Well Dries Up
East Austin punk and metal venue faces potential sale and closure
A cash offer has reportedly been made for the building housing the Lost Well.
Austin's punk and metal communities could be losing a venue many say is crucial to the scene.
On August 4, Marcello Murphy – owner of The Lost Well, located on Webberville Road in East Austin – posted on his personal Facebook page that the bar could be closing soon.
Murphy's post included a screenshot of a text message he received from Raul Aguilar, the property's owner. It stated that Aguilar had received an offer to sell and was in talks to move forward with the sale.
"I guess when it's finalized, we have 60 days to move out because they sold the property," Murphy told KVUE.
Aguilar said the situation is nothing personal – it's a business decision. He told KVUE he has "nothing but respect" for The Lost Well and the venue was given the first right of refusal to buy the property, but nothing materialized.
"During the course of their [tenancy], I've received multiple offers," Aguilar said. "Times have changed, Austin has changed – just visualize the area where [The] Lost Well is located."
Aguilar said he is meeting with a representative from the potential buyer this week to resolve certain provisions on the contract, adding that "just like any contract, it's not official until both parties agree and confirm with their signature."
"The friendliest bar you've ever been scared to walk into"
A few hours after Murphy's announcement on his page, The Lost Well posted to Facebook and Instagram, sharing a photo of a mural at the venue, with just a black heart emoji as the caption.
From there, the reactions have poured in. Both posts have dozens of comments from community members who are upset by the venue's possible closure. Commenters called The Lost Well the best metal bar or venue in Austin, one of the last of its kind and their "favorite place in town."
Even The Lost Well's fellow venues have paid their respects – The Side Bar commented, "So sorry y'all" on The Lost Well's Instagram post while Yellow Jacket Social Club responded with emojis of a wilted rose and a broken heart.
Both Murphy and Alyssa Leigh – who has played in bands at the venue since it opened 11 years ago – say The Lost Well served as a place of acceptance and community.
"They see a bunch of spiky-haired people, but then they come in and realize, 'Oh, you're about to get hugged and loved,'" Leigh said.
"The motto is 'be nice or go home,' you know?" Murphy said. "We don't have very many jerks that come through here. Everybody's real sweet."
--
Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri