After 19 years, Rubber Gloves will shut its doors

Matt Payne | Features Editor

@MattePaper

Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios said in a Facebook post Wednesday that it will close June 5 after 19 years of providing a concert venue for hundreds of artists.

The announcement comes five months after Hailey’s Club shut its doors. Rubber Gloves has not made an official statement on whether the current space will repurpose itself or host another business.

Its closure affects previously booked shows for June and beyond, but Rubber Gloves stated in its Facebook post it was preparing “pretty great surprise shows” throughout the month of May, and the artists would be announced as details are worked out.

For Matt Battaglia – co-founder of booking agency Monocle Inc. and local music festival Oaktopia – the loss of Rubber Gloves is the loss of a classic scene in Denton where he attended some of the best concerts he’s been to.

“I think it’s the most legendary venue Denton has to offer,” Battaglia said. “Especially considering the amount of shows they produce, nobody has been able to match their caliber.”

He said Denton musicians will have to evolve beyond the era of Hailey’s and Rubber Gloves. The loss of Rubber Gloves will not affect forthcoming events in September for Oaktopia.

“We’re all sad about this, but we’ve got to roll with the punches,” Battaglia said. “I hope somebody opens up a new venue in [Rubber Gloves’] place to attract acts both in town and out of town.”

Rubber Gloves staff expressed their own shock at the sudden closure via their Facebook post, but has committed to updating the community as more information becomes available.

Featured Image: File Photo