All-Ages Venue Chain Reaction to Close After Almost 30 Years

And another one bites the dust. This one cuts deep for all the Southern California kids who got their introduction to countless acts in this one special place. No, I’m not talking about Disneyland—I’m talking about Chain Reaction, the Anaheim venue which has been a staple for music fans of all ages since the ’90s. Unfortunately, they’ve surprised us with the last minute announcement that the iconic venue will be closing its doors at the end of this month after three decades of heavy service. This fuckin sucks.

Chain Reaction is hosting a pair of back-to-back farewell shows next week on December 18 and 19, with Movements, Militarie Gun, and a few others swan-songing the end of an era.

The venue shared the following statement on their socials earlier yesterday (Tuesday, December 9):

“Chain Reaction will be closing this month. Our final shows will be on December 18th and 19th with Movements.

“For almost 30 years, Chain Reaction has proudly fostered the alt-music scene by creating a space for a community that the outside world “just didn’t get”. From your local bands gaining their footing at their first shows, to the humble beginnings of huge acts you now love, we’re grateful to have held a place in this scene for as long as we did.

“This call wasn’t made quickly. We wrestled with it and have ultimately made the decision to close our doors.

“We want to thank every band, fan and attendee of our shows. We want to thank the scene that supported us for almost three decades. We want to thank you for the friendships and memories made in our special club. Thank you for supporting us through the years and when we needed it most.

“CHAIN REACTION FOREVER.”

It’s really sad to see this one go. There weren’t—and still aren’t—very many spaces where being under 18 isn’t a deterrent for seeing and discovering good, heavier music. I spent a lot of time there as a kid, so this one is a horse kick in the gut.

RIP Chain Reaction. You were a real one.