Neo was a nightclub located at 2350 N. Clark St. in the Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Park. Established on July 25, 1979[1] Neo was the oldest[2] or one of the oldest[3] running nightclubs in Chicago and was a hangout and venue for a variety of musicians and artists, including David Bowie, Iggy Pop, David Byrne, the Clash, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and U2.[4][5][6] The nightclub has been noted for being gay-friendly[7] as well as part of goth subculture.[8] Sources differ[9] as to whether or not the character Neo from The Matrix franchise drew inspiration from the nightclub and its patrons.[10][11]
Address | 2350 N. Clark St. (Original) 1575 N Milwaukee Ave (Current) |
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Location | Chicago, Illinois |
Coordinates | 41°54′36.7″N 87°40′36.5″W / 41.910194°N 87.676806°W |
Type | Nightclub |
In the 1980s the club was a center for Chicago's Punk and New Wave scenes.[6] In 1988, on the advice of one of the bartenders employed by Neo's management, the bar was renovated to look like lower Wacker.[12][13]
In 2009, Neo celebrated its 30th anniversary and was Chicago's oldest nightclub.[14]
In 2015, the nightclub lost its lease and had to move to a new location.[15][16][17][13] Since 2017, the club is currently located inside the Debonair Social Club at 1575 N Milwaukee Avenue at Chicago.