Brooklyn venue The Bell House has been bought out by the Live Nation corporation and some fans are worried that could mean up-and-coming performers will be squeezed out.
Opened in a former Gowanus printing press warehouse in 2008, the Bell House was previously independently owned and known for showcasing a range of comedians and storytellers, with many getting their initial break at the venue.
Live Nation, currently facing a Department of Justice antitrust suit which claims it runs a monopoly on live music in the US, quietly bought the venue earlier this year, the New York Groove first reported.
It’s unclear exactly when the sale to Live Nation, which also owns Ticketmaster, was formalized, as there’s been no announcement or acknowledgement from either side.
Neither Live Nation nor the Bell House responded to repeated requests for comment from The Post.
There are signs, though: Bell House job listings now include a description of Live Nation in the description and affiliated email addresses now end with livenation.com.
More subtly, sources point out the calendar has shifted away from the quirky, community-focused events the venue has been known for — themed proms, cover bands and trivia — and is now packed with mostly comedy specials from well established acts.
“Having your show get booked at Bell House was a big deal in this community and a goal, so it’s definitely a loss to mourn,” one 30-something Brooklynite who has worked at local venues for years and requested anonymity for fear of ‘booker vengeance’ told The Post of the sale.
“There’s always going to be comedy, no matter what. And there are some incredible pockets of community scattered around NYC and Brooklyn.
“But unless you have one million followers these days, it feels like established spaces won’t book you because they don’t want to take the financial risk. It’s scary!”
However, others see Live Nation’s ownership as a financial windfall which may have saved the venue from closure and could help elevate its performers.
“They will be able to sell more tickets with Live Nation behind them and generate more money and publicity for the Bell House, which is great in my opinion,” stand-up comedian Chanel Omari told The Post.
Omari added that “the downside will be, yes, you’re going to have some people that are very talented, that do deserve a chance, that do deserve a platform” but don’t get it because the bar for entry has been raised.
Comedian Felicia Madison, the talent director of the West Side Comedy Club, feels the sale is an example of how “a rising tide lifts all boats — it’s going to be a great opportunity for comedians, if Live Nation runs it properly.”
