i wont buy it until they start booking black metal.

The original Prophet Bar on Commerce Street was actually called that well before Russ Hobbs ever turned to Christianity.

The word "Prophet" wasn't even a nod to Jesus Christ, but to all of the "prophets" (his word) who performed in the neighborhood at the time: Rev. Horton Heat, HR from Bad Brains, Alex Moore and the Legendary Revelations, Shallow Reign, Gibby Haynes from Butthole Surfers, Screamin' Jay Hawkins... people like that.

Russ honestly thought that these people were subversive visionaries. The name made perfect sense at the time.

I actually like the fact that Russ has renamed that space on Elm Street after the original Prophet Bar. In a way, it's a good metaphor for his own path coming full circle.

It's a great little room. Hopefully he can recapture the essence of the old Prophet Bar. The neighborhood really needs it.

I played at the Prophet Bar about a month or two ago, and while I didn't really expect to enjoy it, it was one of the better venues I've played in recent months. In fact, I'll soon be playing on one of these relatively-confusing "Prophet Bar in the Ballroom" shows.

Either way, it's nice to see strides being made to return the Tearoom/Ballroom into semi-relevant venues rather than just a larger stage for The Door and the (by-and-large) uninteresting shows they book.

And, without trying to stir up much trouble, any change to the former-Rock Steady (now The Door Plano) will be a positive one. The previous owner made no effort to book interesting bands, have working equipment, or generally do much more than play computer solitaire. I dare say that the pop-punk and metalcore loving kids of Plano deserve better, so hopefully Hobbs can provide that.

I'm not so sure the Prophet Bar booking non-Christian shows is really a new thing.
The Murder Junkies played there not too long ago and GBH is booked to play very soon.
Both bands are far from Christian acts.

Also, I'm not certain hiring a bartender from a Lower Greenville meat market is really the best way to tap into some great shows. I would expect many more "pay to play" shows with a few decent headliners here and there. The sad thing about the larger shows is that the most radio friendly "battle of the bands" types will be the ones to get the opening spots.

Good thing we still have fun shows being booked my Da Da and Bar of Soap and even Reno's!

This is great news.

The Door (in Deep Ellum) is a great venue. But unfortunately, due to the type of bands it normally books, it has been ignored by those that can actually bring $$ to a venue– the 'over 21' crowd.

A venue with that much potential shouldn't be wasted on high school garage bands posing as "Christian acts" just to get the opportunity to play on a huge stage with their botox injected moms working their merch booths... which is the impression I've gotten the 2-3 times I've been there.

I always thought it was kind of silly that one of the largest music venues in deep ellum was a 'Christian' , 'all-ages' venue.

I agree. Keep that stuff in Plano! It makes a lot more sense. Besides... we don't want the good Prestonwoodians of the burbs to be corrupted by the EE-vils of Deep Ellum anyway, now do we?

Their pastors can handle that.

Back sliding is a term for negative actions of the sort which does not apply to the addition of "non Christian" shows at the Prophet Bar. These types of shows which include local headliners as well as regional and national acts have been a part of this venue and the slight lapse in coverage has been noted. Enter Stephen Benavides.
When I think of a no name I think someone who has zero experince and might have very little idea of the "booking" market. This term does not include an 8year clasically trained musician that has headlined most of Dallas venues in years past and has personal contacts with local headliners as well connections with national agents.