Thinking about First Ave.

August 29, 2007 | In Music | No Comments

I’ve seen a lot of concerts over the years. From Jimmy Eat Wold with the Promise Ring to The White Stripes and a historic Coldplay show, I’ve seen a lot of concerts. And all those were at the historic First Avenue and the 7th Street Entry.

First Ave is an important place to us music fans in Minnesota. The Replacements, The Jayhawks, Semisonic, and even Prince all got their starts at the dark, star studded night club. Price even used First Ave as the back drop of his Purple Rain film.

In 2004 the unthinkable happened. First Ave shut its doors for what we thought might be forever. Like many venues the place was facing some financial issues and entered bankruptcy. It quickly reopened though, with Gwar (of all bands) taking the stage on opening night.

Like I said, I’ve had some amazing experiences at First Ave. I saw Coldplay performe there just days before “A Rush of Blood to the Head” was released. Chris Martin played four encores and the venue had to kick him off stage. I had a drink in the balcony while watching The Promise Ring play one of their last shows. Stood two feet away from Jack White of the White Stripes before they went on stage.

A few years ago First Ave released a “Bootleg” to celebrate its 35th anniversery. There is a Joe Jackson performance of “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” that reminds me why I love music.

I don’t have any shows on the docket right now, but I’m looking forward to the next time I step foot in the dark, scuzzy hole that is First Ave.