Haynes has spent four decades as one of American underground rock's genuine unpredictable variables, and a residency lets him treat each night as a separate experiment rather than a setlist. Union Pool's back room holds a few hundred people around a low stage, which is roughly the scale where his particular brand of noise, tape manipulation and heckling actually lands. If your idea of a good Wednesday is a legendary weirdo working without a net in a small Brooklyn room, buy the ticket.
What to expect
A small, dark back room behind a former pool-supply store, entered through a courtyard with a taco truck and a fire pit. Rojava opens, then Haynes plays loud and loose — residency nights rarely repeat themselves, so expect guests, detours and material that may or may not resemble a song. The courtyard is where everyone regroups afterward.
Good to know
- The L to Bedford Avenue and the G to Metropolitan both leave a short walk to Union Avenue
- This is a 21-and-over room, so bring photo ID
- The courtyard taco truck runs later than the kitchen at most Williamsburg bars
- The back room is standing-only and gets loud; earplugs are a reasonable call
- Residency nights differ from each other, so a friend's report from another night may not apply
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Common questions
Is this the full Butthole Surfers?
No. This is Gibby Haynes, the band's frontman, performing under his own name as part of an August residency.
Where is the stage at Union Pool?
In the back performance room, reached through the outdoor courtyard behind the main bar.
Is it 21 and over?
Yes. Union Pool is a 21-and-over venue and checks ID at the door.
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