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Bad News: Legendary NJ Rock Joint Maxwell's Closing In July
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jun 3, 2013
Modified Jun 3, 2013
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jun 3, 2013
Modified Jun 3, 2013
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It has always been well worth the short trip to Hoboken to spend a night at Maxwell's, which has not only offered stellar lineups, but also delicious mac n' cheese throughout its decades and decades as a venue/restaurant. But sadly, the joint will close up shop on July 31st.
According to NJ.com, their lease is up at the end of July—co-owner Todd Abramson (who also books the Bell House in Brooklyn) says they were "offered a renewal with rates that weren't necessarily onerous," but still, "after much thought, given the changing nature of Hoboken and the difficulties of trying to run a business in this town, we decided it was time."
But whyyyyy? He explained there's a lack of parking, which has been a problem, and that "the culture in Hoboken is driven by reality TV now. A lot of the bars downtown are fighting with each other for who has the most giant TVs. That's what Hoboken nightlife has become."
To close out their time at the corner of Washington and 11th Street in Hoboken (whereabouts the first recorded game of baseball was played—there are bases outside of the venue), they'll be inviting back some of the first bands who ever graced the stage there. Abramson says, "On July 31st, I think we're going to go out the way we came in—with the band 'a'." "a" featured members of the Bongos and Glenn Morrow, who went on to found Bar/None Records.
Maxwell's, though it's undergone changes during its time, opened in 1978, and has seen bands like Nirvana, Liz Phair, and many many many more pass through. Like Yo La Tengo... Where are they gonna play now?
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hoboken
live music
maxwell's
new jersey
snooki killed maxwell's
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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