HoB Sunset: Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere

Bloomberg ran a story Aug. 5 about the future of the Sunset Strip and its aging tenants, noting a developer is planning to build a 149-room hotel on the site of the House of Blues beginning in 2015. That led to the Los Angeles Times running an article titled “Sunset Strip’s House of Blues Reportedly Slated For Demolition.”

But HoB spokesman Jim Yeager told Pollstar that the story’s premise is exaggerated and, by the time HoB had a chance to provide its input, the damage was done.

“The reality is, yes, the House of Blues will be moving from Sunset but it’s not going to happen for closer to three years,” Yeager said. “Bloomberg ran with the headline that House of Blues will be demolished as early as 2015 and it’s just not accurate. We’re in the midst of searching for a new place but it’s simply not going to happen that quickly, and we have the option of staying there that long.”

Yeager also provided the official statement from the House of Blues: “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 for years 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 at least three 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.”