Music lovers shocked after sudden closure of "iconic" Edinburgh jazz venue
The Jazz Bar on Chambers Street served the capital for almost 20 years
The Jazz Bar on Edinburgh's Chambers Street has shut down.
Owners have blames a range of issues - including the cost of living which has seen people rein in their nights out.
The live music venue has been open for twenty years.
A statement on their website reads: "To our loyal patrons, musicians and friends. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden closure of The Jazz Bar. We are extremely proud to have served the musical community and audience providing live music almost every day for close to two decades.
"It has been particularly challenging for The Jazz Bar with a massive variety of issues and challenges to work though. Despite extremely hard work and very positive progress to overcome these issues, the cost of living crisis coupled with operational challenges proved too much.
"The Jazz Bar is more than just a venue to many people; it was a cornerstone of a community and will be quite literally irreplaceable to the Edinburgh music scene and gig economy.
"When founder Bill Kyle began his journey to create The Jazz Bar, it was marked by perseverance and passion, surviving many challenges (including the original incarnation of the venue “The Bridge Jazz Bar” burning down). After he sadly passed 8 years ago this perseverance was carried on by his wife Mary Ann and daughter Edith who kept the business alive for the next period in its existence and carried forward her father’s legacy, continuing to champion live music in Scotland.
"Today, as we announce the closure of The Jazz Bar Ltd, we do so with a profound sadness, but also with gratitude for the countless memories and friendships forged within its walls. We must pay special thanks to the musicians who have rallied to help the venue survive and be accommodating to any changes being made. Without their good faith and the tireless effort of the staff we wouldn’t have been possible to even make it this far in the year.
"We must also mention our gratitude to Bill Kyle, whose vision and passion brought The Jazz Bar to life, we extend our deepest appreciation. His legacy will forever resonate within the hearts of all who were touched by his kindness and dedication.
"We extend our sincerest thanks to the musicians, staff, and patrons who made The Jazz Bar a cherished part of Edinburgh’s cultural landscape.
"Your support and passion have been the driving force behind our journey, and for that, we are eternally grateful".
Edinburgh musician Rich Kass told us "it's a place that was very important to a lot of musicians.
"It did a lot for a lot of different people and from high profile professional touring acts, including international acts that were often brought there to people like at the very start of their journey.
"And crucially, people who are often at the very start of their journey, who went on to to become very accomplished, internationally renowned musicians, you know, it's nurtured people from all walks of life in in Scotland from many different styles and genres as well you know".
He added "There are a lot of musicians who play there, who now have will have lost gigs and will be looking for other places to play.
"It's a place that offers touring groups both within Scotland and further afield, somewhere to play in Edinburgh regularly, and that's going to be greatly missed".