The Double Door Podcast

The Double Door is a live music institution in Chicago... and after years of being shuddered in Wicker Park, it's getting ready to reopen in Uptown. Double Door owners and show co-hosts Sean Mulroney and Pete Bruce take you behind the scenes of renovating the classic Chicago building that will house the new Double Door and the preparations involved with reintroducing Double Door to the Chicago entertainment landscape.

Catching up after five months … (Episode 19) 01/17/2023

Catching up after five months … (Episode 19) The Double Door podcast is back! After a five month hiatus, Sean Mulroney and Pete Bruce reveal exciting news about the new Double Door facade… and they share information about a 5013c that the venue will be involved with. Also? Is a Halloween opening date possible? The guys think so. Catch up with the Double Door in this new episode. We promise more to come soon! /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/25617549

Why the 2-month break? What movie was being filmed? How did the vault get penetrated? (Episode 18) 08/30/2022

Why the 2-month break? What movie was being filmed? How did the vault get penetrated? (Episode 18) Why was there a two month break between episodes? That’s covered in this episode, but to oversimplify: Pete’s been too busy making things happen. Filmmaker Dan Stewart jumps on the episode right from the start, to talk about his movie, “Local Band.” As this episode was being recorded in the vault, the final scene of the movie was being shot upstairs in the main room. Oh yeah… the vault. We’re in. This episode was recorded in the newly-penetrated (heh) vault space in the basement, as we were surrounded by hundreds of vacant safe deposit boxes, dust and detritus. In between the usual updates and business, Sean and Pete trade classic rock close encounter stories. What happened when Sean ran into Jimmy Page? Which superstar did Pete stalk? And which pop metal singer was voted “most improved” after hiring a singing coach? The Double Door Podcast lets you behind the scenes as Double Door works to reopen in its new location, at 1050 W. Wilson, in the Uptown neighborhood in Chicago! /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/24191715

Don't try this at home: A Henry Rollins story for the ages (Episode 17) 06/28/2022

Don't try this at home: A Henry Rollins story for the ages (Episode 17) Shit’s getting real: Contracts are getting signed, and there’s an update to when the doors may open at the new Double Door. Also this week: Are Sean and Pete dysfunctional clients? Sean was approached by a very handsome man for his sartorial choices. Three pairs of pants remain unclaimed at the new space. There’s a temporary hold on live music/open houses at the new Double Door. Maybe foam parties are a good idea for the future? Should we all hang out in St. Charles? Will the “Wall of Shame” return? Fat Nut is gone, but not forgotten. We’re making KISS plans. A disgusting Henry Rollins story which may find its way into future episodes. Thanks for listening to the Double Door podcast. It’s available on the place you’re listening to it right now, obviously, but also everywhere else. If you like what you hear, let a friend know to subscribe. Find out more information by following the Double Door Facebook page or visiting doubledoor.com. /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/23538167

The plans are locked, and Double Door Records will spin (Episode 16) 05/31/2022

The plans are locked, and Double Door Records will spin (Episode 16) Sean and Pete casually put it out there that Double Door Records is going to be a thing, and James's head exploded. Also, the plans are locked: Let's get to the buildout! Finally, Pete brought some records for show and tell. As it turns out, he has great taste. /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/23250809

Siamese Double Door (Episode 15) 05/10/2022

Siamese Double Door (Episode 15) Smashing Pumpkins were a big part of the Double Door when the club was in Wicker Park. Well, it looks like history will repeat. Pete and Sean bonded with the Pumpkins while in Nashville last week, and share all the details. If nothing else, Pete learned that Billy Corgan is a Chicago badass. Also discussed: Threesomes and foursomes, a belated Happy Birthday to Pete, Pete’s sister is pretty and free vodka may become a fond memory of the early days of the new Double Door location. /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/23060084

Report card: reviewing the first 'Saturday show’ experience (Episode 14) 04/26/2022

Report card: reviewing the first 'Saturday show’ experience (Episode 14) So how did the first Saturday night show at Double Door turn out? There was a skateboard, some public drinking, a conversation with police and lots of deputies on patrol. Pete and Sean explain. Also, today is Tuesday April 26, and we’re officially in a week that could be an important one for the Double Door. There’s a lot happening and it’s happening fast at the new Double Door space. Thanks for listening to the Double Door podcast. /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/22895750

A break-in and a soon-to-end break in construction (Episode 13) 04/12/2022

A break-in and a soon-to-end break in construction (Episode 13) The new Double Door location at 1050 W. Wilson was broken into! The good news is that the only things inside worth stealing were a couple bottles of shitty vodka. Sean and Pete are expecting final plans any minute now, and that’s when the serious renovation for Phase 2 will kick in. Wear a hardhat. Also: Who doesn’t love rooftop fun? Double Door has some plans you’ll want to hear about. Tell a friend about the Double Door podcast, available on all platforms! /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/22740269

