I feel better now

The old Legends has met its fate with the wreckers

I feel better now. The long awaited move of Buddy Guy's Legends to its new home is finally complete. I must admit to having had anxiety over the impending change of address. I didn't want a new Legends. I had myself convinced that it won't be as good as the old Legends for any number of reasons. The memories of the great times at 754 South Wabash as well as the memorabilia for example. It was so easy for me to get to, being from the South Side. Would it move up to the North Side where there are already a lot of popular blues clubs? That would be as sad as when the band Chicago decided not to be based in Chicago anymore. I loved the staff at the old Legends and thought if they moved too far away, they would lose my favorites.

New Legends is 400 feet closer to the blues fest.

At the old Legends, the parking worked well for me. I'm old and fat, and certainly appreciated that I could park very near the old club. Another thing that being old does is that I resist change. I figure the only one who really likes change is a baby with a wet diaper. Another fear was that the old Legends would have to close before a new facility was ready. Then what?

What a beautiful bar!

As you know, Legends does in fact have a new home. I've been there and my anxiety is over. Sure I took my medicine, but it was a good move. It still has a very nice South Loop address. It's still on South Wabash. Hell, it still in the seven hundreds. They just moved up the block to 700 South Wabash. Why its even 400 feet closer to the annual blues fest. Even if I parked in my old spot it would be a very short hike to the front door. The new place is literally surrounded by parking. I am hoping some of the parking facilities change their closing hours to accommodate night people like myself.

There is much to like about Buddy Guy's new Legends. It is warm and attractive and retains all the charm of the old place. The blues memorabilia that graced the walls at 754 are joined by even more interesting guitars and pictures at 700. I am greeted by the same good looking staff, and it's always nice to have brand new washrooms. My favorite change is the stage visibility. Never again will we have the keyboard player hidden behind a thick black pole. There are no obstructions to the stage view at all. Gone also are the doors to the basement that would have to open into the crowd. The crowd however will still be there.

A charming feature at the new bar is the hundreds of blues photographs under the glass top of the bar. The sound, lighting and televisions are all welcome improvements as well. There is an upstairs that features party rooms and pool tables and of course, bars. Having such a nice place for events should keep event queen Isabelle Libman very busy.

I think the best compliment I can give the new Buddy Guy's Legends is that it made me forget the old one.  

This interview by ABC-7 Chicago has Buddy giving a tour of the new Legends.