Club Hell officially closed Phil Amylon, Providence Music Scene Examiner 12/11/2011 7:52 PM
Update: Club Hell has announced that they will be open for one more night on Wednesday, Dec. 14 for a "Liquidation Party." For details, click here .
After a run of almost 15 years the iconic Club Hell has solemnly closed its doors for the last time. Club-goers came out in droves last night for their final night in Hell – a night marked by camaraderie, support, and the bonds of deep friendship built over the years. As the patrons sang and danced their hearts out to Highway to Hell , it was clear that although the community was losing a club, Providence was by no means losing a community.
“We've made so many friends,” said Mark, who has worked security at Club Hell for the past 12 years. “It turns into a big family after a while, with our coworkers and our customers. It's really hard to say goodbye, but it's not goodbye because all of these people are asking us where we're going to be next.” Reflecting on the party going on in front of him, Mark added, “You can see by the crowd. Everybody's coming out to support us tonight.”
The Club Hell family was largely built on the unique vision that Club Hell should be an all-inclusive venue. Chris Curran, the club's general manager said, “We embrace everybody. It doesn't matter if you're a drag queen or a fraternity brother. We love everybody here and it's been like that since the beginning.” Shunning the glossy, image-driven mentality that permeates other places, Club Hell's grit and realism made them one of the most well-known spots in downtown Providence. “We're not the most glamorous, but we're still the most fun.”
For those looking for answers, economic issues and a changing neighborhood were at the heart of the club's closing. Chris continued, “This is the first year that I've seen that on college night [Thursdays] this area is like a ghost town. There used to be lines down the streets.” Despite these issues, the club desperately tried to weather this storm, just like it had survived the downturn after 9/11, and the difficulties following The Station fire. “We're one of these groups, that we don't give up. We just kept trying and trying to fix it, but it's just not fixable.”
The sadness felt by the club's patrons is also something that cannot be fixed. “I'm pissed,” said one man. “This is the best club I've ever been to.” Another man remarked, “This is one of the only places where people can just come have fun without having to deal with all kinds of [BS]. Everyone is just here to have a good time.”
The club closing is also a blow to the local bands that grew to love playing at Club Hell. “After The Living Room shut down, Club Hell single-handedly kept the local scene going,” said Richard Collier, owner of Keynote Company , a promotions company that books local bands to play in venues all over Rhode Island. But, he adds, “just as The Living Room closed, the scene will survive.” It's a positive outlook that has Richard, club-goers, and many others searching to find what venues are going to prop up as a place for the community to thrive.
Richard added, “Most shows are capable of being moved upstairs [from Club Hell] to what is now The Providence Social Club . Also opening is Fete , which is a branch of Firehouse 13 in a larger setting. The room will be on pace with The Met in terms of capacity.” Considering the variety of venues in the area, Richard is confident that, “each show should be able to find the right fit.”
As for where the crowds that previously flocked out to Club Hell might find a place to call home, club manager Chris Curran has some ideas: “There's some great bars that cater to the crowds that come here. The Avery – awesome bar. The Scurvy Dog – awesome bar.” And rest assured that the owners of Club Hell are going to remain active in the music scene. “John Difruscio [nicknamed 'Psycho' since his days at Rhode Island College] was the heart and soul of the live music here, and he's going to keep it going. He's going to keep booking bands at The Providence Social Club and throughout the state,” including working with Rich Lupo, owner of Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel . As for Joe Broady, the other owner of Club Hell, Chris tells us that, “he is looking into opening another place and getting the crew back together. They're looking for properties – there's a million clubs for sale right now.”
Until then, Chris wants to make sure that everyone knows how grateful the club is: “We want to say thank you so much to everyone, all of our patrons throughout the years. Without them there's no Club Hell. They're all part of our extended family. Thank you so much and we look forward to seeing you guys in the future.”
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