The 50 Best Concert Venues in America

If you're a real music fan, you have to see a show at each of these before you die.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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The concert experience is a thrilling one. From the time you purchase a ticket until very moment the act takes the stage, anticipation is high. Live shows go beyond the artist. It's more than the wait. It exceeds that first glimpse of the performer, and the jubilation you feel when your favorite song is finally played. The venue itself breathes life into your experience. A space can take a show from completely unforgettable to exceptional.

A quality space makes music come alive, because every small detail—the smell, the sound, your distance from the stage—helps to animate the moment, making each show a unique memory. Whether it's your first concert or your favorite concert, there are certain specifics you'll never forget. While an exceptional performer is crucial, it's where you saw the performance that burns it into your brain. The venue caters to every sense—it's about the right moment in the right place. 

Every music venue has something that distinguishes it from the next, whether it be the size, the decor, or the top-notch bar. Reputation holds weight; a long-standing commitment to excellence always resonates with patrons who won't hesitate to spend money on quality. We all know that ticket sales are driven by the talent, but your money goes toward an experience. You get what you pay for, why wouldn't you want the best?

Each of our 50 best concert venues in America improve live performances in their own exciting way. Enjoy the show.

Written by Julian Kimble (@JRK316)

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50. Grand Star Jazz Club

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49. The End

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48. Blackbird Ordinary

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47. Lincoln Hall

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46. U Street Music Hall

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45. Santos Party House

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44. Santa Barbara Bowl

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43. The Electric Pickle Company

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42. Kilby Court

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41. Brooklyn Bowl

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40. Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)

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39. Hollywood Bowl

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38. Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub

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37. Largo at the Coronet

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36. The Orange Peel

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35. Variety Playhouse

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34. The Hideout

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33. Mohawk

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32. Norva Theatre

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31. Joe's Pub

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30. Toad's Place

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29. Greek Theatre

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28. Trocadero Theatre

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27. Metro Chicago

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26. Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

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25. Stubbs BBQ

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24. House of Blues-New Orleans

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23. Showbox at the Market

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22. Roseland Ballroom

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21. Howard Theatre

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20. El Rey Theatre

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19. Radio City Music Hall

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18. 40 Watt Club

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17. SOB's

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16. Shoreline Amphitheatre

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15. Webster Hall

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14. The Wiltern

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13. Gorge Amphitheatre

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12. House of Blues-Hollywood

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11. Beacon Theatre

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10. The Joint

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9. Electric Factory

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8. Irving Plaza

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7. The Tabernacle

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6. The Troubadour

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5. First Avenue

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4. Red Rocks Amphitheatre

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3. The Fillmore

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2. 9:30 Club

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1. Bowery Ballroom

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