Before technology made recording music possible, the only place to hear professional melodies was a concert venue. They serve as important mediums for musicians, both amateur and legendary. Even with the advent of modern-day streaming services, musicians know the true test of their artistic strength is live performances. There are venues in every city that serve these musical acts, but a select few are the most iconic music venues in the country.
While many venues on this list are iconic by virtue of their size and scale, others earned icon status through opportunity and happenstance. Ryman Auditorium was once a church before it became the premiere country music venue, while the comparatively tiny 40 Watt Club happened to host a string of college bands that changed the face of rock music. Regardless of their origin story, several iconic venues in America deserve a mention. Let’s explore nine of them.
Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tennessee
Considering it’s the former home of the Grande Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium is the premiere venue for Country music in America. If you haven’t played there, you’re probably not a real Country Artist. Over the years, Ryman has hosted classic acts like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Emmylou Harris. It has also served as the filming/recording location for several notable live performances.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, Colorado
In terms of aesthetics, there’s no American concert venue more iconic than Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. During its 100-year history, the venue has hosted acts like Jimi Hendrix and Depeche Mode. U2 also filmed their legendary concert film “Under a Blood Red Sky” there. It’s such a great venue that Pollstar Magazine renamed its Best Small Outdoor Venue award the Red Rocks Award because the outdoor amphitheater had won the award so many times.
Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, California
Name a musician, and the Hollywood Bowl has probably hosted them. It’s arguably Los Angeles’ premiere music venue, with countless artists putting on historic shows there since its opening in 1922. Its 17,500-person capacity has filled up for several legendary live albums, including “The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl” in 1965 and The Doors’ “Live at the Hollywood Bowl”, released in 1987.
Madison Square Garden – New York City, New York
Madison Square Garden is so iconic that it serves as a high watermark for many musicians and performers. If you’ve played a show at Madison Square Garden, there’s a good chance you’ve made it. Its 20,000-person capacity has allowed some of the biggest acts to put on classic shows. So many, in fact, that it is hard to name them all.
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q – Austin, Texas
Some venues are famous for their shows, but not many can lay claim to legendary performances and incredible food in one location like Stubb’s Bar-B-Q. Situated in the heart of Austin, Texas, Stubb’s began as a delectable barbeque restaurant before expanding its operations. Now, the venue includes its original restaurant as well as multiple stages including the Waller Creek Amphitheater.
Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, Oklahoma
What started as a car garage has become one of Oklahoma’s most beloved institutions: Cain’s Ballroom. Besides its expansive ballroom with high ceilings, Cain’s is considered the home of Western Swing music. The likes of Hank Williams, Elvis Costello, and Citizen Cope have played there over the years.
40 Watt Club – Athens, Georgia
The 40 Watt Club in Athens George may be small compared to other venues on this list, but its influence on modern music has been massive. It started as a rehearsal space before quickly transforming into a nightclub hosting local college acts. Remarkably, many of these unassuming acts became legendary bands, including R.E.M., The B-52’s, Pavement, and Neutral Milk Hotel. Nowadays, music connoisseurs make pilgrimages to the 40 Watt Club to see where alternative and indie rock began.
Radio City Music Hall – New York City, New York
Madison Square Garden may be a symbol of musical success, but its neighbor, Radio City Music Hall, is iconic. It’s arguably the largest indoor in the world and has served as the one-stop shop for all things ceremonial. Radio City Music Hall serves as the location for multiple award shows including the Tony Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, and the NFL Draft.
Walt Disney Concert Hall – Los Angeles, California
No venue in America looks as iconic as the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. Its imposing, mellifluous structure was designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry. Since opening in 2003, the venue has hosted a variety of acts. Its most long-running act, however, is the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock.com.