Facebook Source 1, Announcement of Continuation

Date: July 31, 2024

Source: The Back Bar Facebook page, authored by Diane Kerman

“As you all know, the first half of 2024 has been devastating for our family and the Back Bar team.

With the passing of Bob, followed by tornado damage to the property, recovery has been extremely difficult. We appreciate your understanding as we put the pieces back together.

To dispel any rumors or assumptions, here is the current update:

Back Of The Yards Softball leagues are scheduled to resume next week as repairs continue.

The Back Bar Live music will resume as soon as building repairs have been completed. We anticipate construction crews will have this done in a timely manner. Scheduled shows and bookings will resume.

Our annual Back Bar Charity Car, Truck & Bike Show will continue as scheduled for October 13th.

Thank you so much for your continued support and patience. If you have any questions, please consult with our family directly.

Diane Kerman & Family,
Kyle, Joe, Laura Jane & Jacob
and The Back Bar Team

The show will go on - stronger than ever
See you at The Back Bar.”

Community Comments:

• Nico Ann: Your strength and perseverance are such an inspiration. Keep kicking ass, Diane
• Makalu Gee: FUCK YEAH!!!
• Terry Heller: You are a awesome family
• Joe Sagaitis: Terry Hodgson
• Greg Dellmann: Always persevere!
• Hunterdog Billygoat: We love you all!!
• Stephanie Jennings: This is wonderful news!
• Ashlyn Schyvinck: see you soon
• Mindi Smith: This is so wonderful to hear! You have been thru it all and are pushing thru!! Hugs!!
• Charlie Gilmore: Way to stay strong!!!
• Jill Costerisan: Fuckin A
• Terry Hodgson: Awesome news !!! If you need help with things. I'm available after 3pm weekdays except the next 2 Thursdays. Free time on the weekends. Keep moving forward !!!!
• Anthony Alcala: MY HEART BLEEDS for you and the family through the devastation... I still have it on my schedule to be back in Wisconsin for the car show... BOB TOLD ME..."YOU ARE FAMILY NOW.. YOU CAN'T GO ANYWHERE"
• Billy Youngblood: Diane Kerman our team would like to partner with you to help anyway possible. We love you all very much and consider you family.
• Michelle Strohrigl: Can't wait to keep rockin w everyone again.. you are so strong n such an inspiration Diane Kerman ..my 2nd family forever..
• Lorrie O'Connor: I am happy to see an update... You know I am here 1000% for you, anything you need... ready to work the car show again. You are family.
• Brenda Hamilton: You've been in my thoughts & prayers, Diane. If anyone can power through this, you can.
• Shawn Anthony Morgan: Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve given to the whole rock community!!
• Ethan Barkman: Wish you guys all the best and sending prayers!
• Suzanne Hamilton: You got this Diane You have lots of friends and family who care
• Kat Pufahl DeKeyser: Great news!!!!!!
• Jamie Salzman: This is great to hear, Diane. Definitely been concerned about you. Looking forward to more live music again!
• Michael Smith: Your strength and resolve is unmatched. My heart goes out to you, your family, and the entire Back Bar team.
• Rick Soeprasetyo: All the love in the world from myself and everyone in From Ashes To Embers
• John Carpenter Jr.: WE will be there!
• Amy Gudeyon: Love you, and this post SO MUCH!!
• Elizabeth Tinder: Sending you and family love. Your strength is an inspiration for us all.
• Jerry Mills: Love you
• Valerie Richter: Love you Diane. Keep up the good work. I admire your strength.
• Jasmine Cochrane: Aww thanks Diane Kerman for the updates. Ur amazing
• David Drejas: This is incredible news!
• Shock Leitner: Good to hear!
• Tara Twanda: Stay strong girl you got a lot going on! And you’re doing a great job at it as always
• Ryan Suchanek: Great to hear!
• Jimmy Newquist: Excellent
• Kaj Anderson: It'll be good to be back and on stage again. Thank you, Diane, and the Back Bar staff for working through this very difficult time.

