New York City venue Santos Party House, owned partly by Andrew W.K. and Despot, has suddenly closed, DNAinfo reports. Last night, on the venue’s final night in business, it hosted the second night of NYC Oi! Fest, a punk festival with alleged ties to skinhead and neo-Nazi groups. The festival was originally scheduled to take place at Black Bear Bar before being cancelled after the first night due to public outcry.
The club has not yet issued an official statement regarding the closing, and it’s not yet clear if it was directly caused by this controversy. “It was a 10 year lease,” manager Sean Kane told DNAinfo. “Our lease is up and we’re not renewing it.” According to an email from event coordinator Jackalyn Tipchaieuh to groups who had booked shows at the venue, “Our last day open will be Sunday – May 29th, 2016. If you have an event after the previously mentioned date, please consider it cancelled.” As of now, the club’s website still lists events through the end of June.