Malcolm Smith, Kelmscott WA
Thanks for the heads-up from Barry Ferrier (Dr Baz) letting me know of the closure of the infamous Bangalow Brackets Open Mic, held on Tuesday nights for the past 25 years.
Personally, I don’t get down there that often, living in Perth these days, but I played there on numerous occasions, when living in Brisbane. Every time I have visited Dr Baz, and stayed at his home, I always ended up doing a set with my old friend at the ‘Brackets’. I looked forward to these occasions and made sure they weren’t too far apart. I had my band ‘Black Adder’, and a solo act, but going down to the Bangalow Hotel to do a set with the first person I ever graced a rock ’n’ roll stage with was something special.
I was always impressed by the comradeship of the musicians and locals, plus their welcoming nature. Not to mention the extremely high standard of the musicians and their artistic expression.
Outside COVID times I still return to visit my son regularly and will sorely miss the opportunity to play with my longstanding friend, Barry, and to catch up with Bangalow locals.
It is events such as the Bangalow Brackets that cement communities and make a good country pub. Especially a pub surrounded by so many highly talented musicians.
Think again Bangalow Hotel! You don’t understand what you are about to lose.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
