7 years ago we signed a lease on 7 MacQuarie Place, more famously known as “The Basement”. We had big plans: a burger joint upstairs with a bouji-Mary’s restaurant with free live jazz downstairs, paying homage to the rich history of the venue. With greats such as BB King and Prince having graced the stage, we were honoured and acutely aware of what we were custodians of. We were motivated to do it justice.
As we’re all well aware now, COVID was just around the corner, forcing our industry to its knees. Having devoted our professional lives to the art and work of food and music, we did the word we all cringe at hearing now- PIVOT!
After some excruciating months, where we were supported by Government, Council and landlord alike we reopened with Mary’s Underground to be a dedicated live music venue, still selling sleazy burgers upstairs.
7 years later, over 1000 shows, 3000 artists & 150,000 tickets sold, Mary’s Underground stands proudly amongst the best venues of its size in the country.
While these are achievements of which we are extremely proud, we have made the tough decision to close Mary’s Underground. Our chapter as custodians has come to an end.
It will come as no surprise that this is ultimately due to financial reasons and the many headwinds the live music industry currently faces, especially for venues under 500 capacity. Declining bar sales, coupled with increasing costs and sky high Sydney land values does not make a recipe for success.
We want to make special mention and thanks to Mike Rodrigues, Minister John Graham, Emily Collins, Mick Gibb and the Small Business Commission for showing us consistent support in trying to save the venue. There is a level of care from these people that extends beyond political motive.
We thank all the artists, punters and production staff who made all of these shows possible. We pay tribute to the other venue operators around the country who are constantly battling to keep the doors open. You will always have our respect and support.
And last but not least, the incredible staff of Mary’s Underground. Whether it be a busy CBD lunch service or a hard techno party until 5am, they showed up every day with a smile on their face and a towel over their shoulder, ready to make it happen. The music and events team who brought so many good times to the venue, including even putting on their own nights, which was a true and special commitment. You are truly great people, we thank you for everything.
We will continue to support art and music at Liberty Hall, and are committed to enriching this community at every opportunity.
Thanks for the good times, and please KEEP SUPPORTING LIVE MUSIC!! All art needs nurtured and an opportunity to be celebrated. Life would be very boring without it.
Sincerely
Jake & Kenny, and the entire Mary’s Team
❤️♠️❤️
“I walked into Mary’s Underground for the first time in October 2022, after being approached by Mary’s to help re-launch it as a live music space alongside Liberty Hall.
The trust placed in me by Jake and Kenny was both daunting and empowering, and it’s something I’ll always be appreciative of. The weight of the venue’s history is undeniable, and it’s been an incredible honour to add to that story.
Although it’s sad to see it go, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve done with the room; from SPEED, Protomartyr, Bad//Dreems, Diplo and This Is Lorelei, to the incredible Basement series, and the many local launches and all ages shows that are so important to us and the local music community.
I’d like to say a huge thanks to the venue team, the production crew and, in particular, the past and present Music & Events team; Luka, Rags, Mel, Ava, Anna and Tess. Thank you all for your contributions to Mary’s Underground.
Lastly, thank you to Jake and Kenny for your trust, commitment and love for live music.
We all owe ya one!”
Tom Gordon
Director of Music & Programming
Mary’s Live / Liberty Hall
“Mary’s Underground holds a special place in the hearts of so many who served, played and partied within its walls – I’m lucky to have done all three, and even got married there!
I watched it evolve into one of the busiest live music venues of its size in the country. What it became felt earned: a home dedicated to art and community. Few rooms can claim the cultural footprint this one leaves behind.
That footprint belongs to the artists and promoters who trusted the room, the guests who made it theirs, the staff who poured themselves into it, and Jake and Kenny who gave everything they had to keep its spirit alive – they are the ones who gave Mary’s Underground its identity and its soul.
What a ride it’s been – and what a legacy it leaves.
Truly irreplaceable.”
Tom Peppitt
Director of Live Events
Mary’s / Liberty Hall
“It’s been a honour to keep the iconic music venue alive for 7 years, and to give Sydney back a little bit of fun – a shame to see the old girl go.”
Holly Stamper
General Manager
Mary’s Underground
