Tewligans

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Tewligans
Location	Louisville, KY, U.S.
Type
Opened	1981
Closed	1996

Tewligans was a famous live music venue in Louisville, Kentucky. The venue operated between 1981 and 1996 at 1047 Bardstown Road in the Highlands neighborhood. Tewligans changed ownership a number of times, being known for a short time by the name "Snagilwet," which is "Tewligans" spelled backwards.

Tewligans provided a local stage for local, regional and national acts including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, Yo La Tengo, Slint, Widespread Panic,Squirrel Bait, Love Jones, NRBQ, Jonathan Richman, R.E.M., Steve Forbert, Kentucky Headhunters, Flock of Seagulls, Bo Diddley, Guadalcanal Diary, Miracle Legion, U2, Fugazi, Rollins Band, TSOL, Blue Rodeo, Royal Crescent Mob, Afghan Whigs, Mojo Nixon, Hasil Adkins, Government Cheese (featuring Tommy Womack), Kinghorse, Hopscotch Army and others.

The original plywood stage was demolished ca. 1991 and a new stage constructed using unfinished oak pallet lumber purchased from Hillerich & Bradsby.

Probably one of Tewligan's best known figures was prominent Louisville attorney and Nobel Prize nominee, Thomas E. Roma Jr. Tom was part owner, co-manager and dedicated "beer-tender", night after night, from 1981 to 1987. A former member of Deep Purple, Tom never recorded, but did front the band on tour between oustings of lead singers Ian Gillan and David Coverdale. Contrary to the popular local lore, Tom denies ever dating Natalie Merchant.

The space reopened as "The Cherokee," which also operated as a live music venue. As of 2006, the location is operated as "Cahoots" and does not feature live music, the stage having been demolished and replaced by a kitchen.

According to The Courier-Journal, '"Tewligans was a lifestyle."