-term cancellations of events for health reasons and the resulting lack of prospects for a successful continuation. Of course, the corona pandemic as the cause of the end runs like a red thread through all other reasons. The Corona support payments were stopped in March 2022, which meant a cut to the place that could no longer be compensated. In addition, since the outbreak of the pandemic, the city of Vienna has increasingly relied on free-entry concerts, making it increasingly difficult for music lovers to pay for indoor shows in bars.
“A little more attention and focus on small venues like ours would have been gratifying in many ways,” continues Becker, “but I take note of the reality and now see that unfortunately the years of commitment in this context finally paid off from the day has proved unsuccessful”. Since May 2008, the “local” has been in charge of the Viennese underground music scene, where everything from blues to jazz to singer/songwriters and world musicians met who lived with passion and enthusiasm for music. National and international stars like Willi Resetarits, Karlheinz Hackl, Wolfgang Ambros, Marco Mendoza and Kip Winger were also happy to pay their respects to the club.
lack of support
Due to the good public accessibility, the friendly staff and the passionate dedication of the operators, the “local” has over the years taken a very special place in the cultural heart of Vienna among musicians and music lovers. Many young bands and musicians took their first live steps there and started a respectable career under the Stadtbahn arches. The end of the ‘local’ is driven not only by the pandemic, but also by inflation. “The rising rent and operating costs, the demand for energy and goods, etc. are other items to be mentioned, which can no longer be generated in the current situation, in the near future and at the required level,” says Becker, “Vienna’s Living Room for Live Music History.” The tragic ending of the “Local” serves both as a call and a reminder to those responsible for supporting Vienna’s diverse cultural scene…
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
