I REMEMBER HANGING OUT AT .........

• ABBRACADABRA - San Antonio -
• ABBEY ROAD - San Antonio - Stash writes: "In your local clubs section you left out the "abbey road" it was off san pedro near san francisco steak house. When "the Knave" went country music in about 1981 or so everyone went there. Lots of good bands and music."
• ALAMO HOTEL LOUNGE - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "And, I'm not EVEN gonna get started on the Alamo Hotel Lounge! in Austin on 6th Street (once Pecan Street).-1960s and 1970s where LBJs brother once lived on the top floor and Butch Hancock, Jimmie Dale, Joe Ely once played music downstairs. Nice long wooden bar and very narrow room for tables. Coldest beer in a summer town. On 6th Street, half a block from Pecan Street Studio, Mid 1970 to early 1980s, (where SA's Chris Cross cut his contract winning demos with SAs Chet Himes. I think I recall both being Alamo High grads; if so, that would be a rather "Alamo cosmic" kinda coincidence.) Alamo Hotel and Pecan Street Studios demolished in mid 1980s."
• ANTONE'S - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "And, of course, the very legendary Antone's, esp. during its amazing 6th Street era from mid to late 1970s. Slogan: Austin's Home of the Blues."
• ANTONIAN BALLROOM - San Antonio - [culebra rd.] Okie-D writes: "Another gutted storefront about 1/4 mile south of Randy's. While playing there, my van was broken into and my 100-watt bogen p.a. stolen. The real joke was on the thieves."
• THE AUSTIN OUTHOUSE - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "mid 1980s beer and wine neighborhood bar with bikers playing pool in the back room and the late great Blaze Foley singing by the bar. Cement floor. Blaze graduated high school in SA"
• ARMADILLO WORLD HEADQUARTERS - Austin - Steve Denney writes: " Oh my God, so many stories here. One of the coolest places ever for live music - amazing, considering it was really just an old Quonset hut with a big bar inside. 525 1/2 Barton Springs Road. Very eclectic bookings. Some of the bands I saw there were Badfinger (three original members at the time), Roy Buchanan, the Great Guitars (Herb Ellis, Charlie Byrd, and Barney Kessel), Todd Rundgren's Utopia, Frank Zappa, Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen...whew."
• BANDERA BALLROOM - San Antonio - Vel Espinoza writes: "Bandera Ballroom on Bandera Rd and W. Cheryl in San Antonio."
• BACKWAY INN - San Antonio - ML writes: "This was a little dark place located near the rear of a strip mall out by Lackland AFB. The crowds were primarily off duty military or army brats. It was a mainstay with Dean Bell agency bands most of whom played there on a rotating basis on the weekends. The nights would always start off slow then turn into a drunken mass of dancing sweaty people. The club could only hold a 100 or so people so it would seem to be a happening place. I had a few good times there while playing with SANDCASTLE but it was not the kind of place I would go on my nights off." Bobby Flores writes: "The Back Way Inn on Marbach Road. I used to play there in my early teens (mid 70's) with my band Brothers of the Road which featured Hank Singer on fiddle, Robert Miller then later Tony Kosub on bass, Gary Martin on keyboards, Charlie Hunnicutt and later Urban Urbano on drums. Never knew what was gonna happen at that club. Dark place and military crowd. Gosh, I'm making myself out to be a real fossil."
• BIG AL'S - San Antonio - John Halloran writes: "Big Al's" It was originally Fitzwilly's, then Skipwilly's... then Big Al's. Bud Luecke and Rick Garrahan were co-owners. Most of the staff came over from the Village Inn (where Stardust and Morning used to play). I would have to check my stuff to be sure (I did work there collecting money at the door) - and I took a LOT of pictures - but I think that it was already Big Al's when Chris Cross won the grammy. We used to do a lot of friendly competition with Cooter Brown's - those two clubs together were the St. Mary's strip or Riverwalk of the day."
• THE BIG HOUSE - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "From at least 1950s onward to mid sixties. Notorious for vice squad raids (before SWAT teams) and gambling busts .. gaming upstairs. First class R&B on stage downstairs, sexy women everywhere. Big House had a small kitchen that served a thick juicy t-bone steak. DJ entertainers Spot Burnet and Scratch Phillips often seen here."
