ABOUT SAINT VITUS

The new location of Saint Vitus exists at the intersection of music, nightlife, and culture of modern-day NYC. Easily reached from Jefferson L stop in Bushwick, as well as within walking distance from where many of this community lives, Saint Vitus retains the creative energy of DIY and rock subcultures, upgraded with best in class sound and lights.

Lovingly referred to as “Vitus” by the community, we gave metal, hardcore, punk, noise and experimental artists a home in NYC when many traditional venues were focused on more commercially viable genres. Bands built their audiences on our stage, and playing at our space became a rite of passage for many—including heavy hitters wanting to do underplays and secret shows. The room connected the local heavy music scene to international and larger acts, allowing musicians to foster connection, reach new fans, and become fans of something perhaps unexpected for them. 

We’ve always been artist-driven, and have never taken merch cuts. We have hosted everything from markets, fitness classes, screenings, book signings, metal speed dating, weddings, and more, allowing those in rock subcultures to participate in community beyond just seeing their favorite bands in a small room.

THE FULL STORY

Since day one Saint Vitus' mission has been the same; provide a fun and uncompromising environment for the NYC underground music scene to hang out and create. Armed with this idea, longtime musicians/bartenders George Souleidis and Arty Shepherd decided to transform an old plumbing school in the depths of Greenpoint, Brooklyn into a sleek, dark, club called Saint Vitus. Truth be told, a lot of people thought they were nuts.

One person who believed in this wild idea was Arty's bandmate David Castillo, who was given free rein to book the stage in the bar's back room. Saint Vitus opened in 2011 with an ambitious slate of shows ranging from Metal, Punk, and Hardcore to Goth, Post Punk, and Industrial. Soon word started to spread about a metal bar in Greenpoint that was hosting up and coming bands like Deafheaven, Pallbearer, Mutoid Man, Negative Plane, Nothing, Incendiary, Chelsea Wolfe, Sannhet, and Krallice.

Bigger bands and media outlets took notice of Saint Vitus' unique show environment and curation. Saint Vitus has hosted some of the most prestigious bands in the world including Nirvana, The Descendents, Neurosis, Megadeth, Anthrax, Carcass, Killing Joke, Refused, Babes in Toyland, Sick of it All and many more.

Through closure in 2020, reopening in 2021, closure again in 2024, Vitus faced some uphill battles, but has endured due to the phenomenal support of its community and an unwavering commitment to the spirit that created it.  And as Saint Vitus moves forward, it does so with a new partner in the fold: EMP has been a part of the underground music scene and its community since the early 90s. She's been a longtime supporter of Saint Vitus and is excited to be a part of bringing it back and keeping it independent.

In our new location, Saint Vitus will continue to embody the spirit of where we started, and take the vision further with a little more space…and improved air conditioning!