Farewell from the Pit: Celebrating The Winston Pub’s 28 years of service to alternative music in SA

blunt contributors Chantal Graaff and Devon van Rensburg navigate you through a fuzzy night out at one of Jim Beam’s Welcome Sessions, as we bid farewell to The Winston, the Durban live music institution that closed its doors for good earlier this month.

Words by Chantal Graaff. Photos by Devon Van Rensburg and Jim Beam / Stacy Hart.

Picture a venue full of people, rocking out like it was the last night on earth. That’s exactly what it was like on the night the curtains closed on one of Durban’s oldest and most loved live music venues: The Winston Pub. 

With a high-energy line-up, and an audience amped to give it a suitable send-off, The Winston’s last night of live music, Saturday 4th June, was destined to be loud.

Taking A Bow With One Last ‘Winnie Fest’

The Winston Pub, a legendary venue that has been the heart and soul of the Durban music scene for the past 28 years. Brothers Luke and Matt Joyner, caretakers of the Winston for the last 10 years, have described the journey as “exciting, incredibly special, fun and interesting”, as we can well imagine is an understatement. Still, the pair are ready to “hand over the keys and the responsibility”. 

Closing the door on a million memories to make way for a million more.

Since 1994, The Winston has played host to countless gigs, metal fests, and album launches for local and international acts spanning across a number of genres. Not to mention as the venue for exhibitions, markets, braais and, of course, many memorable pub brawls, good vibes and bad decisions.

Since 1994, The Winston, an alternative playground, has played host to countless gigs, metal fests, and album launches for both local and international acts spanning across a number of genres. Not to mention hosting exhibitions, markets, braais and, of course, many memorable pub brawls, good vibes and bad decisions over the years. 

Before the time came to lock the door to the masses, Winston owners Matt and Luke decided to take a bow with one last ‘Winnie Fest’-style party lasting from Thursday through Sunday, packed full of bands, artists, music and artwork to commemorate the iconic venue’s 28 years of service to the scene.

Saturn Return’s Britt Good (R) and Mandy James. Photo Jim Beam / Stacy Hart.

The last official night of live music was one to end them all. Whether it was their hundredth night at the Winston, or their first and last night, patrons of all ages and backgrounds came together to give it horns at Durban’s premier rock venue for one last time.

And oh, what a rad send-off it was. The line-up that kept on giving featured Saturn Return, Hated Related, MOUSE and Black Math, who opened the pit from the very first set. Nostalgia filled the air as both the acts and the crowd gave it their all. As the night progressed, the crowd and bands kept matching each other’s passion. 

The gritty punk vibe escalated and saw MOUSE’s Damon Miles with an epic crowd surf mid-set above the chaos, and Black Math frontman Cameron Lofstrand in the middle of the pit, beating away on a snare, simultaneously opening a circle in the pit, adding to the chaos.

The gritty punk vibe escalated and saw MOUSE’s Damon Miles with an epic crowd surf mid-set above the chaos, and Black Math frontman Cameron Lofstrand in the middle of the pit, beating away on a snare, simultaneously opening a circle in the pit, adding to the chaos.

More Than Just A Music Venue

Over the years, the Winston offered many local bands a platform to unapologetically express, whether that be through a first gig, battle of the bands or a full-house sold out show. Regardless, each gig was sure to encapsulate the unmistakable energy that flows through the place. 

Of course, a word must be said about the venue’s incredible bar staff, keeping the drinks and smiles flowing and carrying that unforgettable Winston energy, proudly, deep into the early hours.

Hated Related’s Barron Harley. Photo Jim Beam / Stacy Hart.

The low set stage allowed for close up crowd interaction, which added to the laid-back yet intense ‘in your face’ attitude. As some will remember in the days before, the space above the pub featured various band rooms for over 15 years – adding to the intrigue. 

In a statement from MOUSE, the above comments are solidified through the perspective of one of the 031’s best acts. 

“The Winston has meant so much to us as a band. It’s where we first started playing shows; where we met so many of our closest friends and where we discovered ourselves and the music we really wanted to make. Nothing would be the same in Durban without The Winston.”

Damon Miles, MOUSE. Photo Jim Beam / Stacy Hart.

More than a music venue, The Winston single handedly acted as a catalyst to the ‘ALT’ scene in KwaZulu Natal, providing a platform for the more than just electric forms of expression. It attracted many loyal patrons coming from all over the country, making way for countless memories and long-lasting friendships. 

Walking around on those final nights, you would overhear so many recollections of epic nights spent together, lamenting the bitter sweet nature of partying there for one last time. 

Punters enjoying The Winston Pub for the very last time. Photo Jim Beam / Stacy Hart.

The space also lends itself to visual forms of creativity. Walking up to the Winston, you’re likely to lose yourself for a moment with all of the incredible street art the pub has lent its walls and pillars to, even inviting local artists to fill every last space up before the big send-off. The Winston also offers its space up to various thrift stores looking to pop up outside – all adding to the carnival that is – was – a night at the Winston.

Thank You, Winston, For The Memories

“Luke and I were extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to run such an establishment and be able to play a role in the local music and creative scene,” says Matt. “A decade is a long commitment (but still far shorter than the previous owner, Belinda, at 18 years!), and we will forever miss all that came with being the owners – the good, the great, and even the shitty. We can certainly say we’ve seen it all and more!”

As one door closes, another door opens. As we say thank you to The Winston for the memories, we would like to encourage everyone to continue showing the same support shown to The Winston over the 28 years – the alt scene would not have a voice without it. 

Now more than ever is the time to support such mediums of expression. It’s our support, after all, that keeps it alive.

Check out a short video on the evening and photo gallery below: