Underground Establishment in Neukölln Fights Closure with Final Celebration
Berlin's vibrant underground music scene has suffered another blow with the closure of Loophole, a beloved arts collective and music venue in Neukoelln. The club, known for its non-hierarchical approach and diverse events, has been a staple of the city's electronic music culture since 2009.
The closure, primarily due to regulatory and legal pressures from city authorities, has disrupted events and led to cancellations, affecting artists like Rotten Apples, Tranzmitors, Jeffie Genetic And His Clones, and many more. The exact legal actions leading to the closure are not detailed, but indications from social media updates and cultural event commentary point towards regulatory enforcement as the main cause.
Despite the challenges, Loophole's team, made up of 22 core members, remains hopeful about finding a new space. With about a year and a half left on their lease, they are organising a solidarity party at Fitzroy and Lark on July 26. Shows will happen simultaneously at both neighbouring venues throughout the night, featuring performers like Sean Nicolas Savage and Molly Nielson.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover ongoing rental costs, with an initial goal of €8,000. However, the campaign has already raised over €10,500. Presale tickets for the solidarity party sold out, but €20 at the door will grant entry if you arrive early. All funds raised will go towards Loophole's legal fees, moving costs, and rent.
Loophole's lease is a 5-year rental term at nearly €4,000 per month. Over the years, the club has hosted countless live acts, DJs, drag performances, film clubs, experimental noise nights, live drawing sessions, karaoke, and various other events. Its strong community ties and near-cult-like following have made it a cherished part of Berlin's cultural fabric.
However, the club's history has not been without controversy. In July 2023, Loophole was permanently banned from hosting concerts at their Boddinstraße home due to a "massive raid" by police and the Ordnungsamt. The raid resulted in an involuntary closure, the revocation of the venue's bar license, and the cancellation of all planned events through the end of the year.
Despite efforts to openly communicate with surrounding residents, invest in soundproofing, and institute a noise-lowering policy, Loophole has faced pushback, intolerance, and vandalism from some neighbours. This unfortunate incident underscores the ongoing challenges clubs face with city authorities.
As Berlin's city administration increases regulatory scrutiny on clubs over noise, safety, and licensing issues, it remains to be seen how the underground music scene will adapt and evolve. In the meantime, Loophole's final epic party before closing permanently is a testament to the resilience and spirit of Berlin's music community.
The closure of Loophole, a popular arts collective and music venue in Neukoelln, has made a significant impact on Berlin's lifestyle, extending to home-and-garden, entertainment, and music sectors. Despite the challenges, the team remains hopeful and is hosting a solidarity party on July 26, featuring performers like Sean Nicolas Savage and Molly Nielson.
