The Underground closing down

[manhater]

The Underground to close its doors.........
At the end of March.

Here is confirmation from Andrew who has been running The Underground since 1996.

Thought I would also clarify what is happening to The Underground so
that you have clear and correct info.

Rent for the building was going to increase to commercial rates which
was going to make it impossible to continue as we were.

I had hoped that Pastor Tim Heine and the church he runs upstairs, would be able to take over the lease and work out a suitable arrangement with the
owner of the building.

While a proposal was being considered, a developer came forward with a purchase offer that was accepted. Effectively, he has now bought the building and intends to refurbish it and rent it out commercially with offices upstairs and some kind of show room or restaurant type business down stairs.

I have been running gigs at The Underground since 1996 and God had
blessed me with that location, a good landlord and exceptionally good
rent over those fourteen years and alot of local bands have made their
start at The Underground.

It is unfortunate it has come to an end but many good things do but I certainly can't complain. One door closes and another opens.

As for me, the timing of the closure has incredibly coincided with my relocation to Berlin, Germany. I see God's hand of blessing has been on this and now it's time for a new thing. I'm sure there are possibilities if people are passionate enough to pursue a dream. Others may already have some ideas for the future. There are always possibilities.


Andrew

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=74769979&blogId=528750206

While I rarely go to the underground much these days I think its sad to see one of the only AA venues in the city go. On the bright side, we are playing on the last show 

[Anna]

Awrh, sad to hear. I saw my first local metal gig there. xD

[Countess Bathory]

I think it's a boring dump, but I'm still sad to see an AA venue that caters to new bands disappear.

[stumpy joe]

At least you do not stick to the floor unlike a few venues I have been in.

[Spikes Red]

Although it's not the best venue, I have seen some great gigs there!
It is a shame, they have done their best to allow underagers to get to gigs over the years, and for that, kudos!!

I wish Andrew all the best in his future endeavours, and thank him and his helpers for all their good work.

[mondayitissucks]

I think it's a boring dump, but I'm still sad to see an AA venue that caters to new bands disappear.

That. Although being able to smoke and still hear and see the band was awesome. Seen and played some great gigs there. While their no swearing rule can still suck my fucking arse, hats off to them for offering a place for underage kids to play and see gigs for so long.

[Countess Bathory]

I wasn't aware there was a no-swearing rule.

[mondayitissucks]

Yeah, I got told off for swearing between songs while playing there, I told them to get fucked and respect my democratic right to say whatever the cunting hell I want. Pretty much exact words. They stayed away from me after that, as the crowd was also on my side and I can be very intimidating. They seemed to turn a blind eye to swearing in song lyrics though.

[Steffylicious]

Aw man, this sucks. Losing a good entry level/AA venue, etc. Everything's pretty much already been said.

[Arycama]

Damn it, I'm never going to be able to play there. Oh well, guess there's not much to miss, plenty of other venues.

[Anna]

When I see this thread, David Bowie's "Underground" begins to play in my mind. :3

[Troy]

While its not the most amazing venue, and the no drinking thing is a bit annoying, its still sad to lose a venue that played all types of music.

I've seen quite a few good bands there and will miss having it around.

[Cale]

This time, Jesus couldn't save.