Mojo's Bar's New Owners Reveal Their Ambitions To Preserve The Venue

The new owners of Mojo’s Bar, an iconic live music venue in North Fremantle, have revealed plans to preserve and revitalize the beloved institution. 

The trio—architect Michael Benson, musician Tony Papa-Adams, and DJ Paul Malone—purchased the 190-capacity bar from Triple-1-Three, which had managed it since 2021. Mojo’s has long been a launchpad for Western Australian talent, hosting artists like Tame Impala, Methyl Ethel, and Stella Donnelly.

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“Everyone is struggling, and Mojo’s is no different,” Benson told The West Australian earlier this week, alluding to the current live music venue crisis amid rising insurance costs and decreasing bar spending.

“For small music venues to survive, we have to change the business model.”

In response to challenges facing small venues, Benson announced that while live music will remain central, the business model will adapt to ensure Mojo’s sustainability, with renovations to come.

Renovations include a new roof over the beer garden, which will include a bar and sound system for patrons when performances aren’t scheduled. The green room will double as a vinyl record store when not used for events, allowing music lovers to continue enjoying the music in the daytime.

The new approach includes a high-fidelity listening experience when no live events are booked, enhancing Mojo’s as a neighbourhood hub in North Fremantle’s growing hospitality scene.

The venue's acoustic upgrades, supported by a $60,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Revive Live program, will bolster its appeal. The owners also plan to reopen the kitchen with a simple menu, catering to the local community while supporting up-and-coming bands.

“We’re keeping Mojo’s DNA intact,” Benson said, “but refreshing it to secure its future as a community venue.”