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I always kind of blamed the resurgence of Brooklyn for the demise of Maxwell's. It seemed like a lot of bands on tour would often book two shows in the area: one at a Manhattan venue and the other at Maxwell's. However, once Brooklyn started to become a big thing, the same caliber of bands continued to play one show at a Manhattan venue but their second show instead at a Brooklyn venue, leaving Maxwell's as the proverbial odd man out.
― Ex Slacker, Tuesday, 6 February 2018 03:13 (six years ago) link
three years pass...
I only went there a few times. I did the long walk from the PATH once, I think, when I lived in Manhattan. Then I went there a couple more times when I lived in Hoboken (although the walk was still about the same distance). 2 shows I remember seeing were An Albatross and Fiery Furnaces. The seafood place there now is pretty good but pricey. That article makes me wonder how many places like this still exist. I mean scruffy indie rock clubs with a loyal clientele. I guess they were pretty rare even back in the '90s, and they must be even rarer now.
― o. nate, Thursday, 12 August 2021 20:49 (two years ago) link
I always kind of blamed the resurgence of Brooklyn for the demise of Maxwell's. It seemed like a lot of bands on tour would often book two shows in the area: one at a Manhattan venue and the other at Maxwell's. However, once Brooklyn started to become a big thing, the same caliber of bands continued to play one show at a Manhattan venue but their second show instead at a Brooklyn venue, leaving Maxwell's as the proverbial odd man out.
― Ex Slacker,
Todd Abramson (the owner and booker) actually started booking the Bell House in Gowanus as well at some point.
I went to a ton of shows at Maxwell's age 13-18ish because it was all ages, and I'd often try my luck at getting past the bouncers in Manhattan the following night as well. I think ultimately, I preferred going out there to going downtown, though the wait for the Path train coming back was interminable. It was cozy and clean, less nightlife-oriented than the Bowery Ballroom or w/e.
I ended up performing there a lot later on, and that was also a very pleasant experience, which I found was rare- most spaces I either enjoyed playing, or watching bands, but not both.
― Dexter Holland's Opus (Deflatormouse), Thursday, 12 August 2021 21:42 (two years ago) link
I mean sitting in the front lounge with all the rockabilly decor and the christmas lights eating soup before Godspeed or whoever went on... It was just a much more comfortable environment than the Manhattan spaces.
― Dexter Holland's Opus (Deflatormouse), Thursday, 12 August 2021 21:47 (two years ago) link
He was booking both simultaneously for a time, I am certain of that. But you're right, he hasn't been the booker at Bell House in years.
― Dexter Holland's Opus (Deflatormouse), Thursday, 12 August 2021 22:14 (two years ago) link
I believe the story that it was due to parking and changing demographics. Parking in Hoboken for a non-resident is extremely painful and its only gotten worse since Maxwells closed. Also its no longer a cheap place to live for musicians and artists.
― o. nate, Thursday, 12 August 2021 22:17 (two years ago) link