Earlier this week, reports surfaced that storied Ottawa nightclub and live music venue Zaphod Beeblebrox would be closing its doors for good later this month. Now, the club has confirmed that it will indeed be officially shutting things down on May 14.
In a statement posted to the venue's Facebook page this afternoon (May 3), staff alluded to "uncertain economic times" as being the driving factor in making "a decision that will affect so many lives: that on May 14th, 2017 Zaphod Beeblebrox will close it's [sic] doors for the last time."
The post reads, "We want to say a heartfelt THANK-YOU to everyone who helped bring us this far — the bands, artists, artisans, DJs, promoters, management companies, press, media, product reps, vendors, sponsors, maintenance crews, all the wonderful staff (PAST + PRESENT), management, ownership and especially YOU the patrons. If you've ever attended a gig, hit the dancefloor, double-tapped a shot of Jager, or even yelled 'BINGO!' — we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
Originally opening in 1989, the club was named after the Galactic President from Douglas Adams's sci-fi comedy series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and served a variety of unique cocktails that also took inspiration from the books.
Zaphod's has played host to the likes of Alanis Morissette, Brendan Canning, Nickelback, Rheostatics, Swervedriver, the Scenics, Robyn Hitchcock and Blackalicious over the years, along with countless other artists.
Longtime owner Eugene Haslam announced he would be selling the venue to a staff member in December 2015, following his own plans to retire. Haslam had run the club since 1989 and had moved the venue to its present location at 27 York St. in Ottawa's ByWard Market in 1992.
Read the full statement from the venue below.
In a statement posted to the venue's Facebook page this afternoon (May 3), staff alluded to "uncertain economic times" as being the driving factor in making "a decision that will affect so many lives: that on May 14th, 2017 Zaphod Beeblebrox will close it's [sic] doors for the last time."
The post reads, "We want to say a heartfelt THANK-YOU to everyone who helped bring us this far — the bands, artists, artisans, DJs, promoters, management companies, press, media, product reps, vendors, sponsors, maintenance crews, all the wonderful staff (PAST + PRESENT), management, ownership and especially YOU the patrons. If you've ever attended a gig, hit the dancefloor, double-tapped a shot of Jager, or even yelled 'BINGO!' — we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
Originally opening in 1989, the club was named after the Galactic President from Douglas Adams's sci-fi comedy series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and served a variety of unique cocktails that also took inspiration from the books.
Zaphod's has played host to the likes of Alanis Morissette, Brendan Canning, Nickelback, Rheostatics, Swervedriver, the Scenics, Robyn Hitchcock and Blackalicious over the years, along with countless other artists.
Longtime owner Eugene Haslam announced he would be selling the venue to a staff member in December 2015, following his own plans to retire. Haslam had run the club since 1989 and had moved the venue to its present location at 27 York St. in Ottawa's ByWard Market in 1992.
Read the full statement from the venue below.