2020 in Review: Popular Venues That Closed
Many music venues couldn't conduct business this year.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the U.S. economy throughout 2020, and one industry particularly damaged has been the live entertainment industry.
More 2020 in Review: The Year for Small Businesses Across the US
After all, no one wants to hold an indoor concert when that’s right where a virus could easily spread. And it’s hard to draw a big crowd when you need to abide by social-distancing requirements.
In April, the concert industry publication Pollstar estimated that coronavirus-related cancellations would cause nearly $9 billion in losses. Americans for the Arts, an advocacy group, estimated that 62% of all American artists are now unemployed.
NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, launched a “Save Our Stages” benefit in September to help raise money for music venues. Although it has raised more than $1.8 million so far, that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the losses this year.
Read on to take a look at 10 iconic venues across the U.S. that closed this year.
Last updated: Dec. 17, 2020
California: Slim's in San Francisco
The music venue, co-owned by Boz Scaggs, will shut its doors after 30 years. The club hosted such acts as David Bowie, No Doubt, Radiohead, Weezer and more.
2020 in Review: Iconic US Businesses That Filed for Bankruptcy
Georgia: The Music Room in Atlanta
The popular underground live music venue on Edgewood Avenue also had a hidden speakeasy-style bar and a barbecue joint. The venue was a beloved part of the Atlanta hip-hop scene.
Read: Businesses You Didn’t Know Your Favorite Celebrity Owns
Illinois: io Theater in Chicago
The longtime comedy club on the North Side of Chicago bragged that it included Chris Farley, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler among its alumni.
2020 in Review: How Small-Business Owners Got Creative in the Time of COVID-19
Massachusetts: Great Scott in Allston
Since 1976, this club had hosted bands such as Speedy Ortiz and MGMT. Over the years, it had transformed from a local bar featuring blues performers to a college dive with cover bands to a live music venue.
Looking Back: What We Spent Money on in 2020
New York: Shetler Studios in New York City
For 30 years, the unique facility in the theater district provided places for performances, rehearsals, readings and more.
Pennsylvania: Warmdaddy's in Philadelphia
The venerable blues club closed after 25 years. It had hosted such acts as Bluesman Willie.
Related: 18 Restaurant Chains That Have Filed for Bankruptcy
Tennessee: Douglas Corner Cafe in Nashville
Home for country songwriters and rising artists, it hosted Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood and Blake Shelton, among others.
2020 in Review: The Year in Pandemic Activities
Texas: Threadgill's in Austin
This comfort food restaurant, bar and music venue in Austin had been open since 1933, first as a gas station and beer bar.
Find Out: How Far a $100,000 Salary Goes in America’s 50 Largest Cities
Washington: Re-Bar in Seattle
Open for 30 years in the Denny Triangle area of Seattle, this nightclub hosted Nirvana, Riz Rollins among others. It’s planning on reopening in a new location in another part of Seattle in fall 2021.
Read: How Much Does It Cost To Maintain Empty Sports Arenas?
Washington, D.C.: U Street Music Hall
The subterranean club was known for its sound system and electronic DJs. More than 2,000 artists and DJs, including Diplo and Disclosure, performed there.
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Photo Disclaimer: Please note photos are for representational purposes only.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the U.S. economy throughout 2020, and one industry particularly damaged has been the live entertainment industry.
More 2020 in Review: The Year for Small Businesses Across the US
After all, no one wants to hold an indoor concert when that’s right where a virus could easily spread. And it’s hard to draw a big crowd when you need to abide by social-distancing requirements.
In April, the concert industry publication Pollstar estimated that coronavirus-related cancellations would cause nearly $9 billion in losses. Americans for the Arts, an advocacy group, estimated that 62% of all American artists are now unemployed.
NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, launched a “Save Our Stages” benefit in September to help raise money for music venues. Although it has raised more than $1.8 million so far, that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the losses this year.
Read on to take a look at 10 iconic venues across the U.S. that closed this year.
Last updated: Dec. 17, 2020
California: Slim's in San Francisco
The music venue, co-owned by Boz Scaggs, will shut its doors after 30 years. The club hosted such acts as David Bowie, No Doubt, Radiohead, Weezer and more.
2020 in Review: Iconic US Businesses That Filed for Bankruptcy
Georgia: The Music Room in Atlanta
The popular underground live music venue on Edgewood Avenue also had a hidden speakeasy-style bar and a barbecue joint. The venue was a beloved part of the Atlanta hip-hop scene.
Read: Businesses You Didn’t Know Your Favorite Celebrity Owns
Illinois: io Theater in Chicago
The longtime comedy club on the North Side of Chicago bragged that it included Chris Farley, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler among its alumni.
2020 in Review: How Small-Business Owners Got Creative in the Time of COVID-19
Massachusetts: Great Scott in Allston
Since 1976, this club had hosted bands such as Speedy Ortiz and MGMT. Over the years, it had transformed from a local bar featuring blues performers to a college dive with cover bands to a live music venue.
Looking Back: What We Spent Money on in 2020
New York: Shetler Studios in New York City
For 30 years, the unique facility in the theater district provided places for performances, rehearsals, readings and more.
Pennsylvania: Warmdaddy's in Philadelphia
The venerable blues club closed after 25 years. It had hosted such acts as Bluesman Willie.
Related: 18 Restaurant Chains That Have Filed for Bankruptcy
Tennessee: Douglas Corner Cafe in Nashville
Home for country songwriters and rising artists, it hosted Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood and Blake Shelton, among others.
2020 in Review: The Year in Pandemic Activities
Texas: Threadgill's in Austin
This comfort food restaurant, bar and music venue in Austin had been open since 1933, first as a gas station and beer bar.
Find Out: How Far a $100,000 Salary Goes in America’s 50 Largest Cities
Washington: Re-Bar in Seattle
Open for 30 years in the Denny Triangle area of Seattle, this nightclub hosted Nirvana, Riz Rollins among others. It’s planning on reopening in a new location in another part of Seattle in fall 2021.
Read: How Much Does It Cost To Maintain Empty Sports Arenas?
Washington, D.C.: U Street Music Hall
The subterranean club was known for its sound system and electronic DJs. More than 2,000 artists and DJs, including Diplo and Disclosure, performed there.
More From GOBankingRates
- What Not To Do While Trying To Get Out of Debt
- Are You Spending More Than the Average American on 25 Everyday Items?
- 60 Money Moves That Could Set You Up for Life
- Guns and 32 Other Things You Definitely Do NOT Need To Buy During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Photo Disclaimer: Please note photos are for representational purposes only.
