The Brick Lands – Like a Brick

The Brick – AEG’s new 2,100-capacity club in Minneapolis – didn’t have a very good start. It didn’t have a very good start at all.

The club debuted March 19 with Jane’s Addiction, but critics lambasted the venue for poor sightlines and cramped quarters. Also, they didn’t like the line out front, the drink selection and the line for the bathroom.

One fan even spent $100 to create a website called TheBrickMNsucks.com, where patrons could air their complaints.

But AEG cannot be faulted for lack of a quick response, having offered patrons a full refund.

The club issued the following statement:

To our customers who attended Jane’s Addiction at The Brick on March 19:

We owe you an apology for the issues you encountered during the show. Live music experiences represent some of the greatest moments of our lives and, this was obviously not one of ours. Our goal in bringing a new music venue to the Twin Cities was to provide fans with the best possible concert experience, and despite a thundering performance from Jane’s Addiction, we know we were unable to achieve this greatness on Monday night.

We have an obligation to make this right for our customers, which is why we are offering all Jane’s Addiction ticket holders the choice of a refund, including service fees, or tickets to an upcoming show of their choice (based on availability).

We are listening to your comments and feedback and are committed to making the necessary changes at The Brick to ensure that your next concert experience will be much more enjoyable.

To receive your refund or tickets to an upcoming show, please e-mail a copy of your ticket(s) and confirmation [email protected]. Or you may physically mail a copy to:

The Brick
Attn: Customer Service
11 5th Street North
Minneapolis, MN 55403

However, one fan who sent in her rebate request told the Star-Tribune the issues were too big to be immediately addressed.

“Logistically, I don’t know how they’re going to cure the inherent issues of the venue,” she said. “The place is too deep and narrow, the stage too small, the entrance too small, the sightlines poor. I’m 5 foot 10, and I couldn’t see the stage. I was appalled by what they call [live video] monitors – 1980s Sony TVs.

“The capacity is a big, big issue. I was claustrophobic. It was like being in an old-fashioned pressboard to go from the entrance to the bar. But they are doing the right thing by responding to the fan base. Obviously, they’re trying to make themselves look good.”

Here’s local TV coverage of the controversy: