When the sun went down, the music stopped and as the weekend revellers filed out the double doors into the cars and taxis, there was a tremendous sadness.
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Equally within that same space was a great hope and contentment as the many who had come to call it their own paid tribute once more to The Home Tavern.
“It’s a sad day for Wagga and a sad day for local music,” said Bidgee Blues founder and president Wayne Jenkins, who hosted the final live music event at the venue.
“Many local bands have brought their music out of their bedrooms and onto the stage right here.”
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More than 200 live music fans filled out the crowd for Sunday afternoon’s final performances.
Travelling from Victoria and the NSW south coast, there were six bands on the final set list.
Mr Jenkins believes the loss of the tavern is another sign of dire times.
“All over the nation, live music is dying,” he said.
“I think it’s generational, music is so accessible these days you can find it online 24/7.
“A lot of younger people have to be taught to appreciate live music again.”
Having travelled from Melbourne to be there for the afternoon, Jarryn Phegan expressed a mix of emotions to be on-stage again in his hometown.
The 22-year-old began his career at the local watering hole, stepping onstage for the first time when he was 14-years-old.
He was joined by Eastbound Buzz band members Andy Chalmers, Louis Spencely and fellow former local Jethro Kalt.
“It feels good to be back, it’s a bit of nostalgia from the early days. It’s also pretty sad to see it go,” said Mr Phegan.
Viewing the set from fresher eyes, it was drummer Louis Spencely’s first and last experience of The Home.
“The sound here is better than most venues we’ve played in Melbourne, and it’s a good turn out,” said Mr Spencely.
“It felt like a loyal audience, who knew the bands pretty well. It’s got that community vibe that’s tricky to get in Melbourne.”
Travelling from Wangaretta, Greg Collins and band Intensity hit the final chords at the tavern.
“When Wayne called me up and asked if I’d go on last, I said it’d be an honour, but a sad one,” said Mr Collins.
“We’ve played all over the south coast, I reckon this was about the last good live music venue, it really was the last of the Mahicans.”
For Floozie Blue front-woman June Price, the loss of the venue will be felt most acutely next week.
“It was a like an unspoken thing for all the ex-pats coming back over Christmas, they wouldn’t call ahead or anything they’d just meet at The Home on Christmas Eve. I’ve got no idea where they’ll go now.”
For all that graced the stage over the years, sadness replaced singing now that there is no Home in Wagga.