10. The Powerstation, New Zealand
The Powerstation is a venue in Auckland, New Zealand that has been host to some renowned acts from Fall Out Boy to rapper, Snoop Dogg.
9. Mercury Live, South Africa
Mercury Live in South Africa is one of the best places to find Rock and Alternative bands in Cape Town. Located next to a nondescript brick building in the district of Zonnebloem, it is one of the coolest and vibrant live music venues in the city.
8. O2 Arena, London
Acts that have graced the stage of the iconic UK venue include; AC/DC, Tom Jones, Beyoncé and Black Sabbath.
The O2 Arena in London. Photo by Bernt Rostad
7. The Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles
In 1922, the outdoor music venue, The Hollywood Bowl, opened in Los Angeles.
The Hollywood Bowl was the site for American singer, turned actress Cher’s final two concerts of her Living Proof: The Farewell Tour in 2005 and it was also the venue for legendary L.A. rock band The Doors ‘dream concert’ in 1968.
6. Madison Square Garden, New York
Madison Square Garden is probably one of the world’s well known venues for music and entertainment.
The venue’s most notable event was when Elvis Presley made entertainment history in 1972 by being the first entertainer to sell out four consecutive shows.
Madison Square Gardens. Photo by SneakinDeacon
5. The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles
On June 26th 1931, The Greek Theatre put on its first performance to a crowd of over 4,000 people.
Located in Los Angeles, the Greek Theatre has won the Best Small Outdoor Venue award seven times in the past eight years.
4. First Avenue and 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis
First Avenue and 7th Street Entry are two music venues located in the same landmark building in downtown Minneapolis.
During their sound check at the First Avenue, U2 wrote part of October.
On November 3rd 2011, Gwar guitarist, Cory Smoot played his last performance at the venues before he died just hours afterwards.
3. The Royal Albert Hall, London
Construction for the Royal Albert Hall in London began in 1967 and was opened by Queen Victoria in 1971.
The London venue has played host to exceptional musicians such as; Sir Elton John, Paul McCartney, Sting and Phil Collins.
The venue is also the home to events such as the BBC Proms, Cirque du Soleil and the English National Ballet.
2. The Fillmore, San Francisco
In 1912, The Fillmore opened its doors to music lovers across San Francisco. Up until 1954, it was known as the Majestic Hall. The Fillmore has become one of the world’s best known venues for live music.
From 1958 to 1980, the owner, Bill Graham, moved the concert location before returning back to the original Fillmore.
The venues were closed in 1989 due to the damage to the structure caused by an earthquake, but reopened five years later.
1. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an outdoor music venue, located in Morrison Colorado that opened in 1906.
The first noted ‘rock n’ roll’ styles concert that ever took place there was by British band The Beatles (the only venues that didn’t sell out on their US tour).
Red Rocks can hold up to 9,450 people.
Since its opening over 100 years ago, it has become a stage for some of the world’s most famous music stars, including U2, Stevie Nicks, The Beatles, Oasis and Jimi Hendrix.
Red Rocks Amphitheater. Photo by Ozskier on Wikipedia
Lauren Greig
Auxiliary Magazine 