A Guide to Austin’s Classic Rock Scene
Austin, Texas is well-known as the Live Music Capital of the World, a reputation it has earned through its various live music festivals as well as rock and roll history. What many don’t know is that Austin is home to an ever-thriving classic rock music scene. In this guide we’ll take a good look at some of Austin’s most popular classic rock venues and some of the city’s very own iconic classic rock musicians. Whether you are a classic rock fan or just curious about the genre and want to learn more, read on to find out more about the capital city’s classic rock scene.
A Guide to Austin’s Classic Rock Scene
Without a mention of the Continental Club, no discussion of Austin’s classic rock scene would be complete. This world-famous venue has been a staple of the city’s music scene since 1957. It has hosted the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Janis Joplin, and Willy Nelson over the years. The Continental Club is still going strong these days, hosting regular classic rock shows every single night of the week! If you’re after a true taste of Austin’s classic rock history, there’s no place better to start than The Continental Club.
The Saxon Pub
The Saxon Pub is another of Austin’s most popular classic rock venues located just southwards of the city’s downtown. Since 1990, the Saxon Club has been a gathering place for musicians and a hotspot for fans. Throughout the years, this venue has hosted countless live performances from both world-renowned artists and up-and-coming musicians/groups. In addition to live music, the Saxon Pub also offers pool tables, darts, and shuffleboard, making it the ideal place to spend an unforgettable evening with friends, both old and new, from all over the area.
Classic Rock Musicians You Need To Know About
Austin is not only home to great venues for the performing arts like classic rock, but also some of the genre’s most iconic acts and musicians. Here are just a few of the classic rock artists who hail from Austin:
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Stevie Ray Vaughn was born and raised in Austin and is widely considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Vaughn rose to prominence in the early 1980’s with his band Double Trouble. Before his tragic death in 1990, he released six critically acclaimed albums such as Texas Flood.
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin was one of the most iconic figures of the 1960’s counterculture movement. She was born in Port Arthur but later moved to Austin back in 1962 to pursue a musical career that would leave a profound impact on so many people. Joplin would go on to achieve massive stardom with her band Big Brother and the Holding Company before embarking on a successful solo career. Even up until now, she remains one of the best-selling female artists of all time!
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson was born in Abbot, Texas but moved to Austin in 1972. He’s a true legend of country music and has gone on to release more than 200 albums and winning many awards along the way. These include multiple Grammy Awards and an induction into the Country Music Hall Of Fame, as well as the Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame. Even at the age of 89, the legendary Willie Nelson continues to tour and write songs that still capture the imagination of not just the older generations, but those of today.
These are just a few of the many talented, iconic rock musicians who call Austin, Texas home. Whether you’re a classic rock fan or just looking to further explore Austin’s live music scene, these venues are a great place to start. Austin is known nationwide as one of the places to be for live musical performances!
