(HOLLYWOOD, CA) — The Sunset Strip claims another live music venue casualty with the news that famed longstanding House of Blues will be demolished to make room for new luxury hotels. Owner Live Nation has reported that the HoB venue, however, will not shut down, but will find a home at a yet-unknown location.
The L.A. Times is reporting that other venues like the Whisky a Go Go and Viper Room have struggled to find a place in the contemporary L.A. music scene. Both venues boast famed long histories in live music, instrumental in breaking the careers of countless bands, from The Doors to Otis Redding.
“Regarding the story,” wrote a Live Nation representative in a recent statement, “our legendary House of Blues on Sunset Blvd – the flagship for 20 years of our popular venues around the country – will operate business as usual while we look for a new home. We have a terrific relationship with our landlord who has other plans to develop the property and we’re working together on a very smooth transition. We have 2+ years to find that perfect spot for a new Los Angeles House of Blues home with no interruption for music fans. Stay tuned. The best is yet to come!”
Hotel investors AECOM Capitol, CIM Group and hotelier Ian Schrager have started projects to develop a 1.5 mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard running through West Hollywood. Larry Flynt’s Hustler Hollywood will also close to make room for more tourism stay.
The timing has been attributed to Bloomberg reports that West Hollywood hotel occupancies are skyrocketing.