• BIJOU - San Antonio - Sylvia Sluder writes: "I remember going to the Bijou, if memory serves it was either the Pistol (to hang out) or the Bijou to listen to covers of the Eagles, remember Celebration? It was the first place I heard Jimmy Buffet's "lets get drunk and s....w" on the juke box. Now I'm dating myself. thanks for this, I was also a big LP's fan."
• BINARY STAR - Dallas - Okie-d writes: "If you went all the way out Lemon Ave. til it dead-ended into Love field, and turned left, then went about 1/4 mile,,... over on the right, in a commercial shopping building, was the B.S...a real nice ,split-level ,dance bar. The stage was on a suspended "shelf" half-way up the wall. a real bitch getting gear up there, but, it provided more room on the dance floor. and Overload JAMMED this place well past it's capacity. [we were used to it...$$$$$]"
• THE BLACK CAT - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "Mid 1980s 6th Street great breakout joint for bands both rock and country. Tattoos help."
• THE BLACK QUEEN - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "For the late 1960s Austin clubs with blues bands and dark rockers, Nightcrawlers, etc."
• BLUE BONNET PALACE - Selma - Steve Denney writes: "On I-35 in Selma. Big dance hall; popular place for weekend dances with regional and national country and some rock bands."
• BLUE NOTE LOUNGE - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "On Blanco Road, where Sir Douglas Quintet was launched in mid 1960s. Candles on each table with dance floor and beer / wine license but BYOB."
• BO JANGLES - San Antonio - On West Ave. Later became Wild West.
• THE BONHAM EXCHANGE - San Antonio - Georgia Z writes: "Infamous multi level club with its various dance floors and rooms. Remember seeing several "bands-of-the-moment" there during the 80's."
• BOOKERS - Universal City - Steve Denney writes: "On Pat Booker Rd. in Universal City. Played there with The Hardliners a couple of times."
• BRAZAKKA'S REEF - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "Odd little hole-in-the-wall bar on Blanco Rd. As I recall, they booked pretty eclectic acts. The Hardliners were scheduled to play there once, but the owners kept changing the guarantee on us, so we cancelled the gig."
• BROADWAY 50-50 - San Antonio - Randy Galliher writes: "Another club that hired some great bands was the Broadway 50-50. It was very small and did not have much room for the bands but they hired very talented people."
• BUDRO'S - San Antonio -
• BWANA DIK - San Antonio - Georgia Z writes: "located downtown on Commerce St. - as I recall. What a great place with its huts and Tiki decor and let's not forget the caged Go-Go dancers. They had live music and it was one place I was able to get into before I was of the legal drinking age."
• CACTUS CLUB - Houston - Okie-d writes: "A legendary bar ,on ZZ Top's home turf. [possibly owned by Bill Ham ?] sort of a a R&R Gilley's, and about 1/3 the size. Quite an honor to have played this room ,even in '75, ...well after this joint's hey-day."
• CAPE BUFFALO - Dallas - ML writes: A local area restraunt live music club featuring some of the best in local music. Live music is on weekends and many of the acts are traveling road bands from around the country. However, many local DFW groups can be seen as well. This is one of my favorite places to catch SA's 'The Klocks'. We have had many happy nights here watching the patrons fill the dance floor and having a great time.
• CASBEERS - San Antonio - Georgia Z writes: "Still alive and well on Blanco Rd. near Hildebrand and sporting some excellent live acts."
• THE CHANDELIER CLUB - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "Mid 1960s to early 1970s on Austin Highway, behind a strip club called the Lamp-Post. Chandelier was private club with mixed drinks music by Mac Ray and the Invictas, drummer named Footsie. Very red décor and a good bar."
• CHARLIES QUARTER PLACE - Universal City - Okie-d writes: "A real narrow, long, low cielinged room, with a tiny stage and dance floor. Lots of airmen from Randolf, and Universal City party people hung out at Charlies, and it seemed to have more than it's share of drunken scuffles. The only other notable [ to me, anyway] was that I played farewell gigs with Angel and Overload at Charlie's." Bubba Henze writes: "The proprietor Charlie was a real nice man. Unknown to me at the time is that he co-promoted the first Rush concert in San Antonio at Randy's Rodeo with Lou Roney from KISS radio."
• CHUCKIE'S PLACE - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "On West Olmos. Used to play there quite a bit with Frank Rodarte and the Dell-Kings."
