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] Sources differ[9] as to whether or not the character Neo from The Matrix franchise drew inspiration from the nightclub and its patrons.[10][11]

Neo
Address2350 N. Clark St. (Original)
1575 N Milwaukee Ave (Current)
LocationChicago, Illinois
Coordinates41°54′36.7″N 87°40′36.5″W
TypeNightclub
Alley entrance

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.[12][13]

a DJ at the club in 2009

In 2009, Neo celebrated its 30th anniversary and was Chicago's oldest nightclub.[14]

In 2015, the nightclub lost its lease and had to move to a new location.[15][16][17][13] Since 2017, the club is currently located inside the Debonair Social Club at 1575 N Milwaukee Avenue at Chicago.

References
  1. "Neo Nightclub to Move After Losing Lease". Retrieved 2015-09-21.
  2. Biasco, Paul (2015-07-24). "Neo Closing Iconic Lincoln Park Location After 36 Years". DNAinfo. Archived from the original on 2015-07-24.
  3. "Neo nightclub closing; seeking new location - Chicago Entertainment - Chicago Sun-Times". Retrieved 2015-09-21.
  4. Lauren Viera, "The Miracle of Neo", Chicago Tribune, Aug, 2009. full text.
  5. Sean Parnell, "Neo", Chicago Bar Project full text.
  6. "The time David Bowie called Chicago home". Retrieved 2015-09-21.
  7. The Social Ecology of Lesbians' Drinking: Considering the Contexts of Urban Neighborhoods. 2015-09-24. ISBN 9780549797173.
  8. "Chicago's Top Goth Bars And Clubs". chicago.cbslocal.com. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
  9. Galil, Leor (2021-12-09). "Neo: where misfits fit in". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2021-12-11.
  10. "Neo | Chicago Bar Project Review". www.chibarproject.com. Retrieved 2020-01-27.
  11. Selvam, Ashok (2015-07-22). "Whoa! Neo Announces Weekend DJs as Nightclub Preps Move". Eater Chicago. Retrieved 2020-01-27.
  12. "NEO transforms into Lower Wacker Drive (November 25, 1988)". Retrieved 2015-09-21.
  13. Geffen, Sasha. "After 36 years, Neo leaves a changing Lincoln Park". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
  14. Tribune, Chicago. "An eon of Neo". chicagotribune.com.
  15. Schroering, Heather. "Neo nightclub in Lincoln Park loses lease". chicagotribune.com.
  16. 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.
  17. "Neo Closes Iconic Lincoln Park Location". Retrieved 2015-09-21.
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