Beloved Bristol venue Bierkeller has been forced to suddenly close its doors for good due to redevelopment, they revealed in a statement they issued on Facebook.

Since opening it’s doors, the Bristolian venue has seen the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The Fall, Nirvana, The Stone Roses and The Pixies on their stage. Nirvana’s gig kicked off the first UK headline show of their tour for Nevermind, listen to their set below.

The venue has brought some of the most exciting up and coming bands in the world over the years to the West country and after being a vital part of Bristol’s music scene for decades, the Bierkeller have been forced out by the building’s owners.

They issued a statement on Facebook, which read: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the closure of the Bristol Bierkeller as of today. The owners of the building we are housed in have decided to re develop the whole site, and sorry to say we are not part of their plans.”

They continued: “We are in the process of moving most of our gigs to other Bristol venues with all original tickets valid, look out for announcements…otherwise if you need to get a refund for any shows please go to the place of purchase.

Bierkeller added: “This is a very sad time for all of us at the Bierkeller, there have been some historic gigs over the years including the first UK show for Nirvana…Royal Blood, Biffy Clyro, Arctic Monkeys, Janes Addiction, Tool, PJ Harvey, Stone Roses, Cage the Elephant, Pixes, Ash, Fear Factory, Nile, Sleaford Mods…it goes on. Plus all the great theatre, comedy and club nights… but that’s it…all done…”

The Government recently announced the Agent Of Change initiative to help save independent music venues which was supported by the likes of Nadine Shah, Frank Turner and Billy Bragg, however this will not work to retrospectively save those already shut down. Read more about the bill here.

Last week, venues up and down the country celebrated Independent Venue Week and Bierkeller’s closure comes as a reminder that despite the Agent Of Change bill being passed these venues face a serious fight from developers bringing gentrification to areas which poses a threat to nightlife around the country.