• CIBOLO CREEK COUNTRY CLUB - Selma - Roger Barnes writes: "This was the best Texas Roadhouse I ever set foot in...it felt like home...and for a couple of years I got my mail there I was there so much. Every Texas Music lover or musician who ever went there considered it heaven on earth...and bemoans it's closing to this day. Run by Denny, Linda, and Tim... it hosted every meaningful Texas Music act from Joe Ely to Robert Earl to Guy Clark and many up and comers. It was originally Luxello Hall back in the 40s or so and was restored and ran on a shoestring. The ambience was warm and wonderful. All employees were volunteers without pay. We had campouts in the back yard, you could even bring your dog in for a drink. There will never be another place like it. Gradys BBQ should be tarred and feathered for buying it out from under the previous owners then never doing anything with the place. It's now overrun by gothers. It was the kind of place you dream about ... gone but not forgotten."
• THE COMMANDERS ROOM (ML -This was previously listed here as 1ST CLUB ) - San Antonio - Charly Wino writes: "1962 - on Travis & Flores." Chris Holzhaus writes: "I noticed that you have Charley Wino's post for a club on Travis and Flores called the 1st club? The name of that club was The Commanders Room ....hehehe. Its all coming back."
• COOTER BROWNS - San Antonio - ML writes: This was a happening place out on 1604 near UTSA. Over the years it became kind of an institution with the college crowd. The club had live music starting on Wed's thru Sat. When your band made it to a weekend headliner status you knew that you had arrived locally. The club always featured the best of the local acts as well as visiting bands from the Austin area. It didn't always mean that the bands were great but only that they had a large following. Not always the same thing. I had many a great night hanging out at this indoor/outdoor venue. I still have many memories of great Cooters nights. Randy Galliher writes: "I drove past Fitzwillys and Cooter Brown's about 1998. Cooter Brown's had either been moved or was burned down. (actually it looked as if it blew up by the debris field). It was a shame because the architectural style of the building was beautiful."
• THE COUNTRY - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "First SA gay club way out on San Pedro in white wooden house, mid-1960s -- then, in the mid-1970s ... on St Mary's Street, a great dance club opens with excellent large dance floor (cement). It's named in honor of the original Country and becomes SA's "in" center for disco craze with super super DJs. Erotic with great pick-up opportunities for all tastes during height of wide open drug / sex revolution (before AIDS and escalated Drug War)."
• COPPER DOLLAR - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "Perrin-Beitel and 410. Very popular pool hall that experimented with having acoustic-type music on the outdoor patio on weekends. I did a couple of acoustic gigs there."
• THE COPPER PENNY LOUNGE - San Antonio - Roger Barnes writes: "...on the corner of NE Loop 410 and Nachodoches Road. When I was 14 years old .... driving my Rambler American ...(which had a fondness for finding ditches) .... I was driving too fast in rain on the access road next to the Copper Penny ... and when I braked I skidded right into the culvert next to the joint. I had the Leader of The Invaders Band, Terry Laughlin, riding shotgun. It was a deep cement ditch so we rounded up some drunks in the Copper Penny and they helped us shove it back on the road. It was the kind of joint you hated to leave after you walked in the door ... decent folks who always made you welcome . .of age or not. Gone but not forgotten. ....Roger Barnes."
• CRAZY DARRYLS - Universal City -
• CRYSTAL PISTOL - San Antonio - Joe McDuffie writes: "The Crystal Pistol on San Pedro was a classic old Hippie hangout in the 70's."
• DADDY'S - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "Fredericksburg Rd. I saw several national acts there in the early '80s, ranging from Michael Schenker to Pat Metheny."
• DENIM & DIAMONDS - San Antonio -
• DOS GUYS - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "On St. Mary's St., I think. Short-lived blues bar."
• THE DOWN UNDER PUB - Frisco (Dallas) - ML writes: A fun little pub out in the Dallas suburbs which features a pretty good variety of local and road bands. Can get really crowded at times but that just makes it feel like a happening place. You can check out SA;s the Max and The Klocks here as well as other kick as local bands.
• THE DUMP - San Antonio - Chris Holzhaus writes: "psyco-delic club on Austin Hwy. 65'"
• DRAGON LADY - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "Later called the Rickshaw, and then the Commander's Room -- was first on N. Main Street downtown SA early 1960s to about 1970 then moved over to Travis; featured after hours Tejano and lite jazz with two of SAs finest bartenders named Shaw and Wooten. The Commander's Room and the Navy Club were both run by brothers Phil and George Safair. The Navy Club featured Danny Segovia plus Latino Bands. Originally club members bought their memberships and brought their own booze and the clubs held it in personal lockers. Media people, lawyers and judges and bankers hanging out and making out without their wives at 3:30am. All before mixed drinks in Texas."
