Mercury Lounge to Maybe Probably Shut Down

I'm sitting at home with two horrible earaches (one in each ear!) but this late breaking news just couldn't wait! A coworker and close personal friend just texted me the alarming rumor that the world renowned Lower East Side music venue, The Mercury Lounge, will be closing it's doors in the near future. According to New Media Feed, the reason for the shut down is linked to real estate development. Raises in rent and plans for high-rise luxury condos have already forced out other key venues in the neighborhood such as the Luna Lounge (which re-located to Brooklyn) and Sin-e (which will shut its doors soon).

Say it isn't so! The Mercury Lounge is my favorite venue by far and has always been seen as the spot for upcoming bands to perform. Many have gotten their start there, including The Strokes. I mean, sure, it's not as historically devastating as the end of CBGB's, but it's definitely in my top 5 list of The Worst Possible Things That Could Happen.

While I'm kinda skeptical that this rumor is true -- due to the fact that Bowery Inc., which owns the Merc, brings in so much money – the shutting-down of this Houston Street venue could also account for why Bowery Inc. bought out North Six last year and are in the process of renovating that space. Shanon Kelley