Discover the Best Metal Music Venues Across the US

Metal fans across the United States are always on the hunt for the best live music venues to experience their favorite bands. From iconic rock clubs to underground metal havens, the country boasts an impressive array of music venues that cater to headbangers and metalheads.

This article takes readers on a journey through some of the most legendary music venues for metal in the US. Whether you’re a die-hard metal enthusiast or simply curious about the best places to catch live performances, this guide will help you discover the ultimate destinations for metal music across the nation.

The Legendary Rainbow Bar and Grill in Los Angeles

Rainbow Bar and Grill History

The Rainbow Bar and Grill, a legendary rock and roll establishment, opened its doors in 1972 on the iconic Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California .

The location has a rich history even before becoming the Rainbow. Previously, it was the Villa Nova restaurant, owned by film director Vincente Minnelli. Interestingly, it was here that Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe had their first blind date in 1952 .

The Rainbow’s inaugural party, held for Elton John on April 16, 1972, marked the beginning of its legendary status . Over the years, the venue has hosted an impressive array of musical icons, including Keith Moon, Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and Neil Diamond .

Rainbow Bar and Grill Notable Performances

While not primarily known for its live performances, the Rainbow Bar and Grill has been a crucial part of the Los Angeles music scene. It has been a favorite hangout for numerous bands and musicians, particularly during the hair metal explosion of the 1980s .

Members of Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, and Poison were frequent patrons during this era . The venue has been immortalized in several songs and music videos, including Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” and “Don’t Cry” .

One of the most notable regular patrons was Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, who could often be found playing video poker at the bar when not on tour . The Rainbow even features a dedicated “Lemmy Lounge” with a statue of the legendary musician .

Rainbow Bar and Grill Atmosphere

The Rainbow Bar and Grill exudes a classic rock and roll vibe with its dim lighting, wood paneling, and walls adorned with rock memorabilia . The atmosphere is lively, with rock music playing constantly and patrons engaging in animated conversations .

One of the most striking features of the Rainbow is its inclusivity. It attracts a diverse crowd, ranging from 21 to 81 years old, with no dress code and patrons from all walks of life . This welcoming environment has contributed to its enduring popularity among both locals and tourists.

The venue is known for its reasonably priced meals, stiff drinks, and the possibility of rubbing shoulders with rock royalty . Its red booths, famous bar stools, and the iconic Motörhead “Snaggletooth” character on the door leading to the restaurant all contribute to its unique ambiance .

The Rainbow Bar and Grill continues to be a must-visit destination for music fans, offering a tangible connection to rock and roll history. Its walls echo with decades of stories, making it a true legend in the landscape of American music venues .

The Iconic CBGB in New York City

CBGB History

CBGB, a legendary music club, opened its doors in December 1973 at 315 Bowery in New York’s East Village . Founded by Hilly Kristal, the club’s name stood for “Country, Bluegrass, Blues and Other Music for Uplifting Gormandizers” . Initially envisioned as a country and bluegrass venue, CBGB quickly became the epicenter of the emerging punk and new wave scenes .

The club’s humble beginnings as a former biker bar and dive bar set the stage for its gritty, authentic atmosphere . Kristal’s decision to allow bands to play original music marked a significant shift in the New York music scene, as most clubs at the time only permitted cover songs .

CBGB Notable Performances

CBGB hosted countless iconic performances that shaped the punk and new wave movements. The Ramones made their first public appearance as a quartet at CBGB, playing to an almost empty club but leaving an indelible mark on music history .

Patti Smith, often referred to as the “Queen of CBGB,” was introduced to the venue by Richard Hell and quickly rose to prominence . Other notable acts that graced CBGB’s stage included Blondie, Talking Heads, and the Dead Boys . The venue also played host to early performances by the Misfits, The Cramps, and even an acoustic set by Guns N’ Roses in 1987 .

CBGB Legacy

CBGB’s influence on the music world cannot be overstated. It served as the launchpad for numerous influential artists and played a crucial role in shaping the punk and new wave genres . The club’s reputation spread beyond New York, attracting international attention and fostering a vibrant underground music scene .

Despite its cultural significance, CBGB faced challenges in the early 2000s. After a protracted dispute over unpaid rent, the club was forced to close its doors on October 15, 2006 . Fittingly, Patti Smith performed the final show, bringing the venue’s 33-year history to a poignant close .

CBGB’s legacy lives on through its impact on music and popular culture. The club’s iconic logo has become a symbol of punk rock, and its influence continues to inspire new generations of musicians. In 2013, CBGB’s former building was added to the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its status as a cultural landmark .

The Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip

Whisky a Go Go History

This iconic venue opened its doors on January 16, 1964, founded by Elmer Valentine, Phil Tanzini, Shelly Davis, and attorney Theodore Flier . The club quickly became a cornerstone of the Los Angeles music scene, playing a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the 1960s and beyond.

Whisky a Go Go Notable Performances

The Whisky a Go Go has hosted an impressive array of legendary performances throughout its history. The venue played a crucial role in launching the careers of numerous Southern California-based bands. The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and Love were regular performers, while The Doors famously served as the house band for a period .

