Asbury Park venue The Saint is for sale after its 25-year run

The Saint, which was one of the last independent music venues still open in Asbury Park, was raising money to stay open a few years ago, but now the venue -- which has hosted shows for 25 years -- is on sale. Asbury Park Press reports:

The iconic Saint music nightclub in Asbury Park, which has hosted everyone from local bands to Bruce Springsteen, is for sale.

The name and liquor license of the Main Street venue are for sale, posted co-owner Meg Donoghue Kelly on her Facebook page on Saturday. The building that houses the Saint is owned by 601 Main Street Asbury LLC., according to tax records.

“We deeply regret this decision and never imagined we would go out like this but can't think of another way around it. Love and rockets. - The Saint,” the post states.

The Saint, which opened in 1994 and was celebrating its 25th anniversary, was last open on the weekend of March 13.

“My heart is really heavy — I feel like Robin without Batman,” said Peter Mantas, the entertainment director of the Langosta Lounge and the Asbury Park Yacht Club on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. Mantas and Saint co-owner Scott Stamper operated the former T-Birds Cafe on Main Street in Asbury Park from 1991 to '94. “We were like Batman and Robin when we opened T-Birds in 1991. Asbury Park was like a ghost town. I have faith that music will let us all rise all together — Scotty ain’t done yet.”

Let's hope Mantas is right. Stay tuned for any further updates on this story.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been launched to try to help save the venue. It reached over half of its $50k goal in the first day. It reads:

The COVID-19 pandemic marks an unprecedented time in modern history that will require the best of humanity to overcome.

Your donation to this fund will help support monetary relief to The Saint, a vulnerable, iconic music venue located in Asbury Park, facing one of the most challenging times we have collectively faced.

All money raised will go to the Saint in Asbury Park and defender of all things live music.

Funds are being collected with the intention to provide support to the Saint however needed, or to purchase outright so it may survive on as it should with integrity.

The GoFundMe includes this campaign video too:

Co-owner Meg Donoghue Kelly also showed her appreciation for the fundraiser:

And here's her original for-sale announcement: