Downtown San Angelo's Iconic Rock and Roll Bar The Deadhorse has a New Owner

SAN ANGELO, TX — San Angelo’s Live Music Venue and Rock & Roll Lounge, The Deadhorse, is officially under new ownership.

A man who is popular around the live music venue who goes by the name “Little Dog” purchased The Deadhorse this week. Regular patrons are familiar with the new owner, as he has been a fixture at The Deadhorse since it opened in 2007. He started off as a bartender and helped create the culture that keeps us rockin’ in San Angelo. He is known to many by his initials, L.D.

He and Rex Rogers, the founder and long-time owner of the live music venue, have known each other for many years. The two founded the house band called the Shotgun Rebels together.

As the friendship blossomed, Rex, who is older, admired L.D.’s work ethic and served as a mentor. The friendship was a critical component of The Deadhorse’s ability to thrive in a smaller market like San Angelo. That is, this isn’t Austin with throngs of rock-and-roll and rockabilly aficionados. The Deadhorse crew had to develop their local fan base.

After Little Dog earned a small business management certification from the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center, he was on his way to buy the bar.

“I purchased this bar because I have always wanted to be a business owner and this has always been home for me,” L.D. said. “I want to keep the traditions that I helped build at this place.”

“The changes that will be made are going to be small and mostly just visual,” he added. “I really want to become a larger presence in the community and become more involved.”

L.D.’s wife and sister are throwing a congratulations/farewell party for Rex Rogers and Little Dog on Sunday. The Shotgun Rebels will be playing at the celebration around 4 p.m. Come out and help celebrate!

L.D. promises live music every weekend. Hang on, he said. “We’re just beginning to rock!”

Everyone wants to know what Little Dog’s real name is. Revealing it in a public place like San Angelo LIVE! isn’t in the cards, he said. Having a nickname like Little Dog is part of The Deadhorse mystic, he claimed.

We learned what his real name is anyway, but we’re sworn not to tell.

Rogers said he will be able to spend more time on his family's generational business. It revolves around risk management and the family company has clients all over the region. "It was time to pass the baton," Rogers said. "L.D. is going to do great."