Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Best of HMS Podcasts - Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Host: John Holmberg
Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Release Date: December 31, 2024
Station: 98 KUPD | Hubbard Radio

Episode Overview

In this special "Best of HMS Podcasts" episode, aired on December 31, 2024, John Holmberg and his co-hosts delve into the surprising announcement that BS West, a cornerstone of Arizona's LGBTQ+ nightlife, is closing its doors after 35 years of operation. The discussion navigates through the potential reasons behind the closure, its impact on the local community, and the future landscape of gay bars in the Valley.

BS West Announces Its Closure

The episode kicks off with Bret Vesely introducing the unexpected news that BS West, a prominent gay bar located in Old Town Scottsdale, is shutting down this weekend. Brett remarks on the suddenness of the announcement:

Bret Vesely [00:58]: "After 35 years in the Valley abruptly closing its doors."

This revelation sets the stage for an in-depth conversation among the hosts about the implications for the local LGBTQ+ community.

Reasons Behind the Closure

The hosts speculate on the factors contributing to BS West's closure. While rent increases and financial pressures are suggested, Brett expresses skepticism about financial struggles being the sole reason:

Bret Vesely [04:23]: "Why is it closing and why did no one know?... BS West was packed full. They weren't losing money unless the gays just stopped going."

Larry and Wayne add their perspectives, considering possibilities like the owner's retirement or unforeseen circumstances:

Larry [04:03]: "So something's going on."

Wayne [04:15]: "Maybe it's gotta be if they're announcing it that they're gonna close it right on Sunday."

Despite these theories, the exact cause remains unclear, leaving room for further speculation.

Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community

The closure of BS West is portrayed as a significant loss for Arizona's gay community. Brett laments the scattering effect it will have, comparing it to the disruption caused when a familiar establishment shuts down:

Bret Vesely [04:04]: "They're gonna have some sort of celebratory close the streets moment."

The hosts discuss the role BS West has played as a safe and vibrant space for LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing its importance over the past three and a half decades.

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

Brett shares personal memories and experiences from BS West, highlighting its enduring popularity and the camaraderie it fostered:

Bret Vesely [05:17]: "BS west was packed full. We'd get there at, you know, eight at night, packed full. We'd leave at two in the morning."

Wayne recalls his visits in the late '90s and early 2000s, reminiscing about the inclusive atmosphere and the ease with which patrons could connect:

Wayne [17:38]: "Like John was talking about in the 90s. I went a couple of times."

These narratives underscore the deep-rooted significance of BS West within the community.

Future Outlook and Community Response

The hosts brainstorm potential successors and alternatives to BS West, contemplating the establishment of new gay bars to fill the void left by its closure. Brett suggests the possibility of KDKB launching a gay bar:

Bret Vesely [04:46]: "Guys, you need to start the KDKB bar. There's an opening."

Larry and Diane contribute ideas for new establishments, emphasizing the need for inclusive and welcoming spaces:

Larry [12:10]: "Those drivers would call that area the Rock and things that rhyme with rock bars. Now that it's closing, I'm sure the guys will head to a New Town saloon."

The conversation reflects a sense of resilience and optimism about the community's ability to adapt and thrive despite the loss of BS West.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a collective sense of nostalgia and hope. The hosts honor the legacy of BS West, acknowledging its pivotal role in shaping Arizona's LGBTQ+ nightlife. They express confidence that new venues will emerge to continue fostering the spirit of community and inclusivity that BS West embodied.

Bret Vesely [18:44]: "I'm curious about why it's closing, but again, yeah, I admire the gays for that kind of stuff."

John Holmberg closes the discussion by reaffirming the station's commitment to keeping listeners informed and engaged with the evolving dynamics of Arizona's cultural landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Bret Vesely [00:58]: "After 35 years in the Valley abruptly closing its doors."
• Bret Vesely [04:04]: "They're gonna have some sort of celebratory close the streets moment."
• Wayne [17:38]: "Like John was talking about in the 90s. I went a couple of times."
• Bret Vesely [18:44]: "I'm curious about why it's closing, but again, yeah, I admire the gays for that kind of stuff."

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness provides a heartfelt exploration of BS West's closure, offering listeners a comprehensive look into its significance and the broader implications for Arizona's LGBTQ+ community.