The Maxies perform at “The Death of The Vault” show at the all-ages concert venue in Temecula on Nov. 29, 2013. (Vanessa Franko/Staff Photographer)
The projection on the wall said it all. The words “The Death of The Vault” loomed behind the bands performing at the Temecula venue on Friday, Nov. 29.
Far from a dour affair, the venue’s penultimate show was a swinging wake celebrating the scene and those who made it with Silly String, balloons and homegrown Inland music.
RELATED: View a photo gallery from “The Death of The Vault”
Hundreds of music fans filled the venue to catch acts including The Maxies, Defunked, The Infamous They, Illnoise, Fly By Night, Bloodtype G, Xpulsion and Indica Roots.
“I’ve never been to a show with this much energy,” said Sierra Bishop, of Hemet, who was visiting the venue for the first time.
After the finale of the popular Band Wars band battle series on Saturday, Nov. 30 the all ages venue will shut its doors.
Owner James Messina is moving the Temecula Sounds music school and store, which housed The Vault, to Old Town Temecula while promoter Ivan McClain is seeking investors for a new venue in the Temecula Valley.
Defunked performs at The Vault in Temecula on Nov. 29, 2013. (Vanessa Franko/Staff Photo)
McClain addressed the crowd and said that the new venue had reached more than 20 percent of its funding and that it could open within three months after raising the money.
“Everyone keep your fingers crossed,” he said.
The night was filled with remembrances from the bands, with The Maxies having some heartfelt moments of thanks in between shooting Silly String and batting balloons into the crowd.
“The Vault is one of the places that made us who we are today,” singer Matt Leonard said from the stage.
The venue originally opened in 2007 as a haven for local music. A few months later it was shuttered after running afoul of city permits. In mid-2009, when The Vault reopened with new owner Messina, it became a well-known entertainment spot in the area and a proving ground for local music.
“I’ve met wonderful people, amazing bands. This place holds a lot of memories,” said Ajay Jamebozorgi, of Temecula.
On Friday night, fans with piercings and tattoos skipped around the mosh pit arm in arm singing “every little thing’s gonna be alright,” the chorus of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” during Defunked’s set.
In between sets fans hugged and chatted and shared memories of the venue.
“Just because this venue is going out doesn’t mean our scene dies,” Mitchell Hoskins of Fly By Night told the crowd.
RELATED: View a photo gallery from “The Death of The Vault”
There is one more chance to see a show at The Vault. The final installment of Band Wars takes place Saturday, Nov. 30.
The bands competing include For All That’s Forgotten, Firing All Cylinders, The Third Invasion, Voltage Control, Sticks & Stones, Radio-active, Kicking Amps, Friday’s Best and Imagery.
6 p.m. Saturday, The Vault, 41607 Enterprise Circle North, Temecula, $10, all ages.