Jack Mitchell-Anyon has been running Space Monster for about four years
Jack Mitchell-Anyon has been running Space Monster for about four years
No longer will an eclectic mix of people and bands get their kicks on the chequered floor of Space Monster.
A small room tucked away in the third floor of the old Chronicle building in Drews Ave has housed the famed music venue for the past four years and beforethat recording label and venue Stink Magnetic.
But building compliance issues have caught up with it and after talks with Wanganui District Council, manager Jack Mitchell-Anyon announced the end of Space Monster this week.
It was sad to see the end of the venue which had gained recognition around New Zealand, hosting some of the country's best alternative acts as well as overseas groups, he said.
"It's a lot of history, it's a lot of memories and it's a lot of work," he said. "But I'm in a corner and I've got no options."
SPECIAL SPACE: Space Monster was a unique venue and much-loved by New Zealand bands.
Whether or not Space Monster can relocate is up in the air.
"I guess the plan is relocate but because it's a non-profit venue it's got to be sustainable, financially feasible. It's a hard call for me," Jack said. "I have to have the freedom to do what I think is right by the musicians, what is right by the punters."
He was open to working with council or anyone with a suitable, vacant and cheap building.
"But I don't want to enter into an arrangement where they say you've got to be here at eight and you've got to leave by eleven ...
"That is not Space Monster. Space Monster is about personal freedom and individualism and doing all that while being a completely responsible member of the community ... you know, it needs to have its integrity because that's what made it good in the first place.
"That's what made it nationally recognised. I don't need any money, I just need leniency and I'd like to think that I've proved I run a fairly trouble-free venue."
Since the announcement, bands and fans have commented on how much of a loss it would be to Wanganui and the New Zealand music scene.
"It does make you realise how much those people probably have a more positive perception of Wanganui because of it," Jack said.
A favourite tour stop, Space Monster has hosted bands such as Beastwars, Die! Die! Die!, Lawrence Arabia, Lips, Anthonie Tonnon and Delaney Davidson, along with acts from the US, Japan and Australia.
"I also like surprising bands who come expecting something averagely provincial and they leave tagging you and taking selfies in front of your door. Those are the moments for me that make it worthwhile," Jack said. "Hopefully, it's not the last. But it is the last of that and what it was."
