When the Brick's operators say they won't compete head-to-head with First Avenue, there may be reason to believe them. Two good reasons, actually.
THE QUEST
What was it? Housed in the two-story Warehouse District space where Epic is now, it was loaded up with rock shows in the early '00s courtesy of Clear Channel's concert arm (now Live Nation). Like the Brick's owner AEG, Clear Channel also operated Target Center at the time.
What happened? It was so ambitious with its bookings that First Ave suffered several unprofitable years and went through a bankruptcy and ownership battle in 2004. But live-music fans never warmed to the former dance-club space (Prince's Glam Slam) and many would-be headliners stayed faithful to First Ave. The city fined it and shut it down over various violations in 2005. A 2006 fire nailed the coffin.
MYTH
What was it? This Maplewood megaclub has reopened under new ownership, but it's a shadow of its former self. Veteran bar owner Mike Ogren invested about $15 million to convert a former Just for Feet store into the biggest and most hi-fi club around in 2005. Acts ranging from Mötley Crüe and Marilyn Manson to First Ave mainstays such as Rancid and Motörhead played it, also with Clear Channel's help.
What happened? Generally well-liked for its sightlines and sound, Myth arguably suffered from its suburban strip-mall location. It certainly suffered from ownership issues. Convicted auto dealer Denny Hecker was a landlord and Ogren himself was convicted of felony theft by swindle.
