B.B. King's Blues Club to Close at End of Month

Jeremiah's Vanishing New York has the grim press release, where the 42nd Street concert spot announced that after 20 years, it would not be renewing its lease:

"Despite many sold out shows, the location's rent escalated to an unsustainable level, leaving us no choice but to close our doors. Unfortunately this has become a growing trend in New York City, with other iconic music venues and businesses falling victim to opportunistic property owners. This venue's legacy extends much further than the stage, playing a role in Times Square's revitalization two decades ago. It is a shame that wasn't taken into consideration regarding its future in the area."

Hear! Hear!

B.B. King's was never my favorite place to see a show. There were too many seats with obstructed views and the staff could be a bit overwhelmed (and overwhelming) at times.

Baca Juga

But it was the perfect size venue for the kind of past-their-prime artists I live for -- Petula Clark, Belinda Carlisle, Sheena Easton, Darlene Love, the Motels, Gordon Lightfoot (with my brothers!) -- and had a rich tradition of hosting Ronnie Spector's annual Christmas party. I have a lot of wonderful memories from that place. Here's hoping they're able to reopen somewhere else soon.