When artist Steen Jones opened Deathproof in March last year, it reignited New Farm’s nightlife. On Thursday April 5, however, Steen announced on Instagram that the Brisbane bar sadly only had 23 days of trade left before shutting its doors permanently on Saturday April 28. In his message Steen said he was sad, relieved, proud and excited as he wrote it, and that the decision was the right move for him and the team at this stage. The Weekend Edition chatted with Steen on Friday afternoon, who revealed that he has decided to focus on his strengths instead – that being innovations and activations. As a self-confessed adventurer and internationally renowned artist, Steen is constantly moving around, so it makes sense that the bar should move with him. While it’s a sad day for Brisbane, the bar is embracing its name and continuing to live on in the form of a pop-up bar. Steen has confirmed he is already working on multiple locations both nationally and abroad for the Deathproof pop-up bar, so stay tuned for more details soon.

As for Brisbane, you still have four weekends to bid the bricks-and-mortar bar a proper farewell. The month ahead promises to be a celebration rather than a commiseration, filled with parties, drink specials, giveaways and more. On Saturday April 14 Deathproof will be throwing its first and last birthday party, and Saturday April 21 will be its official funeral, hosted by the legends at Sailor Jerry. On its final day of trade, Saturday April 28, Deathproof will go out with a bang with its wake, which Steen promises is going to be one helluva party. It will also be your last chance to catch a glimpse of Steen’s much-loved artworks on Deathproof’s walls – the next day the entire bar will be painted back to white. Keep an eye on Deathproof’s Facebook page for details on its final weeks.