With the economy in shambles, it makes sense that concert halls are struggling to garner what it takes to feed their employees, but for an optimist like myself, I turn a blind eye and hope everything is going great. Especially for all the clubs I attend on a weekly basis, such as The Henry Fonda, Avalon, Key Club, Roxy and Knitting Factory, who all rest in the swamp-ass city of Hollywood, California.

But, well, for the Key Club and Knitting Factory specifically, these indie-darlings of the venue scene are indeed having some problems. Angry neighbors and the Los Angeles Police Force simply couldn’t handle the Knitting Factory’s punk shows, and coupled with pressure from their landlord, decided to shut down their Hollywood location once and for all.

In the same vain, The Key Club on Sunset is also hitting hard times, and could be closing its doors unless investors help out the cause.  Either way, Hollywood is quickly losing its metal scene. Without the Knitting Factory, metal, hardcore and punk bands alike have one less venue to potentially have a gig at. And if Key Club shuts down, the effect will be felt even more so.

Personally, I can’t imagine Decrepit Birth playing at the El Rey, or Troubadour. Could you imagine Napalm Death at the Henry Fonda? Yea, me neither. Unless something else pops up soon, I’ll simply have to assume most metal bands will have to opt for the incredibly frustrating option of Pay to Play at the Whiskey A Go-Go. Who knows, if they’re good enough it might work out. Until then, I tip my hat at Knitting Factory and bid them a farewell, and pray the Key Club manages to keep the lights on for another decade or two.