I drive in front of this place every morning, and there is always some upcoming show announced or some inspiring funny sentence at the front, but this morning, the Music Box at the Henry Fonda was showing up a big lettered ‘Out of Order’ sign instead. I was wondering what was going on,and the blogosphere was all over the news: the theater may be close for good!!
What? Without any warning? The daybefore, they were still announcing shows…
Looking at several websites, the news do not look good. LASlush is reporting that the Music Box has closed its doors according to different sources, although not the owners. Apparently the sound system, lighting and bar have being dismantled, with a ‘Closed for inventory’ sign hanging onthe door, and staff members or promoters were not even warned about it. Was thet heater in financial difficulties? Nobody seems to think so, despite ‘a couple red flags’, but the staff was told that ‘the venue was working on a new agreement with the landlord and it would be settled soon’.
Still according to LA Slush, two of the three owners recently sold their shares and left, and new owners were brought in without anyone informing the landlord of these changes. When one of the past owners died, the landlord became aware of all this and finally served an eviction.
I don’t understand, there are still some shows for example Angels & Airwaves on January 26th, the Jayhawks on February 4th, Cults, Lucero and Nada Surf in March and many other Goldenvoice shows still scheduled at this location, and tickets are even currently on sale. Tom Windish, the Cults' booking agent, wrote to the LA Times: ‘The venue is going to reopen soon. If it doesn't, there is a backup venue in place'.
I have so many memories associated with this place, Ihave seen so many shows there, I saw Girls and Dinosaur Jr. there very recently!
Everywhere, people were already showing up their R.I.P.signs, and reaching their kleenex, then Buzz Bands LA saved my day with this statement from Goldenvoice:
‘At this time, it is our understanding that the closing of The Music Box is a short term closure, please be patient with us as we work out the details as they pertain to our previously scheduled shows.’
But what exactly is going on? A rumor in the middle of Friday afternoon was that Goldenvoice has taken over the space, but it has to be confirmed.