Silver Lake's The Satellite ?aka the original Spaceland aka (for you S.L. O.G.'s) Dreams ? ?announced today via its social media that it will cease showcasing live music and remodel into a restaurant, marking a true end of an era in terms of the neighborhood's rep as an indie rock hotbed, and highlighting the #SaveOurStages trend and the urgency for federal aid specifically allocated to sustain nightclubs and entertainment venues during pandemic.

Of course, bad news about struggling music locales has been steady ever since the coronavirus began to spike, and in Los Angeles, stay-at-home orders made seeing live music in crowded clubs not only impossible, but illegal. The Troubadour, one of the city's most legendary music spaces was one of the first larger venues to speak out about potential closure and ask for the public's help, directing fans to contact Congress about the specific relief needs of nightclubs and music stages.

The Troub, along with dozens of other venues in L.A. and throughout the country, are part of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) ? a group of venue owners, bookers, promoters and artists working to lobby Congress for long-term assistance, tax credits, and extended unemployment benefits. The initiative focuses on over 2,000 indie venues across the country, which it's projected, will not be able to open until 2021. If they don't get funding this year, 90 percent of them will be forced to close for good.

Those who want to help are encouraged to go the group's #SaveOurStages page, where they can fill out a request to urge congress for help via the #RESTART Act .


Another coalition called National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) made up of music industry professionals including artists, agents, managers, event staff and touring crew, are also calling on Congress to provide relief to creative, small entertainment businesses and support the Restart Act. They are urging music fans to Take Action by filling out a form on their website and tweeting to local representatives.


With congress meeting this month to discuss more aid for the country's struggling small business economy, both groups have been amping up their message and having participating venues rally for support via their social media accounts.

Sadly, there will be no saving for The Satellite, at least for live music. The club, which showcased countless local and touring bands and DJs over the years (especially under the Spaceland moniker) shared that plans for a complete remodel will include removal of its famous stage. It personally has been an amazing 25 years of live music and dance parties. I will miss those days but it is time for us to move on, the post from Satellite's owner reads. See it in full below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCv8DifJXRi/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCY6FpehT3d/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCuNRBRBCZa/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCwUs3jj1bc/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCtC4EoD5q2/