Ever wondered how many times The Replacements played First Ave? (11 times.) Or when Prince played the club for the first time? (March 19, 1981.) You can find answers to questions much more obscure than these in the Minnesota Historical Society’s gigantic First Avenue & 7th Street Entry Inventory of Band Files. The online archive appears to list every show played during the club’s 23-year history, while the physical collection is apparently 22 boxes: “The files contain some correspondence with bands and/or agents, contracts, attendance and ‘take’ or ‘numbers’ sheets (financial breakdowns), photographs of performers and other promotional materials, tickets, post-performance reviews, and other miscellany.” As you read these words, a local rock journalist is likely on his way to the Historical Society right now.
Our History
Aug 22 2005 — 2:00am
1 Reader Comment
12:01 pm
It should be noted that this list, while totally dope, isn’t complete. I know of at least three Melvins shows, one Yo La Tengo show and one Deicide show that aren’t listed, and that’s after just a minute or so of browsing.
That said, I’m in love with this list, if for no other reason than because I finally found the name of the worst band I’ve ever seen. (The Hangovers, opening for Sleater-Kinney, 10/98.)