Legendary Texas Venue, Prickly Elder, Is Closing For Good
Since arriving in El Paso, Texas in May 2023, my time has been dedicated to the local music scene here in The Sun City. All of my past times and my best friends, and even my work on KISS FM has been centered around music! I have had the chance to photograph some of the best local musicians and hang out in some of the coolest venues in the city. Unfortunately, I haven't been here long enough to know every space here in El Paso as intimately as I would like.
Luckily, I meet people every day that know more and more about the local music scene here and with each story, I realize just how incredible our city really is when it comes to the passion for music. As some of you may have seen, The Prickly Elder, a legendary bar and venue for local music is closing. Some of you may even know it as "Grandmas House" because of the quirky and unique décor. I only got to spend a few nights at Prickly Elder, but the energy was palpable.
As I was scrolling through Instagram, I found a post by a community organization dedicated to changing the relationship people have to El Paso's nightlife called Lunar Rituals. Chris Terry of Lunar Rituals wrote so passionately about Prickly Elder and what they offered to the local music community, I knew I had to reach out and share their powerful words.
The Legacy of Prickly Elder
"A few days ago, Prickly Elder, the beloved El Paso bar and gathering spot, announced that after almost ten years of operation, it would be closing its doors. Though the reasons behind the closure remain unclear, the announcement has left patrons wondering what’s next—and where the next creative space will be.
Prickly Elder first opened its doors in 2015, quickly becoming a cornerstone of El Paso’s alternative culture. The venue carved out a unique space in the local nightlife scene, providing a sanctuary for creatives, artists, and anyone seeking something outside the mainstream. It was more than just a bar; it was a home for alternative expression, music, and community.
Over the years, hundreds of artists—from underground musicians to up-and-coming producers—have graced its stage. Local legends like Dick Johnson and collectives such as SoulfulxNature made their mark there, performing for crowds who valued authenticity and artistic integrity. Prickly Elder became a launchpad for talent, where raw, experimental sounds could flourish without the pressures of commercial success. It wasn’t just about entertainment; it was about providing a space where local artists could thrive and be heard, which aligned perfectly with the mission of Lunar Rituals. It was, in essence, a living, breathing example of the things we champion: inclusivity, community, and the elevation of emerging talent.
The venue’s patrons were just as diverse as the artists who performed there. The crowd at Prickly Elder was a mix of creatives, musicians, and free thinkers—people who weren’t interested in the cookie-cutter club experiences found elsewhere in the city. Instead, they sought an environment that welcomed individuality and fostered a sense of belonging. Whether it was locals coming together to unwind or newcomers experiencing El Paso’s alternative culture for the first time, Prickly Elder became a meeting point for those who longed for something real and different.
The venue’s charm also came from its nostalgic, quirky décor, evoking the warmth of "grandma’s house," a place where you could feel both comfortable and inspired. It was a throwback to simpler times, and in many ways, it served as a reminder of the importance of local community spaces in a world that often feels disconnected. This warmth and authenticity were key reasons Prickly Elder attracted a loyal following. In fact, it even garnered somewhat of a cult status, with meme accounts like “Prickly Affirmations” popping up on Instagram, along with the occasional celebrity visit, including a stop by the cast of Jersey Shore. These unique touches helped solidify Prickly Elder as a venue that was truly one-of-a-kind in El Paso.
For Lunar Rituals, Prickly Elder was not just a venue; it was the birthplace of our community. It was where our vision of creating inclusive spaces for emerging talent to shine came to life. It felt like home, and the energy in that space was palpable—a reflection of the creative spirit that was fostered there every night. The music, the people, and the stories shared within those walls helped shape what Lunar Rituals is today.
However, spaces like Prickly Elder are fleeting. Before it, there was Black Market, and before that, Club Dedo—each leaving a lasting impact on the El Paso scene, but all eventually closing their doors. As with all creative spaces, they come and go, but the connections they create endure. Communities are held together not by buildings, but by the relationships, memories, and shared experiences they foster. And while it remains uncertain where the "next" Prickly Elder will be, one thing is clear: the community built around it isn't going anywhere.
We’re deeply grateful to have been part of the journey that Prickly Elder represented, and as a tribute, Lunar Rituals will host one final event at the venue on November 27. This special event will be a celebration of everything Prickly Elder stood for: a haven for the bold, a space for artists, and a gathering spot for a community that values creativity and inclusion."
-Chris Terry, Lunar Rituals
You can check out the original Instagram post from Lunar Rituals yourself and hopefully follow them, maybe you'll stumble upon the next incredible incredible venue while you're at it.
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