OPEN BARS (10)
Antone's Nightclub
🇺🇸Austin, United States
Historically significant as a blues club, Antone's has hosted blues legends like Muddy Waters and B.B. King. It also played a crucial role in launching the careers of rock-influenced artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr. While not exclusively a rock venue, its blues roots influence the broader rock scene. - **Website**: [https://antonesnightclub.com/](https://antonesnightclub.com/) - **Music Genres/Subgenres**: Blues, Rock, Blues-Rock
3rd & Lindsley
🇺🇸Nashville, United States
Highly regarded mid-sized venue for blues, Americana, and rock performances. Attracts national touring acts.
Ortlieb's
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
Reopened and revitalized as a nightclub/live venue, Ortlieb's carries on a rock and dive bar legacy in Northern Liberties, hosting a mix of local and touring bands.
The Bitter End
🇺🇸New York, United States
The oldest continuously operating rock and roll club in New York City, having opened its doors in 1961. Founded by Fred Weintraub, the club began as a coffeehouse during the height of the Greenwich Village folk boom. A pivotal moment in its history involves Weintraub personally chipping away the crumbling plaster of the interior to reveal the red brick wall underneath—this wall became the venue's visual signature, the iconic backdrop for thousands of performances and album covers over six decades.
Never Never Land
🇯🇵Tokyo, Japan
More than a bar; a political and cultural institution. Became the headquarters for the "Save Shimokitazawa" movement, a grassroots campaign that fought against the government's plan to bulldoze the neighborhood for a highway. The owner, Kenji Shimodaira, is a key community figure.
Vagon Club
🇨🇿Prague, Czech Republic
Located on Národní Třída—site of 1989 student protests. Sanctuary for "Bigbít" (Big Beat) generation. Interior resembles train carriage.
The Ealing Club
🇬🇧London, United Kingdom
If there is a "Ground Zero" for British rock and blues, the historical consensus points to this basement opposite Ealing Broadway station. Opened in 1959 as a jazz venue, it became the focal point for the nascent British R&B scene in 1962 under Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies.
Slim Jim's Liquor Store
🇬🇧London, United Kingdom
The Masterful Purveyor of Good Times, a late-night rock'n'roll dive bar and grassroots live music venue. LA-style dive bar vibe with neon lights, music posters, red leather bar stools, and booths. Ambiance is electric, with well-worn leather and aged oak. Features an award-winning jukebox loaded with classics from Led Zeppelin to Guns N' Roses. Extensive stock of whiskies (over 90 from around the world), liquor, classic cocktails, and cold craft beer.
100 Club
🇬🇧London, United Kingdom
The oldest independent music venue worldwide. Located at 100 Oxford Street, its history stretches back to 1942 when it operated as the Feldman Swing Club. During World War II, the basement venue served a dual purpose: a jazz club and an informal air-raid shelter. Anecdotes describe patrons "jitterbugging" while German bombs fell on London, fostering a spirit of resilience that would define the club's future identity.
Antone's Nightclub
🇺🇸Austin, United States
Historically significant as a blues club. Launched careers of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr.
CLOSED BARS (6)
Frankenstein’s
🇺🇸Portland, United States
Popular NW Portland dance/music venue active 1971-1972. Later became Sack's Front Avenue. Hosted Portland bands including Brown Sugar, Seafood Mama, Sunnyland Band, Holy Modal Rounders.
Bijou Café
🇺🇸Philadelphia, United States
Opened October 4, 1972 in space formerly housing Showboat jazz club (where Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie played). Capacity 250-300. Hosted U2's first Nashville appearance (December 1980), Miles Davis, Barry Manilow, and comedy from John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner.
The Crawdaddy Club
🇬🇧London, United Kingdom
Founded by impresario Giorgio Gomelsky, The Crawdaddy Club in Richmond was the first venue to fully capitalize on the R&B explosion. Named after Bo Diddley's "Doing the Craw-Daddy," a staple of the Stones' set.
The Lord Nelson
🇬🇧London, United Kingdom
A key stop for bands like Dr. Feelgood and Geno Washington on the pub rock circuit. With its "shabby, magical cosiness," it was part of the Holloway Road rock corridor that included Joe Meek's studio.
The Pound
🇬🇧Belfast, United Kingdom
Maritime Hotel
🇬🇧Belfast, United Kingdom