• EAT IT/ BALL IT - San Antonio - ML writes: This place was located on Main behind SAC. It normally was a laid back game/live music club. Not really very special except this is where OVERLOAD played many of it's early gigs. This is where the band got it's act together and eventually returned the favor by packing the place till it would almost burst at the seams. Had some great times in those days. Steve Wisnoski writes: "The place you described as 'eat it', I believe was "ball it". I used to play there in '75 with "Razz". It was next store to the poddle shop. A little farther south on main st. was "the quarter house", the greenwood restaurant. And almost across from the original "Luthers" cafe. I remember Luther standing there flippin' burgers when I went to SAC in 74-75. Luther retired, moved to Medina lake and I believe passed away 3 months into his retirement. A fellow named Ted who worked for Luther in '75 moved the cafe into an old gas station at san pedro and evergreen. I just saw in the paper that it's still open. Their speciality is red top irish stew. Okie-d writes: "[N. Main, about a block from SAC] This was actually two storefronts with a big hole knocked out inbetween. On the right was a gameroom [foosball, billiards, etc.], and on the left was a "munchies" bar, [great stuffed mushrooms, and potato skins]. At first asmall stage at front of eatery, later, a larger, raised stage, on the game side. A decent place, but too small to hold enough bodies to make money.{see STING]"
• EASTWOOD COUNTRY CLUB - San Antonio - Chris Holzhaus writes: "Lets dont forget Eastwood Country Club, I played there with the soulmakers from late 71 to 73...miss wiggles showed up several times to do her act for old time sake.Glad to have been there. Its one of my favorite times in music." Bill Lieber writes: "I guess one of my first clubs to visit was Eastwood Country Club back around '68."
• THE FARMERS DAUGHTER - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "The Farmer's Daughter -- ?, does it still exist. Once theeee kicker dance hall for SA, before kicker was even a word. Best in true country western dance bands, Hank Thompson, George Jones, Charlie Walker."
• FERDIES - San Antonio - David McDonald writes: "Regarding Ferdies club, it was a beer garden type place way out north San Pedro. Had a rep for under age beer. Augie Meyers wife worked there for a while."
• FITZWILLY'S - San Antonio - Randy Galliher writes: "Fitzwillys/Skipwillys was turned into a daycare center! I wondered how they ever got the smell of beer and urine out of that place. Skip was so proud of the playboy centerfold collage in the mensroom that the waitresses made."
• FLOORES COUNTRY STORE - Helotes - Keith Holt writes: "- John T Floore Country Store in Helotes. This place has been around since 1942 and is still bringing in the top Texas country acts.(Robt. Earl, Roger Creager,
  Cory Morrow, etc, etc) They have what they claim to be the largest outdoor dance floor in Texas. I don't know if it is true or not, but the thing is huge. They did and still do have a free dance on Sun. The place used to be packed on Sun. nights. They also have great tamales."
• FT. KNOX - San Antonio - [goliad rd.] Okie-D writes: "A pretty nice little club considering the location. I played there with a half dozen or more bands. At times, it could get as jam-packed as the Zodiac at an OVERLOAD gig. in other words, S.R.O. meant, sardine room only."
• FRISKY A-GO-GO - San Antonio - Chris Holzhaus writes: "Downtown on broadway. I played there with Mike Ellis's band the 4 Dimensions in 68"
• THE GARTER - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "On the River, was post-Hemisfair to early 1970s fine jazz with real good house band, 6-Part Invention. Hip audience good small but nice dance floor. Good bar in the beginning of Texas mixed drink era."
• GASOLINE ALLEY - San Antonio - Joe McDuffie writes: "There was a place on Wurzbach in the late 70's called "Gasoline Alley". I think the DrugStore Cowboys were the house band there for a while."
• GATORS - Houston -
• GOLDEN STALLIION - San Antonio - Bobby Flores writes: "The Golden Stallion was on Akerman Road in San Antonio and was one of the big spots to go for country music. Many popular country acts performed there. There was the Canastoga Club which was a small club on the side of the Stallion. Mike Lord used to play the Canastoga a bunch. Back then The Stallion and Randy's were the hot spots for country. I used to work them both. I remember seeing Johnny Bush at the Stallion in the early 70's and when he came on stage the roar of the crowd was deafening. I'll never forget that."
