Biddeford music venue looking for new location

While many long-time regulars mourned the closing of Mulligans at 23 Lincoln St., Biddeford on June 1, a community of young people were also mourning a space that had become sacred to many of them. Rumors, the music venue in the space above the pub, closed as well.

Rumors was established in 2024 by musician Austin Hunter-Melanson.

“I worked in the kitchen downstairs at Mulligans and I would always see that big empty room and think how perfect it would be for shows,” said Hunter-Melanson in a Facebook messenger chat.

He convinced the owners of Mulligans, Joe DeLois and his son Jake, to let him perform in the space as a test run. It went so well, he said, that he turned it into a “real spot.”

Hunter-Melanson managed the club, booked all the shows, created the social media posts and attended every single show. Rumors became a haven for local punk rock bands. Other genres of music were also played there, and wrestling matches and burlesque shows were also held at the club.

Even though Rumors was on the second floor, it had an underground bar, speakeasy vibe. There were no signs from the street view, and you had to walk behind Mulligans to find the outdoor staircase to the club.

Hunter-Melanson said when booking bands and artists, he looked for those who made good music as opposed to those who had large follower counts.

“I just want people to be able to listen to good music here, and be in a safe place while doing so,” he said.

When Joe DeLois decided to close Mulligans and put the building on the market, that meant Rumors had to close as well.

Hunter-Melanson is hoping that this closed door will lead to an open door somewhere else locally. He’s set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to set up a new location for Rumors. He’s also organizing a benefit show, Rally for Rumors, which will feature 16 bands from across Maine. Rally for Rumors will be held from 3:30 – 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 12 at Townhouse Pub in Saco.

Controller, an alt-metal band from Fort Wayne Indiana, shared the link to the GoFundMe page on Facebook. The band said that Rumors was “hands down the best and coolest venue” they played at during their last tour. They described Rumors as having “some of the most accommodating and welcoming staff.”

Rumors was an all-ages venue, and Hunter-Melanson said that’s something that will remain when he opens a new spot. He said there was an all-ages club he went to when he was young, and it kept him off the streets and from getting in trouble.

“I can’t express enough how important the all-ages factor is! It’s one of my favorite things to see families and kids coming here,” said Hunter-Melanson, recalling a time when a singer in a band brought his son on stage with a small drum kit.

Hunter-Melanson is grateful for the support of patrons and musicians.

“Rumors has a very, very special place in my heart, and I think a lot of people around here feel the same way and are willing to do anything we can to make this happen again. This location with never be forgotten but we will make all new memories and keep building up the scene that we have so far,” he said “I love every single person who has ever came to a show or event here, you all are the reason this place is so special!! Rumors saved my life, now it’s time for me to save it.”

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.