A venue can significantly impact a live concert, especially for classic rock artists. The challenge today is that as demand for top rock acts grows, so does the size of the venues.
While large venues allow for impressive staging and special effects, they often lose the intimacy of smaller settings. Watching from a distance or via a large screen with a sound delay can detract from the experience.
Smaller venues often offer a more lively and intimate atmosphere, even if they can be crowded and noisy. Despite their charm, the trend has been to move towards larger venues, leading to the closure of many iconic classic rock venues from the 1960s to the 1980s. Here are 12 iconic venues that have closed:
Capitol Theatre, Passaic, N.J.
This venue was significant in the 1970s and 1980s, hosting acts like Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Bruce Springsteen. With a capacity of 3,200, it was a popular East Coast stop. It closed in 1991 and was replaced by the Capitol Plaza shopping center.
Fillmore East, New York City
Opened by Bill Graham in 1968, Fillmore East was known for its live recordings, including albums by Humble Pie and the Allman Brothers. With a capacity of 2,650, it closed in 1971. The building was later demolished, with some frontage remaining as the entrance to a bank.
Fillmore West, San Francisco
Part of Bill Graham’s chain, this venue closed in 1971. It hosted bands like the Grateful Dead and Santana. After being used as a car dealership, it returned as a music venue in 2018 and may soon be the site for a skyscraper.
Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco
Running from 1966 to 1978, Winterland hosted acts like Led Zeppelin and The Band’s “The Last Waltz.” It closed due to maintenance issues and is now a block of apartments.
Rainbow Theatre, London
Hosting acts like The Beatles and Queen, this venue closed in 1982 due to complex maintenance needs. It has been a church since 1988.
Marquee Club, London
Originally located on Wardour Street, the Marquee Club was known for artists like the Rolling Stones and Yes. It closed in 1988 and is now a restaurant.
Hammersmith Palais, London
Known from the Clash song, this venue closed in 2007 and was demolished in 2012. It now houses student accommodation.
Boston Tea Party, Boston
This venue, active in the late 1960s, hosted bands like Led Zeppelin and the Velvet Underground. It closed in 1970 and was eventually replaced by the House of Blues museum.
Earls Court, London
This large venue hosted Pink Floyd and others. It was demolished, with plans to redevelop the site into parkland and housing.
Apollo Theatre, Glasgow
Known as Greens Playhouse, it became the Glasgow Apollo Theatre in the 1970s. It closed in 1985 and was replaced by a cinema complex.
Spectrum, Philadelphia
Opened in 1967 as a sports arena, the Spectrum also hosted concerts by bands like the Grateful Dead and Bruce Springsteen. It closed in 2009 and was replaced by Philly Live!, a complex with shops and entertainment.
These venues, although gone, remain fondly remembered by fans and artists alike.
