One of The Sunset Strip’s most notable live music venues, the Key Club, will close on Friday. The club hosted its final night of performances on Monday and its “End of an Era” Closing Party.

Key Club in West Hollywood hosted its final performances and an “end of an era” party on Monday night. (photo by Aaron Blevins)

The property that houses the Key Club, located at 9039 Sunset Blvd., will eventually become a new venue, though the club’s operators have been mum on their upcoming project. Officials have not conducted interviews about the club’s closing, according to its public relations firm.

“In the coming months, our space will become a new project, which I encourage you to check out,” operations manager Ian Shepp said in a letter to fans. “Until then, we’re going out with a bang. …We’ll be making sure the Key Club’s last night on The Sunset Strip is nothing short of legendary.”

The venue on Sunday hosted the “Hip-Hop Homage to Key Club”, and on Monday, the closing party commenced with performances and complimentary champagne. Patrons were able to write their favorite memories of the club on its walls with a Sharpie.

The Key Club had participated in the Sunset Strip Music Festival since the festival’s inception five years ago. The executive director of the festival, Todd Steadman, lamented the loss of the venue, but said the festival will accommodate.

“I’m confident that everything will work out with the festival in consideration of that space over there,” he said.

Additionally, Steadman, who is also the director of the Sunset Strip Business Association, said he is sure that the new entity that fills the Key Club space will complement the boulevard.

“We’re sorry to lose the Key Club,” he said. “Music is a part of the DNA of The Sunset Strip. It’s important to retain and nurture that experience on the boulevard.”

Nic Adler, the owner of The Roxy, was also sorry to hear the news of the Key Club’s closure. He said he’s managed bands for years, and some of his bands’ biggest shows were at the venue.

“Personally, I definitely feel it’s a loss,” Adler said, adding that the more music and entertainment on The Strip, the better it is for all the area businesses.

He said he is looking forward to “new energy” coming to the boulevard, and he referenced new bars and restaurants opening in the area.

“I’m upset that my good friends at the Key Club are gone, but at the same time, I am confident that whatever goes in there will complement everything that’s going on at The Sunset Strip,” Adler said.

He said he felt that the Key Club never quite “found its soul.” Once known as Billboard Live, the venue made its fair share of changes over the years, Adler said.

“It was always trying to find itself,” he said, adding that The Strip could use a good dance club. “I personally think that would complement the great music and restaurants that we have.”

Adler feels good about the future of The Strip, despite the loss. He said the boulevard has seen many clubs and restaurants come and go, and yet The Sunset Strip continues to thrive.

“It’s still, at the end of the day, The Sunset Strip,” Adler added.

In his letter, Shepp said it has been an honor and privilege for the staff to share their passion of music with the Key Club’s patrons.

“We hope that you will continue to support the remaining independent live music venues on The Sunset Strip — our neighbors at The Roxy, The Whisky and The Viper Room,” he wrote. “Rock on, and thanks for the incredible ride.”

West Hollywood planning manager John Keho said no one from the Key Club has contacted the city to change its planning permits. He said the current permits allow for a nightclub, so if the owners comply with those conditions, there will be no need to alter its planning permits.