So long, Sunday Sessions (Episode 12) 03/08/2022

So long, Sunday Sessions (Episode 12) In Sean Mulroney’s absence, Double Door co-owner and podcast co-host Pete Bruce takes the reins and shares some big updates. Sean’s absence created a vacuum two people needed to fill. Stepping up to the co-host chair this week is Double Door friend and ally Johnny Party, while producer James VanOsdol helps guide the conversation toward some interesting revelations. Pete talks about what “Phase Two” of the demolition will involve, and teases some summertime plans that intensify the urgency to get things done. Pete mentions the goal of scoring some grant money to help put the pedal to the floor. Also, is a mural in the works for the Double Door building? Finally, this was teased in the last episode, but big changes are in the works for the Double Door Sunday Sessions. The beloved Sunday afternoon open houses are officially moving to Saturday nights, so we can help you supercharge your weekend fun. More details coming soon! /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/22359689

Let’s kill Saturday night. Maybe. (Episode 11) 02/22/2022

Let’s kill Saturday night. Maybe. (Episode 11) What if… just spitballing here… what if the Double Door Sunday Sessions was just the start, and live performances started to happen on the occasional Saturday night? That topic gets floated in this episode… and the episode is all about curation… and community. Sean Mulroney serves as the host for this one, as Pete Bruce was “under the weather” this week and couldn’t make the recording. Filling Pete’s shoes were Mack and James VanOsdol (it takes two people to replace Pete!). /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/22196525

The ‘outlaw hangout’ history of Double Door (Episode 10) 02/01/2022

The ‘outlaw hangout’ history of Double Door (Episode 10) Pete Bruce is on vacation this week, so Sean brought on Double Door partner Mike Carlson to participate in this week’s show. Sean talks about his long love affair with the Darkness, and the most outrageous FedEx delivery you can imagine. The original Double Door was three businesses before it became the Double Door we know. The “outlaw hangout” was known for transactions through bulletproof glass, cheap liquor and sex work. The “Chicago way” of working with city fire codes is laid bare in a story of the previous Double Door location. Mike and Sean talk about their “craziest” concert memories: both were festival-related. Sean doesn’t seem to take well to James’s suggestion that he wrap the show up. /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/21956507

An opening date is (kinda) set, and the blueprints have changed (Episode 9) 01/18/2022

An opening date is (kinda) set, and the blueprints have changed (Episode 9) Double Door co-owners Sean Mulroney and Pete Bruce recorded this episode from Pete’s home-with-a-cosmic-sobriquet, SPACE PLANET. While at Pete’s place, Sean and Pete talk about: Recording Car Con Carne the previous week with James VanOsdol, and the nickname Pete gave James. The revised target date for Double Door’s opening in Uptown. The evolution of the “Halloween show” concept, and the unlikely New York inspiration behind it. The Kinks are still alive. Pete’s a pretty big deal in the party scene. Just ask him. Will Scott Lucas visit the new Double Door? Sean thinks so, adding that Scott will probably like Pete. There’s been a major change to the blueprints for the Uptown location, which cuts construction time in half. Find out what made Sean say, “This is Chicago. We don’t fart around. If you’re good; you stay good.” Beach Boys “Pet Sounds”: Sean doesn’t get it. Rock and roll photographer gets a shout-out for managing Brian Wilson. Sean wants you to discover the Incredible Casuals. Evan Dando is acknowledged as a cool, cerebral musician. What was discussed at Sean’s house when Evan Dando, Jimmy Chamberlin and Urge Overkill were sitting around the table? Musicians are smart. Wait… there’s going to be a ‘secret room’ at Double Door?? Pete gives his mic to James VanOsdol halfway through recording. But why? What question makes Sean want to squirt people in the eyes with mace? What did Mike Watt do to mess with Sean Mulroney? James tells which Double Door show was his all-time favorite. Sean tells a shocking story about Afghan Whigs’ Greg Dulli and his buttocks. /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/21793514

What’s up with what’s going down at Double Door? L7’s Donita Sparks guest-stars! (Episode 8) 01/04/2022

What’s up with what’s going down at Double Door? L7’s Donita Sparks guest-stars! (Episode 8) It’s our last podcast of the year, and Sean and Pete are joined by special guest Donita Sparks of L7! Here are some of the things covered during the chat: Sean tells a story about when he first realized the awesome power of L7 during their SubPop days. Find out which famous Chicago band from the 90s said L7 inspired them to become a band. Donita talks about some of her less-glamorous touring experiences, including one straight out of “Carrie.” Who are the “ambassadors of rock,” and how did they allow independent artists to successfully tour during the 90s? We all miss zines. Which Iggy Pop album reference perked Donita’s ears up? What did the L7 reunion in 2014 feel like for Donita? Sean describes L7 live: “That’s what rock’s supposed to be.” Sean tries to talk gear with Donita, to which Donita replies, “I hate gear.” Pete tries to talk about the Grateful Dead with Donita. Thanks for your listening, and for your support! Please tell a friend about the podcast! /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/21538880

