NYC Gay Club Splash Closing in August

It's the end of a gay era!

One of the world's most popular gay clubs since it opened 1991 in the heart of Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, Splash has just posted a letter on its website and on Facebook announcing that it will close its doors next month.

Rest assured it's going out with a bang. Quite a few of them, actually:

For 22 years, it has been a priviledge (sic) providing you with New York City's most exciting, safe and spectacular gay venue.

Splash will permenently (sic) close at our location, 50 W 17 Street on August 10, 2013.

Please join us in our final countdown as we dismount the disco ball with 10 magical farewell celebrations beginning Aug 1st.

The 10,000 square foot, two-story club features a 2,000 square foot dance floor, a full stage, and a working full-length shower.

In addition to the world's top DJs, the legendary club has hosted celebrities such as Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry, Charo, Andy Bell, Gloria Estefan, Traci Lords, Betty Buckley, Taylor Dayne, Patti Labelle, Cyndi Lauper, Grace Jones, and Jennifer Holliday.

Next reports that owner Brian Landeche "cited a number of factors that resulted in the legendary gay bar closing including a changing center of gay culture in New York, the different ways that gay men socialize today, a changing neighborhood and the current culture of nightlife in New York." Age, apparently, was also a factor: "I’m 56," he says. "56-year-old men should not be running queer bars."

Will you miss Splash? Any fond Splash memories you'd like to share?