• THE GODFATHER - San Antonio -
• GOOD TIME CHARLIES - San Antonio - San Peftro Ave.
• GRAFFITTI'S - San Antonio - ML writes: This place was located off Wuzbach & I10 on the NW side. It only had live music on Sun nights and was a disco on other nights. This place was a blast. My band Renegade did this gig for months and it was always the highlight of the weeks gigs. The club provided free drinks to the band and $1 drinks for the crowd resulting in a packed crowd every gig. It was the kind of place where the dance floor filled up on the first song of the night and stayed that way the whole night. Talk about a serious singles bar. This was it. Ironically, this is where I met my future wife. I loved giging at that place.
• GREAT JUBILATIONS - San Antonio -
• GREEN GATE - San Antonio - Bluesy33 writes: "In the early 60s there was a strip club in downtown San Antonio called the "Green Gate". I have a wonderful memory of sneaking in the place with a couple of my buddies when I was only 14. We ordered a couple of cokes and watched the strip tease .... figuring we would not push our luck by ordering alcoholic drinks. Aww...the good old days of San Antone."
• THE GRIZZLY BEAR - San Antonio - Bobby Stalbird writes: " I didn't see The Grizzly Bear on the club list. The corner of Courtland and St Mary's. Another SA beer dive. I don't know if you could call United the house band but they sure played there a lot.
• I GOTCHA - Ft Worth - Okie-d writes: "[main drag in Ft. Worth] Some enterprising soul took a 5-6 screen cineplex, at the end of a mall, and turned it into a 3-club money-maker. At the front, was the largest [r&r] portion. at the back was a c&w dance bar, and a 'discotech'. we ,[of course] played the big, main room. it was probably 3 theaters without the dividing walls.[actually quite spacious]. only major draws got to play this joint . a LARGE, raised stage,30 x50 dance floor, 120 or so seats at tables, and toward the back, 10-12 rows of theater seats. Beautiful, tiled restrooms and 3 bars and the BEST concession counter. the only bar i ever played, where i could get a VO@7, pop-corn, and milk-duds in one whack. one night we had over 425 paid entries, and there was still plenty of room. great joint!!!!!!!!!."
• HEAVEN - San Antonio - Tony Pena writes: "I believe the Heaven club you mention is the one that was on Fresno, down the street from Edison High School. Played there with Sugarjammer (Henry Lee on keyboards, Ralph Cortez on vocals, Gilbert Velazquez guitar, Peabody drums and myself on bass). After this stint we went on tour for the USO. Had some wonderful times there during the disco era. As a matter of fact we started playing here after doing some time at the Hypothesis, where we got a job after trying out for various clubs and hotels around town. It was during the disco era and every club manager wanted a sound system instead of a band and it was tough getting hired anywhere."
• HIP'S BUBBLE ROOM - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "Hip's Bubble Room -- Mr. Hip and Miss Kitty. My very very favorite SA memory of all. One of the first theme bars designed to look like the inside of a Christmas present with a choo-choo running around the top of the small room. Was on the SA C of C's list of places to visit. I think of the Chordsman barbershop quartet, Ducks Unlimited, a decorated Christmas Tree year round in the corner, Gene Autry, Sons of the Pioneers and Bing Crosby on Jukebox, cold Gimmedraw was really Pearl, and see that $500 bottle of Coca Cola on the bar ... someone sued because of an object in her bottle of Coke and the company would not stand up for Mr. Hip, never sold it again. Town's biggest media hangout. Great for after the softball game. Rather than make the place larger (it was a rebuilt chicken-coop with concrete floor) he opened Little Hip's just half a block away on the corner; Now famous in its own right. Then in the 1970s they tore down the original Hip's Bubble Room and put up a parking lot."
• HOLE IN THE WALL - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "Mid 1970's a favorite small neighborhood bar where the musician's loved to play and jam. Slogan: Home of the Stars."
• HOLLYWOOD - San Antonio - Vel Espinoza writes: "There was also a club called Hollywood (or Hollywood something) that used to be around the area of the San Francisco Steakhouse in SA (off 281 near Loop 410)- great during the disco-era."
