Are Days Numbered for Lupo's as Music Venue? (Updated)

Update: Since original posting, Rich Lupo has offered comment denying that the club will be closing. 

A staple in Providence's bustling arts and entertainment scene may soon become nothing more than a fond memory. The owner is claiming this to be false, but other sources -- including employees -- have stated otherwise. 

According to these sources, Rich Lupo, founder and co-owner of Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in downtown Providence has sold a majority stake of his business to the operators of Roxy Providence, the nightclub that currently shares use of the venue with Lupo's. 

The announcement was made earlier this week by an email from Rich Lupo to his employees. And Thursday, much of the staff for Lupo's were terminated.

According to a source close to Lupo, he will still maintain some level of ownership, and will continue to book occasional concerts, but the venue's operations have been turned over to Roxy. 

However, since the original posting of this article, Lupo himself has weighed in, stating that these are merely rumors.

"For some reason, there is a rumor and misunderstanding about Lupo's closing," stated Lupo. "The club in planning to do renovations during the winter and will stay open during this construction"

Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel originally opened in September 1975 at its original location on Westminster Street, and moved twice, until settling in its current location on Washington Street. Over the years, the venue has played host to such acts as The Ramones, James Brown, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Muddy Waters, Iggy Pop, The Pretenders, The Go Gos, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Meatloaf, Hole, Radiohead, Garbage, Willie Nelson, Green Day, Foo Fighters, Anthrax, and Tony Bennett -- among others.