News Summary
Columbia’s beloved DIY music venue, Commie House, is set to close its doors permanently following allegations of discriminatory practices. Known for supporting indie bands, especially in punk and metal genres, its closure reflects challenges faced by DIY venues in the area. The booker has denied the accusations and emphasized the venue’s commitment to community and culture. As the final shows approach, the community contemplates the future of underground music spaces amidst this loss.
Commie House Announces Closure Amid Controversy in Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina, is saying goodbye to a beloved DIY music venue, the Commie House. This eclectic space nestled in a residential neighborhood has long served as a launching pad for local indie bands, drawing crowds eager to explore the underground music scene, especially in the punk and metal genres. Sadly, the venue’s doors will close for good after the final shows on the schedule.
What Led to the Closure?
The announcement comes in the wake of serious allegations of discriminatory practices aimed at the venue, which have recently sparked heated discussions on social media. While details surrounding these accusations have not been disclosed, they have led to increased scrutiny of Commie House and even brought two other local venues into the fray: New Brookland Tavern and Vivid Salon.
As the controversy grew, the venue’s booker took to social media to respond. In an Instagram post, he firmly denied any accusations of discrimination, stating that Commie House has never labeled itself as a “liberal safe space.” Instead, it has embraced a punk ethos that remains unapologetically far left.
A Community Staple
For many, the Commie House has been much more than just a venue; it has been a cultural landmark in Columbia. With its vibrant murals and DIY aesthetics, the space was created as a haven for artists, musicians, and fans to express themselves freely. It became a beloved hub for heavy metal mosh pits and punk rock rhythms, a place where the community could gather to enjoy music that often challenges mainstream norms.
Years ago, the booker noted a shift in the local crust punk culture, stating that while it seemed to be on the decline, this allowed for the evolution and thriving of new acts and styles. The venue’s commitment to providing a platform for underground sounds has made it integral to community building over the years.
A Trend of Closure
The announcement that Commie House is closing resonates with a larger trend affecting DIY music venues in Columbia and beyond. The challenges these spaces face—stemming from issues like legality, community support, and, now, serious allegations—have contributed to a wave of closures in recent times. For many music fans in the area, the loss of a space like Commie House is disheartening.
Creating and running a DIY venue is not just a labor of love; it requires endless hours and dedication with little to no financial reward. The booker’s candid remarks on social media highlighted the struggles that come with maintaining such an establishment and the passion that fuels them, encouraging others to take the leap and create their own spaces if they seek something different.
Reflecting on the Future
As Columbia prepares for the final shows at Commie House, the community is left to ponder the future of underground music spaces in the area. Many are undoubtedly feeling a sense of loss, recalling the myriad of local and touring bands that have graced the venue’s floors, while others might be contemplating the next steps in their pursuit of self-expression through music.
Indeed, the closure of Commie House stands as a reminder of the importance of supporting local venues and the unique cultures they foster. While the doors may be closing on this chapter, the spirit and memories of the music-centered community it created will certainly live on.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Commie House Closing Columbia DIY Venue
- The Free Press: Communist Coachella at Columbia TikTok
- New York Times: Opinion on Politics and Communism
- Hollywood Reporter: Paul Robeson Blacklist Discussion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: DIY Culture
