Australian music legend Paul Kelly has thrown his support behind the effort to save one of Adelaide’s key music venues, the Crown & Anchor Hotel, commonly known as The Cranker. Facing potential demolition due to redevelopment plans, the hotel has become the focal point of a significant preservation campaign.
Kelly, a prominent figure in the Australian music scene, expressed his concerns in a statement released by his management: “The Crown and Anchor has been a crucial part of the Adelaide music scene and wider culture for around thirty years. It’s fostered musicians, songwriters, bands, crews, and managers by providing an environment where they can develop their skills.”
He emphasized the venue’s importance not just as a bar but as a training ground for artists, adding, “Venues such as The Cranker are our universities.”
The Save The Cranker campaign has captured the attention of thousands, rallying support to protect this 171-year-old pub. Known for its role in the development of numerous Australian artists, including the rock band Superjesus, the venue is a beloved institution in Adelaide’s CBD, offering live music every night.
The current threat to The Cranker stems from plans by Singaporean investor Wee Hur to replace the building with a 19-story international student accommodation complex. This plan proposes to demolish most of the existing structure while retaining only the southern and eastern façades of the hotel.
This development has sparked widespread opposition, evidenced by a recent rally that drew 3,000 participants, more than 800 public submissions to the State Commission Assessment Panel—a record number—and almost 25,000 signatures on a public petition.
This isn’t the first time Kelly has stood up for music venues facing closure. In 2010, he was a vocal participant in the Save Live Australian Music (SLAM) rally, which supported Melbourne’s The Tote Hotel. His ongoing advocacy highlights the broader issue of live music venues’ survival in Australia, which are increasingly under threat from redevelopment.
The Crown & Anchor’s historical significance and its role in the cultural fabric of Adelaide are at the heart of the campaign. As the debate continues, supporters hope that the venue can be preserved as a living piece of musical heritage rather than giving way to new construction.
Kelly’s involvement brings a high-profile voice to the cause, underlining the critical role these venues play not only in nurturing talent but also in enriching the city’s cultural landscape. As the campaign progresses, it serves as a reminder of the importance of community action in preserving cultural landmarks.
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