***

Bolton eventually returned to town in 2005, to help build an online store for EarCandy. Two years later, Henry heard through an old roommate that two acquaintances, Mark McElroy and Scott McIntyre, were looking to buy the former Hammerjacks bar. Eventually, the four joined together to purchase the entire complex of bars, which now include the Palace Lounge, the Golden Rose and the Savoy Casino.

It was tough going at first.

“He put in about three years of just a grinding schedule, seven days a week, always there,” said Henry. “It was just a maelstrom of stuff to deal with – the whole event production side, he’s the sound guy and manager and artist liaison and he’s managing the building – and yet, oh my God, he’s just phenomenal at it. He was built for this work.”

Henry said that Bolton’s natural ease in the face of dizzying duties was a calming influence on him and the other owners of the bar complex.

“He rarely if ever stressed out, and always had this relaxed, positive attitude about everything,” said Henry. “Stuff could be going crazy and he would have an even keel. He was constantly sprinting around the building all night dealing with multiple sound systems, and yet he always had that smile on his face.”