A disheartening development overshadows the NYC nightlife scene as Webster Hall is set to close its doors to the public in early August. The historic venue has been purchased by live entertainment conglomerates AEG Presents and Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment (BSE), who plan to renovate and repurpose the space.
News of the acquisition broke in April, although the extent of the ownership switch had yet to surface. In a post made to his Facebook profile yesterday, however, Webster Hall Director of Operations Gerard McNamee revealed that the legendary nightlife destination “will close as we know it.”
McNamee explained that Webster Hall will host 12 more events prior to the closure – the last of which will take place in the beginning of next month. “Sad but true, the legendary and world-famous Webster Hall has been sold and will close as we know it for its final club night on Saturday August 5th, 2017,” he wrote, “which just so happens to be my birthday, which is certainly somehow apropos.”
End of an Era
Webster Hall boasts over 130 years of history in the NYC club circuit. Over the course of that time, it has endured four fires and a major renovation in 1992, and in 2008 it was designated an official landmark by the city. Its grand ballroom, which accounts for most of its 3,000-person capacity, has booked untold thousands of rock, hip-hop and electronic music acts over the years.
AEG’s move to buy the venue is but one part of a bigger strategy to corner the NYC market. Last year, the promoter also acquired The Bowery Presents, and BSE owns the indoor arena Barclays Center.
Neither AEG Presents nor Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment have revealed a timeline for the renovations, or how the exchange of hands will affect Webster Hall’s branding and bookings. Find the remaining events on the venue’s closing schedule on the event website.
Source: The Nocturnal Times
