Kevin Bronson on July 14th, 2020

0

Saint Rocke, a haven for west-of-the-405 live music for over a decade, won’t be back after the pandemic, at least not under the current ownership.

The Hermosa Beach venue is for sale, COO and co-founder Allen Sanford announced Monday. The venue’s marquee blared the news, while on social media Saint Rocke quoted Kenny Rogers: “Nothing lasts forever, and as our friend Kenny used to say — ‘You gotta know when to hold ’em, and know when to fold ’em.’ So much has happened and it’s so far from being over, that four childhood friends just couldn’t figure out how to make the music last through this pandemic. We’ve had thousands of shows here, and whatever moves in next will never take those memories away.”

The 300-capacity Saint Rocke opened in 2008 in a 1922 bank building at 147 Pacific Coast Highway. It had previously been a bar called the Pitcher House.

“Started Saint Rocke when I was much younger and hated going to Hollywood to listen to live music. I also was tired of hearing how good it was at The Strand in the ’80s … so without knowing anything about the music business, I opened Saint Rocke with some childhood friends and my brother. Felt like we were saving rock and roll, hence Saint Rocke,” Sanford wrote on his Facebook page. “So many unbelievable bands, so many great people met through the love of music, and life lessons learned that I’ll never forget — all through a place that I truly believe made the South Bay just a little bit better and nicer.

“This pandemic has been real,” adds Sanford, who also co-founded Redondo Beach’s BeachLife Festival, which launched in May 2019 (the 2020 fest has been canceled, but a 2021 return is planned for next May 21-23). “For all the small business owners that have struggled along, my heart is with you. And I hope that everyone else has a little patience with all of our restaurants and retail shops just trying to stay in business.”