Nashville music venue The Basement East among tornado damage–UPDATE
Late Monday night and early Tuesday, strong storms and at least one tornado ripped through Nashville and other parts of Tennessee. The East and Germantown districts were hit especially hard.
One particular building, the iconic music venue Basement East, is just one of approximately 40 other buildings that completely collapsed. As of 9:25 a.m. EST, at least nine people have perished and over 20 are injured.
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The Basement East is the sister club to the iconic venue The Basement. The rock-centric venue was a staple for the musically-charged revitalization of rock and roll in East Tennessee. Now, unfortunately, most of the building stands in ruins.
Thankfully, however, all members of the staff are unharmed. They took shelter in the basement while the storms ravaged the building.
All staff working tonight are okay! Building sustained significant damage. #Nashville #Tornado
— The Basement East (@BasementEast) March 3, 2020
The Basement East, all but destroyed, its “I believe in Nashville” mural left untouched? pic.twitter.com/j5wrtfrWZD
— Rebecca Cardenas (@RebeccaWSMV) March 3, 2020
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Musicians of all kinds have shared their sentiments regarding the little rock venue, including Lzzy Hale of Halestorm and Ashley Purdy (formerly Black Veil Brides). Armor For Sleep who just announced a 15-year anniversary tour for What To Do When You Are Dead, and were set to play the venue also shared their sentiments.
Our hearts go out to the lovely owners of one of the best Rock centric venues in our city @thebasementeast . And to everyone affected by the Tornado that ravaged Nashville last night. photo by @brettcarlsonphotography
Hey everyone! Most importantly we’re happy everyone is ok!! Basement East sustained significant damage from a tornado last night, And for those planning on attending the Dick Jr. show on April 20th we’ll be updating ya’ll as soon as we know the plan!! https://t.co/IoEAE2DRpF
— Jason Manns (@jasonmanns) March 3, 2020
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I’m Safe. Thanks for the concerns. ?? This is the tornado that went thru Nashville and the main part of East Nashville and #5Points where music venues are, including basementeast that was destroyed. ??… https://t.co/wwZfd0Rf5P
— ☆ ?????? ????? ☆ (@AshleyPurdy) March 3, 2020
Dashboard Confessional also posted about their home.
Waking up in Detroit to news back home in Nashville of a devastating tornado just northwest of where I live. 6 deaths so far. Buildings gone. Power out. Danger has passed but the reality of the destruction, injuries, and death is heavy. Reaching out to all my people. Hearing back from most. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones or have lost homes. The world can change in the blink of an eye. Take care of each other.
Most recently, Hayley Williams of Paramore updated everyone on her status.
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bc people are asking – the guys and i, our friends, and families are all safe. thanks for caring and reaching out. so many people are without power, or worse, without a home at all. my heart just kinda wont stop sinking today for our community. thanks again for sending us love.
bc people are asking – the guys and i, our friends, and families are all safe. thanks for caring and reaching out.
so many people are without power, or worse, without a home at all. my heart just kinda wont stop sinking today for our community. thanks again for sending us love.
— hayley from Paramore ? (@yelyahwilliams) March 3, 2020
Our home was damaged by a tornado tonight. Absolutely gutted for the crew at @BasementEast tonight. Hope they’re all safe & sound.
Not sure who took this photo as it was sent to me on fb.
Thoughts are with the Basement East crew now more than ever. ? pic.twitter.com/c1ULeQW0nA— S.U.P. (@sup_graps) March 3, 2020
Basement East is gone… This is so sad. I really hope no one was seriously injured tonight but the damage is extensive here in Nashville… pic.twitter.com/O2cIsXyeRE
— The Head & The Heart (@headandtheheart) March 3, 2020
We are okay, but a major tornado just hit near us in Nashville and a lot of incredible businesses and homes are completely destroyed. Please pray for Nashville ?
— Doug The Pug (@itsdougthepug) March 3, 2020
Thinking of everyone in Nashville right now, including the Basement East, where many bands we cover have played ? https://t.co/7R9rYGnmao
— Lambgoat (@lambgoat) March 3, 2020
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Sending love & support to our friends and neighbors who have been tragically effected by last night’s tornado. TMR Nashville will be closed today. Let’s take a moment to hug those you love and to help some folks in your community that you may not know… Love, Third Man Records
— Third Man Records (@thirdmanrecords) March 3, 2020
Incredibly, the “I Believe In Nashville” mural was completely untouched. Currently officers who specialize in urban search and rescue are responding to the disaster and visiting all 40 reported collapsed building.
We hope everyone involved has the support they need and we grieve for those who were lost to this devastating storm in Nashville and the rest of the state.
UPDATE: MARCH 3, 2020, 10:50 A.M. ET
The death toll has unfortunately risen to be at least 19 people. Governor Bill Lee also said that at least 30 rescue workers have been injured.
“It is heartbreaking,” Lee said. “We have had loss of life all across the state. Four different counties, as of this morning, had confirmed fatalities.”
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