The Wine Cellar Announce Final Show - 3rd August

We all knew this was coming, but the news still packs a huge emotional wallop. Leading light of Tāmaki Makaurau's live music community for two decades, The Wine Cellar founder Rohan Evans has officially announced the beloved underground venue and bar's final event is happening on 3rd August, before the torch is passed to the new larger capacity Double Whammy venue space. Today's announcement has been met with an online outpouring of love and appreciation, Evans also clarified some specific details surrounding the changeover.

The final show lineup is yet to be revealed (we'll keep you in the loop) but this truly marks an end of an era — The Wine Cellar started the same year as UTR, supporting adventurous musicians and gig-goers of all stripes from 2004 onwards. Check out AudioCulture's profile of The Wine Cellar by Gareth Shute HERE, watch Rachel Ashby's (who is also retiring this week, following five majestic years hosting 95bFM Breakfast) illuminating In The Pits podcast conversation with Evans, read his words below and head along while you can...

"So after 20 years the time has come for The Wine Cellar to come to an end. It's been a crazy ride full off memorable times where I personally have made many friends and felt like I am a part of the creative ferment that bubbles beneath this, Aotearoa’s most misunderstood city.

It was never my intention to build a permanent institution and The Wine Cellar has always been first and foremost a very personal enterprise and for this reason it’s time for it to come to an end. I want to address a couple of misconceptions and misrepresentations about the changes, nobody has been forced out — no money has changed hands. The decision to fold the Cellar and Whammy back together has been made with the express desire to build something new, that will continue to support the musicians and artists of Tāmaki.

Personally I am going to continue to work in audio and production at the new venues, working with the team at Whammy & Double Whammy — I will enjoy stepping away from the direct responsibility of hospitality which has personally become a bit of a burden.

Yours Rohan

Wine Cellar's last show will be on August 3rd. First show at Double Whammy August 17th".