Country star John Rich is warning that Nashville’s Lower Broadway, famous for its live country music and honky-tonks, could soon begin going dark due to sharply higher property tax bills. Rich, who owns Redneck Riviera Bar & BBQ on Lower Broadway, argued that the increased taxes have pushed longtime Broadway establishments to a breaking point.

Tax Increases Threaten Live Music Culture

The 2025 reappraisal of property values in Davidson County resulted in a 45% median increase, with some areas on Lower Broadway seeing a 400% increase in real estate values. Many honky-tonk operators rent their buildings and are responsible for the property taxes under their leases, leaving them to shoulder rising tax bills without benefiting from the increased equity in the properties.

Rich pointed to several Lower Broadway establishments that are struggling to stay afloat, including Nashville Underground, which permanently closed in May, and Acme Feed & Seed, whose owner, Tom Morales, has warned it could close amid a steep increase in its property tax bill. Rich also said he has heard Hard Rock Cafe Nashville is considering closing.

The increased taxes have sparked a debate over the impact on Nashville’s live music culture, with Rich arguing that the city’s identity as ‘Music City’ is under threat. Rich emphasized that the bar and restaurant operators sounding the alarm include some of the most experienced in the city, and that the financial pressure could ultimately mean the end of live music on Broadway.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.