Pour yerself a warm Guinness and listen to our tales, laddies. (Episode 7) 12/21/21 12/21/2021

Pour yerself a warm Guinness and listen to our tales, laddies. (Episode 7) 12/21/21 Inviting Avondale Ramblers to play the Double Door space this week led to an awful lot of Ireland talk. And some not-great accents. The best story to come out of Sean’s Ireland “Ted Talk” involved Morrissey. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before… As for the “Sunday Sessions” this week, Neptune's Core blew the room away. In the words of Sean, ‘picture old Veruca Salt.’ As for the business stuff, things are on track with the city and Chicago needs more aldermen like James Cappelman. /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/21386672

There’s a good reason why this episode was recorded at Pete’s house (Episode 6) 12/7/21 12/07/2021

There’s a good reason why this episode was recorded at Pete’s house (Episode 6) 12/7/21 Sean’s slightly-more-famous brother Dermot Mulroney visited the new Double Door: What did he think of the space? More importantly, why on earth was this episode recorded at Pe te’s house, instead of the new Double Door location? Welcome to the Double Door podcast, hosted by co-owners Sean Mulroney and Pete Bruce… this is episode six. Also in this episode… Sean talks about the not-for-profit organization that Double Door is starting up. Sean admits that he’s a “get rich quick” kind of guy, whereas Pete says he’s learned too many hard lessons to share that frame of mind. And, Block Club Chicago was kind enough to cover the happenings at Double Door. Let’s hear it for good local journalism! /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/21237545

Why was a SWAT team at the new Double Door location? (Episode 5) 11/23/21 11/23/2021

Why was a SWAT team at the new Double Door location? (Episode 5) 11/23/21 When a dangerous loner takes over a neighboring roof for sniper practice, it's time for the SWAT team to take over. Pete talks about the experience. Also on this week's show: There was a fire pit inside Double Door? There's a 4th floor?? (shhhhhh...) Permits should be in within the next month or so, meaning the timeframe to open the doors to the public should still be intact. Structural analysis is on the way, too. Pete breaks all those details down. Sunday Sessions happen every two weeks, and you can be part of them. Follow Double Door on Facebook for info! /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/21079982

Bring on the mini-excavator, acetylene torch and jackhammer! (Episode 4) 11/9/21 11/09/2021

Bring on the mini-excavator, acetylene torch and jackhammer! (Episode 4) 11/9/21 Double Door co-owners and co-hosts Sean Mulroney and Pete Bruce give an update on structural developments to the new Uptown spot: Structural engineers are taking X-rays, a mini-excavator had to be brought in, and the “bones” are being exposed. Also: Sean also talks about the Double Door’s mission to establish the building’s landmark status with the city of Chicago. The basement vault safe still needs to be cracked. Why won’t the safecracker return Sean and Pete’s calls? Will the downstairs of the new Double Door really be called the “Brick Shithouse?” /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/20921822

Is the new Double Door location haunted? (Episode 3) 10/26/21 10/26/2021

Is the new Double Door location haunted? (Episode 3) 10/26/21 It wouldn’t be an old Chicago building if there weren’t ghost stories tied to it. So, is the new Double Door location on Wilson… haunted? Just in time for Halloween, Double Door co-owners and co-hosts Sean Mulroney and Pete Bruce explain why it might be. Also in this episode, Sean and Pete talk about some pieces they acquired from the Uptown Theatre that are absolutely legendary. /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/20772377

That time the Rolling Stones played Double Door ... (Episode 2) - 10/12/21 10/12/2021

That time the Rolling Stones played Double Door ... (Episode 2) - 10/12/21 Sean and Pete are excited because live music was heard at the new location for the first time! The guys recorded this episode right before two bands played at an open house on the club's temporary stage. Thinking about live music led Sean to think about the Wicker Park days, and that time when no less than the Rolling Stones played the club. /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/20606324

Welcome (back) to the Double Door (Episode One) - 9/28/21 09/14/2021

Welcome (back) to the Double Door (Episode One) - 9/28/21 Double Door’s history as one of the country’s premiere live music venues seemingly came to an end when it was evicted from its Wicker Park, Chicago home in 2017. That was just the end of THAT part of the story. On this inaugural episode of the Double Door podcast, Double Door owners and show co-hosts Sean Mulroney and Pete Bruce look back on Double Door’s beginnings in the 90s, and talk about the future of Double Door, which is being written right now in an Uptown building with a lot of history. /episode/index/show/doubledoor/id/20470658

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