Worcester Magazine is reporting that there’s a chance the legendary New England theater turned venue, may be demolished and turned into a parking lot for the courthouse across the street. Residing in Worcester, Massachusetts, this building is home to dozens upon dozens of shows each year ranging from local showcases to national tours to the infamous New England Metal & Hardcore Festival and Rock and Shock.
“Word spread to the Worcester Mag office pretty quickly on Tuesday that the owners of the Palladium were filing – or at least threatening to file – paperwork for the demolition of the music hot spot and regional Juggalo headquarters in order to create more parking for the courthouse across the street. Worcester attorney and Palladium owner John Fischer, when asked to comment on the rumors, said he hadn’t made a decision yet but added, “It has a lot to do with taxes.” Like a number of the city’s commercial property owners, the Palladium has seen a huge spike in its fiscal year 2012 assessment and subsequent tax bill, jumping from an assessed value of $689,000 in 2011 to $2.27 million this year. “We’re still debating what we’re going to do,” Fischer lamented. “We’ll know by August 1.””
In my opinion (Matt Darcy), this would be tragic. I grew up going to shows here. Partly because this is one of venue few all ages venues with the capacity to bring in the talent that performs there in the area. I always enjoy and have fun at the events there, even more so in recent days having so many industry and musician friends. This place is more than a concert hall, it’s a gathering point for friends to come together, have some beers, and watch our friends play their hearts out on stage. The Palladium is a landmark, and a big milestone to many bands that are able to say they have played there. If you don’t want this venue turning into asphalt, speak up.
