The Backyard's final show

The Backyard Amphi-theater may have a hope of resuscitation.

According to an Apr. 22 press release, "Direct Events has proposed a plan to the City of Bee Cave, and is working to secure their approval to develop a new Backyard in a new location that will not compromise the atmosphere of the venue."

Tim O'Connor, owner and president/CEO of Direct Events, included in the release that he was closing the venue due to the Galleria development which surrounds the Backyard.

"I built the Backyard to produce events in an atmosphere that signifies Austin. When the venue opened we were in the middle of the Hill Country and it was a true experience," said O'Connor.

"The Shops at The Galleria development that now surrounds the Backyard has taken away from some of the venue's magic over the last few years," said O'Connor.

The Shops at the Galleria would not allow non-customers to park in their lots, forcing people to park farther away in an inconveniently located field.

The final weekend started with a free show on Saturday, Oct. 25, showcasing a diverse line-up including The Boxing Lesson, Alpha Rev, Del Castillo, Driver F, and many others.

The final show on Sunday included Grupo Fantasma, The Gourds, and other bands, with Willie Nelson headlining.

Located at 71 W and RR620, The Backyard featured as many as 400 popular acts such as Coldplay, Snoop Dogg, Bob Dylan, and Norah Jones over its tenure of 16 years.

"I saw the Rapture and the Shins here," said Paul Waclawsky, vocalist and guitarist for The Boxing Lesson. "That was my first time to come to this place and it was an awesome show. I just dreamt that I could play that stage one day. Here we are."