Some of the most memorable moments at The Whisky include:

1. Van Morrison’s band Them’s two-week residency in June 1966, with The Doors as the opening act. On the final night, both bands joined forces for an epic jam session on “Gloria” .
2. Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention securing their record deal based on a performance at the club .
3. The Ramones making their Whisky debut on February 15, 1977 .
4. Metallica discovering their future bassist, Cliff Burton, after watching him perform with his band Trauma at the venue .

Whisky a Go Go Impact

The impact of The Whisky a Go Go on the music industry cannot be overstated. It served as a launching pad for countless artists and played a significant role in shaping various music movements. The venue’s influence extended beyond rock, as it also hosted R&B acts like The Temptations, Four Tops, and Otis Redding during the late 1960s .

In the 1970s and 1980s, The Whisky adapted to changing musical landscapes, becoming a hub for punk, new wave, and hair metal scenes. Bands like X, The Go-Go’s, Guns N’ Roses, and Mötley Crüe all graced its stage during their early days . The club’s ability to evolve with the times has cemented its place in music history.

The Whisky a Go Go’s legacy is so profound that in 2006, it became the first-ever live music venue to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame .

Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn

Saint Vitus Bar, a legendary Brooklyn venue, opened its doors in April 2011 in the Greenpoint neighborhood. The 2,500-square-foot space, formerly a plumbing school and social club, was transformed into a sleek, dark club by designer Matthew Maddy .

The bar’s name draws inspiration from multiple sources: the doom metal band Saint Vitus, a Bauhaus song, a Black Sabbath track, and the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague .

Saint Vitus Bar Notable Performances

Saint Vitus quickly gained a reputation for hosting an impressive array of performances. The venue’s first official show featured Liturgy on May 6, 2011 . Over the years, it has welcomed both up-and-coming acts and established names in the metal, punk, and hardcore scenes.

Some of the most notable performances include:

1. A surprise late-night show by the surviving members of Nirvana, featuring guest vocalists Joan Jett, St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, and John McCauley, following their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2014 .
2. Special club shows by metal giants Megadeth and Anthrax .
3. Performances by influential bands like Carcass, Refused, and High On Fire .

The venue has also hosted book signings by metal legends, including Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, which became a defining moment for the bar .

Saint Vitus Bar Atmosphere

Saint Vitus Bar is renowned for its unique, immersive atmosphere. The space is decorated with upside-down crosses and pentagrams, creating a distinctly metal ambiance . Red candles and dark decor contribute to the venue’s signature look, designed to transport visitors into another world .

The bar’s layout offers an intimate experience, with the stage accessible through the crowd. This setup allows fans to get up close and personal with the performers, creating unforgettable moments .

Despite facing challenges, including a temporary closure in 2024 due to building violations , Saint Vitus Bar has left an indelible mark on Brooklyn’s music scene. Its legacy as an iconic underground music brand continues to inspire and influence the metal community.

Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore

Maryland Deathfest (MDF) is an annual extreme metal music festival founded in 2003 by Ryan Taylor and Evan Harting . Held over Memorial Day weekend in downtown Baltimore, it has become the premiere underground metal festival in the United States . The festival’s concept is to showcase the best and most extreme bands the underground has to offer, without conforming to trends or genre restrictions .

Maryland Deathfest Notable Performances

MDF has featured an impressive array of performances over the years. In 2022, the festival welcomed dozens of bands from across the extreme metal spectrum, including styles like grindcore and hardcore punk . Notable acts have included Swedish death metal legends Dismember, whose 2023 performance drew a packed crowd despite rainy conditions . Canadian thrash metal institution Sacrifice and the reformed atmospheric metal group Agalloch have also graced the MDF stage .

Maryland Deathfest Impact

The impact of Maryland Deathfest on the metal scene has been significant. It has grown to become the biggest event of its kind in North America, attracting attendees from more than 40 U.S. states and 25 countries annually . Since its inception, MDF has hosted over 800 bands from more than 40 countries .

Despite facing challenges, including cancelations in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MDF has shown resilience .

FAQs

1. Which city in the US has the highest number of metal bands per capita?
Cleveland, Ohio leads the United States with the highest number of metal bands per capita, boasting 837 bands. Portland, Oregon is second with 618 bands, followed by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with 601 bands. Other cities with a high number of metal bands include Rochester, Richmond, Salt Lake City, Tampa, and Seattle.

2. Which location is recognized as the global capital of metal music?
Lemi, Finland, is the global capital of metal music. It has a heavy metal logo featuring a ram’s head and the phrase “I ‘heart’ Lemi” in the local dialect. It’s a great place to visit if you’re into metal music.

3. Which US state is home to the most metal bands?
Oregon is the US state with the most metal bands, having 146 bands per million residents, according to data from Encyclopedia Metallum. This high number is largely due to Portland’s significant contribution to the metal scene.

4. What is considered the death metal capital of the United States?
Tampa, Florida is widely regarded as the death metal capital of the United States, known for its influential role in the genre.