The transformation of Players Bar into new venue Rollercoaster is well on its way, with new theme, branding, media page, launch date and gigs all ready to go.
The Mandurah Mail announced the closure of Players Bar last week, and since then there has been much talk over the venue’s successor.
Taking a cue from Mandurah’s musical past, the venue’s name directly relates to a previous local success story to come from the venue’s owners – the short-lived Rollercoaster Festival.
The new booking and events manager, Michael Grainger, has been making waves with both his new events management brand Grudge Events, as well as his band Good Doogs, who are hitting indie lists around the country thanks to their surf-punk charm.
Grainger hopes to transpose both of these passions into his new role, which he has taken in partnership with long-time Perth-based events doyen Luke Whelan.
“Mandurah's always needed some fresh young blood to take over it's nightlife venues and it's finally happened,” Grainger said.
“Me and me mate Luke Whelan had been put in charge of rebranding Players Bar and relaunching it as a new venue – Rollercoaster – about two or three months ago.
“From there I literally have spent hours every day chasing up artists and entertainment for the new venue.”
The final product, Rollercoaster, will launch July 21, with an already solid aesthetic and plans behind it.
“The final product unites all the hardest workers in Mandurah's entertainment industry, including Hooch, Ugly and Grudge Events into a venue where you know you are going to see good quality live acts and producers before 12am with a house party atmosphere with triple j bangers and throwbacks til 5am,” Grainger said.
“No kooks. No derros. [A] brand new atmosphere with the venue refurbished.
“Get amped.”
Details on the official launch party are still being finalised: keep an eye on the new, official Rollercoaster Facebook page for event updates.
