"Aside from being a launching pad for many, many artists for the last 10 years, it also served as a launching pad for individuals in our business who have gone on to tour with various artists or book other, larger situations or produce shows," says Michael Belkin, president of the Midwest division of Live Nation, a spin-off company of Clear Channel, which has owned the venue since it bought out the Belkins in 2001. "A lot of good people came out of there."
The Odeon hosted an eclectic range of shows, drawing top talent through the grunge, alternative, and nu-metal eras. In its last month, it welcomed comedian Robert Dubac, singer-songwriter Aimee Mann, and metalcore growlers the Black Dahlia Murder.
Belkin says that Live Nation still owns the building and has had "a number of offers" to purchase it; he is uncertain of future plans for the building and its memorabilia, including framed photos of acts that have played there. He says that Live Nation will continue booking small and medium-sized shows in town, probably at the Agora Ballroom and Theater, but does not plan to replace the venue.
The future of the once-booming Flats as a nightlife destination remains unclear. Despite only sporadic business, clubs continue operating through the week. Four bars have opened in recent months, though Rockabilly's closed quickly. Last year, Scott Wolstein (the entrepreneur whose family name is attached to Cleveland State University's Convocation Center) announced a $230 million revitalization plan to turn the East Bank into a mixed-use area with commercial and residential developments.
"I think we're losing heart and history," says APG guitarist Don DiBiase, formerly of Gatlin, one of the handful of local bands that sold out the venue with little added support. "I saw all the biggest bands there before they were anybody. One of the lowest-attended shows ever there was Papa Roach -- I saw them with 19 people there. Linkin Park, P.O.D., Limp Bizkit, Korn, the Metallica Coffee Break concert during the day, with just 100 people. I can't say enough about the place."
· Blossom Music Center has expanded its general-admission section. The pit area directly in front of the stage now seats more than 1,500 people.
· Cleveland newcomer Curse Icon will hold a listening party for its new album Paradismal Friday, February 24, at the Chamber (11802 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood). The female-fronted, industrial-tinged alt-metal band recently located from Florida to Cleveland.
· Alex Perillas (Metallica, Anthrax) mixed Mask of Anger, the sophomore album from Mindscape. The Burton-based power metalers recorded the disc with Brandon Young at Cleveland's Track Six studio. Mindscape opens for Overkill and Prong Thursday, February 23, at Peabody's (2083 East 21st Street).
· Mushroomhead's next album is previewed at www.mushroomhead.com. The first single, "Watch Me Go," is set for May release, with a June 6 album release to follow on Megaforce.
