First Avenue

First Avenue is a legendary, independent music venue in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, famous for its role in Prince’s film Purple Rain and for its iconic exterior wall painted with stars recognizing performers. Opened in 1970, the venue hosts over 200 concerts annually in its 1,550-capacity Mainroom and 350+ shows in the 250-capacity 7th St Entry

Flashback: Arctic Monkeys at First Ave, Minneapolis (05/07/2007)

First Avenue turned into a venerable hotbox last evening, with the Arctic Monkeys playing their first ever Minneapolis show at the sold out and muggy club.(But that didn’t stop Elvis Costello from getting in-he was perched on the dj deck for the entire set, applauding and enjoying the show-he’s playing the Myth tonight.) And what a show it was. I have to admit, I was quite knackered from a long solo drive from Milwaukee that afternoon, and didn’t have a lot of energy going into the show, but that all changed as soon as the four lads from Sheffield took the stage. From that point on, First Ave was a powder keg of energy and high voltage rock n’ roll.

Johnny Marr & the Healers at First Ave, Minneapolis (05/07/2003)

The poster and ticket stub tells me that the show was booked by the Developing Arts & Music Foundation and listed as a 21+ show. I do have poor memory of the event, I remember that I touched Johnny Marr's arms and guitar (so I was front, as usual).