Abbey Lounge to close doors at end of November

The Abbey Lounge, Union Square's venerable garage/indie/punk dive, has lost its battle with this shitty economy. According to club employees, the Abbey's last day will be November 28. In addition, Abbey booking agent Mike Fuedale (a/k/a the Coffin Lids' Skinny Mike) confirmed this afternoon that the Abbey's final show will be November 26 -- bands are still TBA. 

Back in September, when the Phoenix reported on a "last ditch" attempt to save the club with a series of benefit shows, Fuedale spelled out the financial problems afflicting the Abbey: 

"We're saddled with debt from renovations that were made a few years ago," says Abbey booking agent, Mike Fuedale. Feudale — better known as "Skinny Mike "of the Coffin Lids — says the renovations included removing a wall between the bar and the performance area and building a separate wine bar next door . . .

But debt isn't the only issue affecting the venerable venue. While clubs everywhere are hurting as a result of a disastrous economy, the Abbey's usual regulars are also growing older. "Priorities change," says Skinny Mike. "I don't see a lot of the familiar faces."

Updates and conversation are ongoing over at the Lemmingtrail board.