Rest in peace, Boss Lady

Anilee Griffin, known to many punk and metal musicians as the tattooed music lover who hired bands at Hensley’s Flying Elephant in Carlsbad, Brick by Brick in Bay Park, and who owned and operated the Shakedown in Point Loma, has died at age 35.

“She was my childhood friend since grade school,” says South Oceanside–based musician Ross May. “She was a product of her environment. She really loved the culture of Oceanside and exported it to the corners of San Diego after she left the ’hood. And people ate it up like cake. Everyone loved her.”

May confirmed that she died due to complications of liver failure.

Under the name of Boss Lady Booking, Griffin handled the booking of the Flying Elephant for two years. That restaurant/bar/showcase was launched by pro-skater/Flogging Molly accordionist Matt Hensley in 2006. During its seven-year run, the Flying Elephant hosted headliners like Quino, U.S. Bombs, and Agent Orange.

She took over the Shakedown on Midway Drive in 2013 saying she did not want to drastically change its dive-y vibe. “I’ve been into hotrods and motorcycles all my life,” she told the Reader at the time. “I’m from Oceanside and car culture is really big there. Punks and hotrods — that’s gonna stay.”

After a year of running the Shakedown, she closed the bar near the Sports Arena in October of 2014. “There’s not too much to say other than I tried my best,” she told the Reader. “I worked my hardest to keep it going, but the San Diego music scene is tough. We don’t have much foot traffic, so I relied only on music. But it wasn’t enough. I gave it my heart and soul. It was never about money, just about supporting live music.”

Griffin then booked Brick by Brick for about six months until the owners took over booking about a year ago.

A go-fund-me account has been set up in Anilee's name. It reads: “We will miss that infectious laugh, that bright smile, and that energy that pierced your soul. We would love to help out her sister and parents with memorial expenses to give Ani a great sendoff. Memorial arrangements are in the works and will be posted for those who are able to attend. Any donation is greatly appreciated, even if it’s a note about a memory with Ani!"

That account: gofundme.com/boss-lady-memorial-fund.