Mercy Lounge, one of the favorite music venues in Nashville and a breeding ground for many artists who went on to national and international success, closed its doors for the last time last night (19). The final show was headlined by Lilly Hiatt, with Coley and special guests, 24 hours after the Cadillac Three had made a similarly emotional farewell to the night spot, situated at 1 Cannery Row.
The venue is part of a trio of connected venues, with the High Watt and the Cannery Ballroom, in the southern downtown area of Nashville, and has been a popular music location since 2003. All three are located in the historic Cannery building, which dates from 1883. Last September, it was announced that the complex would close its doors in May, when the leases expire. The owners have expressed their wish for the area to remain music-based, with announcements expected in due course.
Artists from many music genres have played shows at the Mercy Lounge early in their rise to stardom, including Adele, Lizzo, and Katy Perry. It has also hosted intimate shows by existing stars such as Bon Jovi and John Fogerty.
‘This is where we all started’
MusicRow.com reports that Cadillac Three frontman Jaren Johnston told the crowd at their show: “We’re gonna try not to talk too much. I’m gonna take my glasses off and look every one of you in the eye and say that this room right here means a lot to us. This is where we all started. Ever since we played this room, we’ve been all across the world many times. It’s amazing where you get your start and a lot of people forget that sh**.”
He continued: “Tonight is the second night before this thing closes down and I just want to say thank you for having us, Mercy Lounge. Thank you for helping us start our career. Thank you Music City for being with us this whole time representing whatever the f*** we’ve been doing for the last 20 years…we are the Cadillac Three and this is Mercy Lounge.”
