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Webster Hall Will Reportedly Be Closed For A Few Years For Renovations
By
Ben Yakas
Published Aug 15, 2017
Modified Aug 15, 2017
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Aug 15, 2017
Modified Aug 15, 2017
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In July, we learned that East Village venue Webster Hall would be closing for renovations before re-opening under new management. Today, we've learned that it may not re-open for two or more years—and there's a chance it might even get a new name.
In a long story in Billboard about the final days of Webster Hall as we know it, John Norris spent the venue's last 10 days talking to the people who loved it most about its high points, its legacy, and its future. In addition to witnessing sets by the likes of Tyler, The Creator, Good Charlotte, Michelle Branch and Action Bronson, Norris got the lowdown on the length of the renovations from Heath Miller, Webster’s VP of Entertainment (and main booker).
"The length of the renovation period has grown drastically from the original projections," Miller said, with Norris offering up 2019 or 2020 as the reported re-opening dates. "I'm sure it's going to emerge a much cleaner and shinier place, which is good on many levels, like the bathrooms. I hope the energy, character and vibe that make Webster Hall special remain intact."
The space has been purchased by a joint venture between Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment and AEG Presents, which previously purchased Bowery Presents. The group also runs such venues as Barclays Center and Terminal 5.
There are also rumors that there may be a name change, something which appears to horrify Gerard McNamee, the venue's longtime Director of Operations. "I don’t see how it would make sense to change the name—what, ‘Spectrum Center’ or ‘Spectrum Hall’ or ‘Barclays Hall’ or ‘Bowery Hall'?" he said. "I’d be surprised—but who the hell knows?" It's worth pointing out that in the 1980s and '90s, the venue was called The Ritz. [h/t Stereogum]
Tagged
closures
manhattan
Music
rock
webster hall
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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