Photo by Rob Wallace
Beloved Southern California music venue Chain Reaction has announced they will be closing their doors after nearly 30 years. Opening as Public Storage Coffee Lounge in the late 90s, the intimate venue bookending an unassuming strip mall in Anaheim, CA. has become part of the fabric of alternative music and culture - helping to launch the careers of massive artists ranging from My Chemical Romance to Avenged Sevenfold and so many more.
As a testament to the kind of significance the venue holds, back in 2022, Chain Reaction faced almost certain closure amid the fallout of the Coronavirus pandemic. The lack of revenue and the uncertainty of live music for smaller venues moving forward made for an inauspicious outlook - such that the venues owners announced they would reluctantly close the doors.
As a result, a grassroots effort from bands like Stick To Your Guns, Knocked Loose, Counterparts, Rotting Out and Terror were among many that leveraged their platform to help raise funds to keep the venue from shuttering. Affiliate businesses like Violent Gentlemen, BlackCraft Cult and even Ambitious Ales made limited edition Chain Reaction items ranging from hoodies to cans of craft beer - all in an effort to ensure the all ages institution remained a part of Southern California's live music landscape.
The way the community galvanized around the venue for the same cause served as an important testament to the importance of Chain - a destination that for nearly three decades nurtured live music spanning from up and coming local bands to the future mainstage superstars.
Sadly, the resurgence would only span a few years.
Chain Reaction owners have announced that this month will see the final performances at the cherished venue. Confirming the news via their social media channels, the venue expressed their gratitude for nearly 30 years and confided that the decision to close the doors was not one taken lightly.
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.
For the ceremonious final shows at Chain Reaction, Orange County's own Movements will host two consecutive nights on December 18th and 19th along with special guests, Militarie Gun. The pair of shows underscore an important narrative that has been central to Chain Reaction from the start - nurturing the next generation of headliners - from budding prospects to proven draws.
Movements make for a perfect ending to the venue's historic run. Tickets for the final two shows will be available starting December 10th at the venue box office only. There is a 2 ticket limit per person (per show) and ID is required for purchase. ID must match for entry to ensure the real fans get one last go 'round.
Fans can purchase the print of the Chain Forever print from photographer Rob Wallace - HERE
