Saint Vitus Bar

Did the walls of Saint Vitus Bar ever tremble? They certainly did. They trembled with the raw energy of countless metal bands. They trembled under the weight of mosh pits. Saint Vitus Bar, nestled in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood, was more than just a bar. It was a sanctuary for metalheads, a haven for the loud and the heavy. Opened in April 2011, Saint Vitus Bar quickly became a cornerstone of the metal scene. Its 2,500 square feet held a capacity of 250 people. Every inch pulsed with the lifeblood of metal music. The bar was the brainchild of Arty Shepherd, Justin Scurti, and George Souleidis, along with two silent partners. They transformed a former plumbing school, and before that a social club, into this iconic venue. They even chose the name “Saint Vitus” as a nod to the doom metal band, a Bauhaus and Black Sabbath song, and the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. The very first show at Saint Vitus Bar featured the band Liturgy on May 6, 2011. Just a year later, the band Saint Vitus themselves graced the stage. The venue became known for its unique atmosphere and its ability to attract both big names and up-and-coming artists. Even the surviving members of Nirvana played a secret show there in 2014, after their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Imagine Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic sharing the stage with Joan Jett, J Mascis, Annie Clark, John McCauley, and Kim Gordon in this intimate setting. Saint Vitus Bar also hosted a variety of events. From metal yoga sessions led by Metal Yoga Bones to art shows curated by Karlynn Holland, there was always something unique happening. The music video for St. Vincent’s “Fast Slow Disco” was even filmed there. Sadly, in February 2024, the New York City Department of Buildings shut down Saint Vitus Bar due to multiple violations. While the organizers held shows at other venues under the banner “Saint Vitus Presents,” the original location never reopened its doors. In August 2024, the owners officially announced its permanent closure. Saint Vitus Bar might be gone, but its legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its raw energy and unwavering dedication to the metal community.