Brewery Tapped Out

Found out in today’s paper that the Brewery has closed its doors.

I saw a lot of great artists there. I’ll miss the way you could be right in the face of the musicians there, or hang out in back with them after the show. The Brewery had an intimate feel to it, and the best sound in town.

I remember seeing Cracker, Urge Overkill, Whiskeytown, The Lincolns, and Mojo Nixon there, among others. Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Hootie, and other big acts played there, too. And the band was always so close that they could sweat on you. You won’t get that at some evil-empire-controlled venue.

The newest places, like Kings and the Lincoln Theatre, I’ve not even been to. Cat’s Cradle still has that intimate feel, but its way out in that East BF known as Carrboro.

Then again, I haven’t been as tuned into new acts lately, probably because of my lack of interest in what’s being played on the radio these days. That, and not wanting to drag my kid into a smoke-filled tornado of noise.

Lately, though, its not lived up to its past. The management got into a spat with local bands who accused it of skimming money from the door. Bands boycotted the club in favor of other venues. Perhaps the fans did, too. I don’t know.

It’s sad to see the Brewery go. It was my favorite local venue. But the memories will live on, as will the ringing in my ears.