Andrew W.K.’s NYC Club Santos Party House Closed Amid Neo-Nazi Controversy

Downtown New York City venue Santos Party House, owned in part by Andrew W.K. and Despot, has closed, DNA Info reports and Event Coordinator Jackalyn Tipchaieuh confirms. Last night, Santos Party House hosted the second night of NYC Oi! Fest, a punk festival with ties to neo-Nazis that has been condemned by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The festival had been moved to Santos from Black Bear Bar in Williamsburg. The club has not yet issued an official statement, and it has not been confirmed that the closing had anything to do with the controversy around NYC Oi! Fest. 

Manager Sean Kane was quoted by DNA Info as saying, “It was a 10 year lease. Our lease is up and we’re not renewing it.” An auto-reply email from Tipchaieuh said, “Our last day open will be Sunday – May 29th, 2016. If you have an event after the previously mentioned date, please consider it cancelled.”

Pitchfork has reached out to Andrew W.K.’s team for comment. On Twitter, Despot denied any knowledge of the booking of NYC Oi! Fest in advance and stated that he tried to put a stop to it once he was made aware. He did not comment on the club’s closing.

@newyorkyearzero I’d love for you to explain how what you’re doing is NOT hate mongering. I know nothing about this event.

— Despot (@despotroast) May 29, 2016

@newyorkyearzero had nothing to do with the booking. I’m Jewish. My middle name is Israel. Go yell at someone else.

— Despot (@despotroast) May 29, 2016

Today on the Internet: I’m a Neo nazi.

— Despot (@despotroast) May 30, 2016

@rebel_real lost nearly all my money in that club. never made one cent. there will be no apology from me. I had no involvement or knowledge.

— Despot (@despotroast) May 30, 2016

@rebel_real beyond that, once I was made aware I tried to put a stop to it and was ignored.

— Despot (@despotroast) May 30, 2016

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