• HOME - San Antonio - T.M.Battersby writes: "Guitarist Bob Gladwin opened this place on San Pedro just south of Woodlawn (late 1960s?). Shiva's Head Band played opening night. Don't remember the name of Gladwin's Band. Bob recorded with Spencer on one of the headband's albums."
• ILLUSIONS - San Antonio - Renee Green writes: "On Austin Hwy."
• IRIES - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "On Fredericksburg Rd., near the medical center. Very fun place with a tropical atmosphere. Had a large outdoor area with picnic tables and covered stage for bands. The restrooms were labeled "Bob" (Marley) and "Rita". This was home base for The Hardliners around '86-87. We played tons of gigs there, and the owners (Kermit and Jerry) were great to work with."
• JACK clubs - San Antonio - Okie-D writes: "3 or 4 clubs all owned by....Jack Mikulenka. The one on wagonwheel dr. just off of Nacogdoches was a nice joint to play. Spacious stage, and good-lookin' waitresses."
• JACKIN AROUND - San Antonio - Chris Holzhaus writes: "Dark bar off Rittiman."
• THE JADE ROOM - Austin - Billy S. Powell writes: "The Jade Room in mid-to late 1960's in Austin. The Elevators were regulars at the Jade Room, about 9th and San Jacinto. A woman named Marge Funk ran the club - it was old school night club. In those days - high schoolers like myself paid the minimal cover and drank Dr Peppers and became disciples of Roky and the Thirteenth Floor Elevators."
• THE JAGGED SKY - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "Corner of Austin Hwy. and Eisenhauer Rd. There's a Walgreen's there last time I looked. Named after a line in the Kenny Rogers / First Edition song "Just Dropped In to See What Condition My Condition was In." Formerly the Texas Tradition. Home base for Marauder around '81-82, we played there almost every week. I think Mike's band Renegade played there too. Instead of a guard dog, the owners had a pet cougar that would roam the place at night. We lost our regular gig when the club decided to change formats around '82 and started booking "new-wave" bands. I showed up one night for a gig to find that we had been bumped by the Butthole Surfers."
• JAM FACTORY - San Antonio - Dave Holloway writes: "I came to SA in 1968 and when not on the road for D-HI Sound, (owned by genius electrician Don "Wig" Hartwig) I mixed sound for alot of the local bands and was sound engineer at the Jam Factory (Jam Productions-Joe A. Miller) for a while. The club would have all night concerts occasionally from 6 pm till 6 am with all local talent and what talent, some of the best. The Jam Factory would also bring in well known bands also, like Deep Purple, Fats Dominoe, ZZ Top and others."
• THE JAZZ GALLERY - San Antonio - (Contributed by Woody Roberts) WR writes: "It was a no compromise progressive jazz establishmant. You stepped down into a room that was dark, small and comfortable. Owned by musician Phil Timmons -- he had a tight and tasty combo with him on piano and George Pryor on bass, George had played and been on the road with Charlie Parker. There was an excelent trumpet player with a gimp hand who had mastered the mute, I think his name was Dick Huntly. The drummer would change and often no drums."
• JOSEPH'S FOODLINER - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "On St. Mary's St. Used to book some pretty good blues bands - Roy Buchanan, Allen Haynes."
• JUS COUNTRY - San Antonio -
• THE KNAVE - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "There were actually two Knaves at different times, both on Austin Hwy. but in different locations. The "reincarnated" Knave was built on the site of the old Shakey's Pizza Parlor. It was a nice place, with a decent stage and good lighting. The Hardliners played a lot of gigs here, and I remember seeing a lot of bands there like the Mo-Dels, Augie Meyers, Kraze, Homer and the Boner Band. For a while there was an open-mike jam on Monday nights. At one of those jams I met a couple of the original 13th Floor Elevators - John Ike Walton (drums) and Ronnie Leatherman (bass), as well as Terry Penney (guitar), who replaced Stacy Sutherland after Stacy's death. John Ike was trying to put together an Elevators reunion, but Roky Erickson, God love him, was not physically or mentally able to participate. John Ike found out that I was a big Elevators fan and knew all the songs, so he asked me to fill in the Roky slot (guitar / vocals). We actually re-recorded a bunch of the Elevators material at a studio in Kerrville, but the project never really got off the ground. It was fun while it lasted, though." Thom Di Fronzo writes: "Oh yeah, and don't forget, there were two or three clubs associated with each other...the Knave and the Rook and...uh...rats! I know there's one more! The Knave was near that SHAKEYS Pizza off of Austin Highway, across and down from the Frontier Drive Inn (our hangout!). I worked at that GULF gas station right there at Austin Hwy. and Harry Wurzbach, just near the Astro Bowling Lanes!" Bubba Henze writes: "Couldn't seem to decide if it was a live music club or disco joint. Great place for dance music and babes. Had a DJ from KEXL radio that would play my records if I tipped him properly."
