Roxy & Dukes has announced that it will close.
It’s not a good time to be an independent, music-related business in New Jersey. Less than a week after the Vintage Vinyl record store in Fords announced that it will be closing, the Roxy & Dukes Roadhouse nightclub in Dunellen — an important venue for the state’s indie-rock, punk, metal and rockabilly groups, as well as its burlesque acts — announced that it, too, will not be able to reopen, after being closed throughout the pandemic.
“Roxy & Dukes Roadhouse is no more,” owner Jim Parks posted today on his Facebook page, echoing Monty Python’s beloved “Dead Parrot Sketch.” “It has passed on. Bereft of life. It has shed it mortal coil. This is an ex-nightclub.
“To all those that performed here and patronized us, thank you. You are forever a part of this shared experience.”
This is not exactly a big surprise as Parks confirmed before the pandemic — in December 2019 — that major changes were coming for the club.
Parks also posted, today: “Now on to my next bit of business, this Saturday and Sunday we will be clearing out the space. If anyone would like to purchase any items like furniture, wall hangings, kitchen equipment, etc., we will be at the club from Noon to 8pm. … I will be taking reasonable offers on most items. Of course i will be taking some myself.”
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