Facebook Source 2, Announcement of Business Closing

Date: October 6, 2024

Source: The Back Bar Facebook page, authored by Diane Kerman

“To all of our Back Bar friends and family - All of us came together over a common bond, Bob Kerman, and his passion for music. It was his beautiful mind, communication with bands and keeping track of logistics and organization that brought southern Wisconsin the outstanding live music venue.

Over much consideration of Bob's legacy and what it means for all of us, we, as a family, have made the decision to list The Back Bar and property for sale.

This very tough decision comes with very heavy hearts and mixed emotions. Bob had the passion and drive to succeed, and without him, it would be impossible to deliver the same atmosphere.

Most of all, we will miss what we had. So many experiences and memories. Endless talent. A beautiful community.

We love you all, thank you dearly for your continued generous outpouring of support.

Diane and family,
Laura Jane, Kyle, Jacob & Joe

In light of this decision, the October 13th Charity Car Show has been cancelled.

Please direct property inquiries to:
https://www.cbcworldwide.com/properties/RSB82Z/1901-beloit-ave”

Community Comments:

• Sarah Foley: That was a great venue. Good times and memories with Spine there. Hope to see you again.
• Jessica Pignato: Make shareable so we can repost for you
• Jeff Gassen: Running a bar like this takes a lot Time and hard work. I completely get where you're coming from on this difficult decision. Stay Strong.
• Lorrie O'Connor: So many memories and family made there. My life would be entirely different if I hadn't met you and Bob... I love you all and am here for anything.
• Dori Mike Conlin: Diane, thinking of you. What a difficult decision this must have been.
• Amy Gudeyon: I can't tell you how much this devastates me
• Russ Kutak: Is there maybe a free show we could play to help say thank you and benefit the family? I know my band Land of Linkin would be there, as Bob Kerman always was for us!!
• Kim Murdock: you’re on our minds and in our hearts!
• Zack Zweifel: Best wishes to the family!
• Ben Miller: Everyone should be behind you. Hopefully someone will make that place their own and fill it with their own passion as Bob did for so many years.
• Vonnie Reed Chapman: We have a lot of awesome memories at the Back Bar while sharing Bob's love of bringing great music to Janesville. Love and hugs to y'all.
• Michelle Grenawalt: I'm sad to hear this news! Bob did an amazing job at bringing the best bands local, I hope that someone invest in the history of the back bar and keeps his legacy alive.
• Jill Costerisan: I’m beyond words. This is too sad... Anyone interested in starting a co-op to keep it open? It can’t close
• Kat Pufahl DeKeyser: So sad, but you need to do what's best for your family! Best of luck
• Anthony Alcala: ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS with LOVE and will always be THANKFUL to have been JUST A SMALL PART of the legacy.. THANK you
• William Jones: Rip Bob Kerman
• Dawn Burdick: Stay strong , I'm sure Bob's spirit is guiding you.
• Jon Flip Boss: Very sad. Definitely understand your position. Thanks for having us and treating us like we were way cooler than we are
• Michael Barts: May Bob's memory forever be a blessing. Continued Best Wishes to you and your family.
• Melody Rehr: Thinking of you & the family. I know this had to be a hard decision. Love & Hugs
• Kevin Wesley Williams: This is very sad yes indeed. Bob really did do wonders and made a lot of people happy... Thanks Bob. Till we meet again, my friend.
• Theresa Hissong: I’m so sorry. Bob and the Back Bar will forever hold a special place in my life.
• Ron Staff: Oh no.... this is a sad day indeed!!! Love and miss him. I wish there was a way I could do something to keep it going...
• Cody Criswell: Both Bob and The Back Bar will be sorely missed.
• John Harrison: Loved playing there
• Michael Smith: I have many years of great memories to hold on to. I wish you and your family nothing but the best in the future.
• Jeffrey Wood: It'd be cool if there was a way to see the list of shows who have come through... maybe show posters or ticket... that'd make a really cool coffee table book...