Here’s why the beloved Oddbody’s Music Room was sold... again

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

The co-owner of a popular music venue is shedding light on why he and his partners sold their business before they intended to do so.

>> Downtown Dayton is getting a new restaurant

In a conversation with this news organization, Richard Eckhardt said that a building occupancy issue brought on by a new Montgomery County building code is one of the reasons he and his partners sold Oddbody's Music Room last month.

>> This iconic Dayton music club has been sold — again

“We always bought it with selling in mind. We actually had a five year plan to sell it that was accelerated by (the  building code issue),” he said. “We did not want to spend the money.”

>> PHOTOS: When Corey Feldman performed at Oddbody's in Dayton

>> MORE: 5 downtown Dayton dining spots you should visit this week

His partner Skip Murray announced the sale on Facebook.

Eckhardt declined to give details about the building code issue, but said it didn’t make sense to invest in the costly improvement when the plan was to sell.

>> FOOD NEWS: Beloved deli owners retiring, selling business

A building permit for Oddbody’s, 5418 Burkhardt Road in Riverside, was filed with the county on March 23.

This news organization is seeking additional information about that permit.

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

>> 5 Dayton rock bands that have gone international

Eckhardt, Murray and their partners Neilson Hixson took over Oddbody's in 2014.

Eckhardt did not say who bought the venue, saying only that he believes she intends to continue to have shows there.

The new buyer has possession of the building and its associated website and Facebook page.

Oddbody's is located at the former site of McGuffy's House of Rock. That venue hosted a long list of local, regional and national acts, including Guns N' Roses.

>> Billy Bob Thornton is coming to town

Oddbody's itself has had an impressive lineup of shows, including a recent Living Colour and Puddle of Mudd concerts.

Eckhardt  said owning a music club was harder than he expected and far more fun.

He said expressed gratitude for all those who help the venue, including Libby Ballengee, a Dayton podcaster and Dayton.com contributing music writer.

Eckhardt said he’s met wonderful people his four years in the music industry and had no regrets.

>> MORE: 4 questions with music insider Libby Ballengee

“We are very thankful for all the support the music scene  in Dayton gave us,” he said. “It was a pleasure to work with all the local band we had the  opportunity to work with.”

>> Dayton icon Jerry Gillotti, Gilly’s nightclub owner, dies

About the Author