While most of the roof of the Georgia Theatre collapsed and the interior appears to be a total loss, its walls still stand today. As locals echo solemnly “rest in peace,” owner Wilmot Greene announced vehemently in his speech at the Flagpole Music Awards: “I have been here for 21 years. I’m an Athens music guy. I was in a band; I tried, you know. Basically what I’m saying, Athens, is get ready because I’m going to be asking each and every one of you guys for a lot of help. Bring it back!”

As we look in retrospect, a few individuals in the community have offered up a few hopeful, reminiscent and slightly comedic words to recapture the Georgia Theatre.

“I know for many of us that frequent the Theatre there is a real sense of community. You look around at shows and see the same smiling faces all sharing in the fun. Now that it’s gone I feel like a part of Athens is missing. I’ve had more good times there than any other place in Athens. I think the music community here is strong, though, despite our loss. We all hope that the Theater will one day rise from the ashes, but right now it’s giving some other venues an opportunity to gain more awareness in the community.”

- AJ Bishop is a junior from Marietta, Ga., and a local

musician

“It was the first place in Athens that I went to go see a show and I ended up going to see P-Groove with my brother. After that I went back again and again and it quickly became my favorite venue.”

- Reilly DeYonker is a junior from Birmingham, Ala.

“When I first heard, I was sad, concerned and worried. From knowing the inside story, I know it’s going to be rebuilt. In a strange way, I’m excited. It’s like a near death experience when you think you’re going to die and you don’t, and then everything afterwards is hopeful and new. They’re doing it where a fire will never get it again, and maximizing space. It’s going to be thought out and amazing and different from before. This weekend we’re opening up a space bought to relieve the load of the musicians that were or will be lined up for the GA Theatre, called New Earth Music Hall. Hopefully it will be a success.”

- Adrian Zelski is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Dubconscious, from Athens, Ga.

“I remember after a long, hectic night of music or a crowded show, sitting down and sharing great times with my co-workers at the bar. I miss that place. It was like my second home. Athens wouldn’t be Athens without the Georgia Theatre… Great people and great music … and great staff. Now the time has come to make it even better than it was, with new memories and new music to come. ”

- Rachael Sebourne is a past Georgia Theatre staff member from Athens, Ga.

“On the inside, we currently employ staff from the GA Theatre. We employ lighting guys, store guys, and guys at the bar. A lot of those guys are experienced, who I know personally, and they’re great. And if somebody’s suddenly out of work, we all pitch in to help. I’m sure the GA Theatre would do the same for us. On the second level, they have bands that play up there and we want them to feel welcome here. There’s a large gap to fill. We’re also allowing the GA Theatre to host and put their name on the shows here, which is beneficial because they’re able to keep their name out there. And the benefit shows have worked out so well because so many people want to help out and volunteer. As for us, we have hosted, and will continue to host, events and always keep an open tip jar.”

- Josh Jordan is the night manager at 40 Watt Club