Neo (nightclub)
Neo was a nightclub located at 2350 N. Clark St. in the Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Park. Established on July 25, 1979[1] Neo was the oldest[2] or one of the oldest[3] running nightclubs in Chicago and was a hangout and venue for a variety of musicians and artists, including David Bowie, Iggy Pop, David Byrne, the Clash, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and U2.[4][5][6] The nightclub has been noted for being gay-friendly[7] as well as part of goth subculture.[8] The character Neo from the Matrix franchise drew inspiration from the nightclub and its patrons.[9][10]
Address | 2350 N. Clark St. (Original) 1575 N Milwaukee Ave (Current) |
---|---|
Location | Chicago, Illinois |
Coordinates | 41°54′36.7″N 87°40′36.5″W |
Type | Nightclub |
History
In the 1980s the club was a center for Chicago's Punk and New Wave scenes.[6] In 1988, on the advice of one of the bartenders employed by Neo's management, the bar was renovated to look like lower Wacker.[11][12]
In 2009, Neo celebrated its 30th anniversary and was Chicago's oldest nightclub.[13]
In 2015, the nightclub lost its lease and had to move to a new location.[14][15][16][17] Since 2017, the club is currently located inside the Debonair Social Club at 1575 N Milwaukee Avenue at Chicago.
References
- "Neo Nightclub to Move After Losing Lease". Retrieved 2015-09-21.
- Paul Biasco, "Neo Closing Iconic Lincoln Park Location After 36 Years", DNAinfo, July, 2015 full text Archived 2015-07-24 at the Wayback Machine.
- "Neo nightclub closing; seeking new location - Chicago Entertainment - Chicago Sun-Times". Retrieved 2015-09-21.
- Lauren Viera, "The Miracle of Neo", Chicago Tribune, Aug, 2009. full text.
- Sean Parnell, "Neo", Chicago Bar Project full text.
- "The time David Bowie called Chicago home". Retrieved 2015-09-21.
- "The Social Ecology of Lesbians' Drinking: Considering the Contexts of Urban Neighborhoods". 2015-09-24.
- "Chicago's Top Goth Bars And Clubs". chicago.cbslocal.com. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
- "Neo | Chicago Bar Project Review". www.chibarproject.com. Retrieved 2020-01-27.
- Selvam, Ashok (2015-07-22). "Whoa! Neo Announces Weekend DJs as Nightclub Preps Move". Eater Chicago. Retrieved 2020-01-27.
- "NEO transforms into Lower Wacker Drive (November 25, 1988)". Retrieved 2015-09-21.
- http://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2015/07/28/after-36-years-neo-leaves-a-changing-lincoln-park
- http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-08-29/news/0908280393_1_dance-club-hangout-owner
- http://www.redeyechicago.com/restaurants-bars/redeye-neo-nightclub-closing-20150717-story.html
- Cromidas, Rachel. "Neo Nightclub Loses Lease, Prepares Temporary Move To Wicker Park". Chicagoist. Archived from the original on 2015-07-20. Retrieved 2015-09-21.
- "Neo Closes Iconic Lincoln Park Location". Retrieved 2015-09-21.
- "After 36 years, Neo leaves a changing Lincoln Park". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2016-02-16.