Josh Wyatt, who was appointed CEO of Avant Gardner in October 2024, is no longer with the company. This development follows the repeatedly delayed reopening of the Brooklyn Mirage, a prominent East Williamsburg music venue operated by Avant Gardner. Gary Richards aka Destructo, the non-executive Chairman of the Board, has stepped in as interim CEO to manage day-to-day operations, supported by the existing leadership team.
The news was conveyed to employees (email below) and also officially confirmed by Billboard.
The Brooklyn Mirage was scheduled to reopen on May 1, 2025 with Sara Landry, after significant renovations. These renovations were aimed at improving the venue. However, the reopening weekend and subsequent weekends were cancelled just hours before the planned events because the venue failed to meet its final inspection deadlines. Videos circulating online showed ongoing construction at the site days before the intended reopening.
At the heart of the conflict between the city and the Mirage, a source familiar with the details told Brooklyn Magazine, is the Department of Buildings’ (DOB) belief that the Mirage’s new structure is permanent, not temporary. The Mirage, according to the same source, has tried to assure the city the prefabricated venue can be dismantled. However, this argument appears irrelevant, as City Hall has declared the venue “does not currently meet the standards required for either a permanent or temporary structure.”
Wyatt had expressed confidence in the venue’s readiness, stating in an April interview with Scott Enman at Brooklyn Magazine that the Mirage would “100 percent” open on May 1st. Even when cancelling the first events, Brooklyn Mirage and now ex-CEO Josh Wyatt stated the venue was “show ready”, that was over three weeks ago. He had also emphasised a commitment to transparency and a new era for the company. The renovations, dubbed “Mirage 4.0,” included a new wooden structure, an expanded dance floor, increased capacity from 5,500 to 6,250, a 30k resolution wraparound LED wall, and an upgraded sound system. Safety improvements were also a key focus, with plans for new perimeter lighting, clear signage, and enhanced security.
Despite these plans and Wyatt’s assurances, the continued delays and ultimate cancellations led to his departure from Avant Gardner. The circumstances surrounding his exit remain unclear, leaving open the question of whether he resigned to distance himself from a deteriorating situation or was removed due to perceived failings. Wording in the email seems to indicate the latter. Avant Gardner has not yet announced a permanent replacement for CEO.
