Breaking News: Antone’s Management is Back in the Hands of the Man Who Made the Club

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After completing their three-year contract at year’s end, Direct Events management will be relinquishing booking duties back to club founder Clifford Antone, who will also be responsible for lead management.

Direct Events helped stabilize the club after Antone endured some legal troubles. But the club will back in the rightful hands of the owner, who opened the live music venue in 1975.

Antone is obviously excited to be back in charge and expressed his gratitude towards the folks at DE for their help. “I’ll always appreciate the help that Direct Events has given to the club,” Antone said.

So, what do you think this will do to the shows we can expect to see at one of our favorite venues?

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By matthewodam in Arts & Entertainment on November 15, 2005 4:46 PM 0 Comments

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madison

Thanks me too. And..... you called me madtown? Did you come to the diner that one time???

odam

hope you get in, madtown.

i read "needless to say" as "needles to say" at first.

ah, good times

madison

I'm on a waitlist for a class at UT called Blues according to C. Antone, and I really want to get in. Not only will I learn something about my dad (he played at Antones almost every day back at the start and helped bring some legends to texas/make some texas legends), but I'll also learn a lot about drug smuggling!!! Heh, needless to say, I'm so excited. It should be a hoot and a half.

Ruben

My problem with Antone's under DE management wasn't so much the bookings as it was the culture. For years, I was on a first name basis with most of that staff. Those guys really knew how to treat their best customers. It wasn't all about the music, sometimes it was just the perks. They'd slide you a free beer, or get you into a crowded show, or just run up from behind and tackle you for no good reason other than to say hi. They treated a lot of people well, maybe too well. (That's my name on the '$20 charge for all walked tabs, except for...' sign)

Once DE took over, they fired or chased out the top guys in some apparent 'housecleaning' effort, brought in their own management and a whole different culture. Mostly corporate, no-nonsense, no favoritism for your best customers because shit, you're at the World Famous Antone's and you will be back. Most of the staff I knew high-tailed it out of there shortly after.

It really didn't help DE's cause that they also booked the shows at some of the other venues in town. The acts themselves didn't seem all that different, but honestly, I don't think it mattered to DE which venue an act would play - LZR, Antone's, they got paid either way. Their grip on the stage scene was an effective monopoly, and it watered down what it meant to play an Antone's show. That was fucking miserable to see.

Clifford represents the exact opposite. People go to Antone's to be in his good company, and acts play Antone's because Cliff asks them to. It all stems from his enthusiasm and his track record. This club needs him more than ever, booking acts, picking staff, making the rounds on the floor. Getting people excited about being in the club again. Blah blah etc.

I'm thrilled that he's finally, truly, back, and hopeful that he boots out those fucking zombies asap.