Vancouver's Railway Club closing says owner
Iconic music venue closed 'effective immediately' according to post on Facebook
Vancouver's Railway Club is closing after the owners were unable to find a buyer for the iconic music venue, according to a post Wednesday afternoon on the club's Facebook page.
"The Owners and management of the Railway Club are sorry to announce the closure of the business, effective immediately," the statement reads.
"A concerted and very public effort to sell the club over the last few months has seen no buyer come forward."
The Railway, which first opened in 1931 and started hosting musicians in 1981, was put up for sale last year, leaving musicians and fans worried that yet another music venue in Vancouver might close.
"We deeply regret this outcome and the effect it will have on all the stakeholders, as well the cultural scene in Vancouver," the statement from the club reads.
Revenue wasn't keeping up with "relatively high expenses," including rent on the prime downtown location, said the post.
"Our thanks to everyone who at one time or another climbed the steep stairs up to the Railway Club."
The owner has not yet responded to CBC News' request for an interview.
Several music artists voiced their sadness on social media.
Hedley guitarist Dave Rosin reminisced of good times at the Railway club, saying he and bandmate Jacob Hoggard met at the iconic music venue for the first time.
Sad to hear about the <a href="https://twitter.com/RailwayClub">@RailwayClub</a> closure. <a href="https://twitter.com/Hedleyonline">@Hedleyonline</a> played there and is where me and <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobHoggard">@JacobHoggard</a> met for the first time.
—@daverosinWe all cut our teeth in <a href="https://twitter.com/RailwayClub">@RailwayClub</a> Just like The Cruel Elephant and The Town Pump. We grew up in the gigs there. <a href="https://t.co/aUzX5vj3s9">https://t.co/aUzX5vj3s9</a>
—@bifnakedThe Railway was our venue when we started our band. We had album releases & packed shows with great friends. Sad day <a href="https://t.co/XsoEOyew1f">https://t.co/XsoEOyew1f</a>
—@therealpackadThe news was met with shock and disappointment on social media.
If you feel bad about your day remember Radiohead were booed off the stage at the Railway in 1995.
—@kAINE_D3L4YSad to hear about the closing of The Railway. Vancouver loses another venue and old friend of the indie scene.
—@BackstageRiderSo now institutions like The Railway Club can't afford Vancouver either? Good bye old friend.
—@snakeskin<a href="https://twitter.com/rodmickleburgh">@rodmickleburgh</a> Years ago saw the beginning of kd lang's career there. And Spirit of the West. Wonderful moments.
—@jtvancouver