October brought the axe for one of Chicago’s most fun music venues.

Ronny’s Bar, located in Logan Square, was shut down for numerous health code and city ordinance violations last month. This is quite a shame, as loads of DeKalb acts played there, and it felt like a fun DIY art space attached to one of the nastiest dive bars in a city known for its hole-in-the-wall taverns.

The plywood stage was mere inches off the ground, cans of lukewarm Stroh’s beer were only $2, and booking at Ronny’s was as easy as calling and seeing if a date was open. Going to Ronny’s for a show felt like being 16 all over again– getting your hand drawn on with marker, drinking disgusting beer and listening to some abrasive music in a room that was far too hot and smelly to be occupied by so many kids.

Unlike so many venues in Chicago, Ronny’s had all ages shows, which are essential in creating a vibrant music scene. Like all good things, however, it did not last. Let us take a lesson from the demise of Ronny’s and respect our DIY venues. Without them, touring bands would sit idly in parking lots across the Midwest with no shows booked, local bands would never get to play the big city or kids have nowhere to go on a Friday night to see good local music. Respect local music and support your local DIY music venue!