The inside of the venue resembles a large jam room for a resident band. The interior design is simple, with large amounts of exposed brick. The back of the venue is an open-air courtyard.[3]
History and operations
The live music bar was opened by mechanical engineer and entrepreneur[9] Mike O'Hanlon in 2010.[10][11] During the same year, the venue was involved in a campaign against a decision by the Liquor Commission to put its late-night trading application up for review. This decision was publicly opposed at the time by Perth's lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi, and the West Australian Music Association.[1] The restriction would have imposed a 10pm closing time upon the bar, which O'Hanlon criticised as unworkable.[1] The decision to put the license up for review was made despite approval by the Perth city council for a midnight license earlier that month.[1][b]
In 2016 the venue was purchased by O'Hanlon's friend Kabir Ramasary, a former financial planner who also owns multiple nearby venues.[13][14]
The venue has periodically hosted fundraising events for RTRFM, a community radio station based in the city.[15][16]
Reception
In her 2016 live music review for the Perth outlet Isolated Nation, contributor and local musician Tanaya Harper praised the "Wednesday nights at the Bird" weekly local music event, saying:[17]
this has to be one of the best live music congregations in Perth. Weekly line-ups consistently showcase the best of what Perth has to offer [...].
^In 2013, the members of Tame Impala performed a 'secret gig' at the venue spread through word of mouth. The purpose of the gig was to fundraise for a friend that had a car stolen. The name of the band for the night was advertised publicly as 'Kevin Spacey'.[7]
^Political reasons for imposing an earlier closing time related to a crack-down announced in 2009 in response to Northbridge-related violence.[12]
References
^ abcdePepper, Daile (23 February 2010). "The Bird fights early closing time". WAtoday. Retrieved 4 June 2023. The owners of a new live music bar set to open in Northbridge have launched an online campaign to show the Liquor Commission that a 10pm closing time is unreasonable.