Enigma Bar

20/11/2023

FINAL THOUGHTS

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the hundreds who joined us for our last night at Enigma Bar.
Your overwhelming presence and the flood of Facebook posts and emails touched us deeply.
The lineup for the bar stretched down Hindley Street, and by the night's end, the bar was 99% dry.

The conversations reverberated with tales of great times, bands, friendships forged, partners found, and life-changing moments experienced within Enigma's walls.

For me, personally, it was an incredible experience connecting with our community and those who frequented Enigma over the last 25 years.
The impact our venue had on performers and patrons alike was humbling,enigma provided a haven and refuge that many sought but couldn't find elsewhere. It's heartening to hear stories of individuals breaking free from their shells and finding confidence and impacting their future endeavors in life and work.

Over the past 24 years, working on the door and inside the venue has been like a journey through time. Witnessing different generations, varied fashions, attitudes, and diverse age groups has been an amazing experience.
Running this venue has been a two-way street, a constant lesson in learning and growth.

While we could fill a book with the mishaps and challenges faced, we managed to navigate through most of them relatively unscathed. But I'll bring this epilogue to a close, though it wouldn't be complete without expressing gratitude to some individuals and companies who've been pivotal, although the list is far from exclusive.

ON THE NIGHT

• Rino, Willow, Amelia, Don, and Priscilla (for their invaluable support during the final night)
• DJs Jed, Immersion, and Vampiri###
• Short Galligan, Plague Keeper, and Shadow Monarchy

• Danny
My days before enigma at cartoons and the the venue

• Rod, Chung, Cat, Mark, Paul, Jorge, Stewart, and James
Enigma fit out and early years

• Con, Anna, Paul, Stewart, Mark, Jorge, Cheap Tradies, and Friends

• Family, Mum, Big Doug (glad he came Friday)
• All the staff who contributed to our unique culture (for making the atmosphere vibrant and crazy)
• Rino (for enduring my ups and downs), Ian (for a lifetime's dedication at Enigma), PA Doug, Wayne (ex-Fowlers), Marty (internet dude, well it may or may not work), Craig from Underground Records (for leaving his clockwork orange poster for 24 years), Matt (Computer Dude), Jay (kept us treading water, ex-Walsh St Rehearsal Studios), Paul Belial (maybe some spiritual guidance, but on the other hand, he borrowed us some stuff), Terry (RIP), Andy J (over many years), Derringers (backline), Bob Manera and family (cut us a lot of slack, Haggle Company), Brew Factory (trusted us), SA Police and Liquor Licensing (treated us fairly all the years we traded), The Rockford (past and present GMs who put up with us), Enfield Glass, Alan (A-Z Fire), Rick (West End), B Frank Insurance, Chloe (great bar work), Speedy (Classic Bar), Thalia (great bar there on Fri till end of drinks classic), Fraser (great electrician), Kym (hair metal), and All The Friends I Forgot To List (you know who you are)

The HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED AT ENIGMA, POPPED IN FOR A DRINK, AND THOSE WHO JUST CAME IN TO HAVE A LOOK AT SOMETHING THEY HAD NEVER EXPERIENCED

Warmest regards,

Eric Ott
Enigma Bar

16/11/2023

Friday Last Drinks At Enigma Tomorrow 17/11
We Are Happy To Announce The Following Acts Playing At Enigma Bar

Short Gilligan
Plague Keeper
Shadow Monarchy

Plus
DJs DeJJed,Immersion & Vampiri###

Drink Specials All Night
Give Aways
Enigma Memorabillia
Free Entry
Downstairs Stage 18+ only
Doors at 8pm

14/11/2023

Dear Enigma Bar Community,

It is with mixed emotions that we share some important news about the future of Enigma Bar.

After an incredible 24 years of live music, community, and so many
unforgettable moments, we have made the difficult decision to close the
doors of Enigma Bar. This decision has not been taken lightly, and it
comes as a result of the increasing challenges posed by rising running
costs, including rent, electricity, and insurance. Additionally, the
complexities of securing diverse acts, whether local, international, or
interstate, have become more pronounced over time.

We have done our best to keep the venue running in these challenging
times, operating as efficiently as possible. However, the current
climate and the astronomical overheads associated with limited trading
days have made it unsustainable.

Enigma Bar has been a haven for music lovers in the Adelaide live music
scene for so many years, a place where hundreds if not thousands of
bands and and tens of thousands of patrons have created lasting
memories. From great performances upstairs in Bar 2 to amazing
electronic nights in Bar 3, to the times when we ran our tequila bar,
amazing DJ night downstairs including when we ran our day club on Sunday
mornings, we were Adelaide's first venue with free internet, the unique
atmosphere of the beer garden (including a yummy snack of a sanger in
bread from our beloved BBQ Bar), to the grassroots stage downstairs,
night's out at Enigma have brought the local community closer to their
favorite local, interstate and international bands and DJs - Enigma Bar
has been a special place to many.

From its inception, the ethos of Enigma Bar was simple — we welcomed
everyone, regardless of appearance, style, or music preference. Our
primary concern has been creating an environment where people from all
kinds of backgrounds could come together, feel safe, and enjoy great music.

This Friday (17th of November), we invite you to join us for one last
hoorah as we raise our glasses for our final evening at Enigma Bar. We
will be open from 8:00 pm until the last drop is poured. Whether you can
stay for a while or just pop in to say hello, your presence would mean a
lot. Let's come together to celebrate the memories and connections
forged at Enigma Bar over the years.

Thank you to each and every one of you for being a part of this
incredible journey. Enigma Bar wouldn't have been what it has been
without the support of our amazing community.

Best regards,1999-2023

Eric Ott
Enigma Bar

30/01/2023