• KNIGHTS TABLE - San Antonio - Vel Espinoza writes: "Knight’s Table ( think that was the right name or Knight’s Court on West Ave in SA."
• KRAMERS - San Antonio -
• LAKE MCQUEENY HOLIDAY INN - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "Legendary mid 1960s weekend Woody Dances. The Outcasts, The Group, Argyles, Moving Sidewalks, Zachary Thaks, Pipelines, Max and the Laughing Kind, Minuets, Spidels, Rob Jenkins and the Jades, Royal Jesters. Beer, some pot, some pills and an audience frequently danced into a crazed frenzy causing many--band included-to go jump in the lake round midnight. All this to the horror of the Inn keeper owners (Lee Strange) who tried to monitor and look the other way at the same time. Skinny-dippers too. No harm good fun. I might mention the Lake McQueeny Holiday Inn Resort was in no way related to the motel chain. This is down home with quaint bungalows and solid cinderblock non air-conditioned dance hall with big sliding--often open--windows all way around a cement floor. Many regulars from all over got to know each other at these weekly live music dances. Chayns fans loved the scene. Some folks would rent a bungalow and next day go water skiing."
• LA PLAYA - San Antonio - Keith Holt writes: "La Playa on St. Mary's Street. It had a very "beachy" theme with a big outdoor section. The ground outdoors was covered with sand. It was definitely a happening place in the mid 80's. They would have bands outside from time to time."
• LIBERTY LUNCH - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "Mid 1970's, outdoor stage and Lotion's play Reggae on Tuesday night."
• THE LONGNECK - Dellview - Chris Holzhaus writes: "In dellview, Augie cut a live album there in 73."
• LOS PADRINO'S - San Antonio - Max Thrailkill writes: "Los Padrino's on West Ave. Ran by 3 sisters (Mendez girls: Angie, Allie and Cat). Never a cover charge, live music 6 nights a week and $1 Shiner Bock. They had an Ice House license, so you could take your beer with you if you wanted. Very diverse crowd, from Lawyers to Bikers. Always a good time. Was most comfortable bar I've been to. They really treated you like family."
• LOSERS CLUB - San Antonio - Joe McDuffie writes: "There was this place called The Loser's Club out by the airport."
• LOVE STREET - San Antonio - Susan V writes:."I was in San Antonio last week and saw Eric Clapton in concert. What a show that was! For an encore, he came back and sang "Sunshine of your Love." That took me right back to the Love Street Club and the band Sweet Smoke. Although, they were best known for Vanilla' Fudges' "You Keep me Hanging On.
• MAGGIES - San Antonio -
• MARBACH SALOON - San Antonio - [marbach rd.] '73-74 Okie-D writes: "A gutted Piggly Wiggly, with low ceiling and lousy air conditioning. Nevertheless, THE showcase / concert club at the time. Big regional acts and top local bands opening. I saw Nitzinger, Johnny and Edgar Winter, Navasota, Humble Pie, etc. I seem to remember Too Smooth doing their S.A. debut there also."
• THE MERIDIAN - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "On Austin Hwy. Short-lived club with a nice sound system. I think Mike Taylor used to run sound here sometimes. They used to book good local acts; I remember seeing Eric Johnson there. The Hardliners opened up for Van Wilks here once."
• MEMPHIS - Addison (Dallas) - ML writes: A great local live music club featuring some of the best in the local music scene. Live music can be found most days of the week. Home base of local bands Emerald City Band, The Flavours, Special Edition, & Mars Hill among others. Kind of a small dark club but the patrons are mature and very artsy like. A serious music lover hangout.
• MIDNIGHT COWBOY - San Antonio - Ernie Cruz writes: "I remember these clubs in the seventies that I used to frequent and they were both in Hemisfair Park; One was the Midnight Cowboy which I believe is now a parking lot and the Villa Fontana Club which used to be in one of those row of buildings that were parallel to the mini-monorail tracks on the southend of the park. It was a cool place and I remember pitchers of beer were real cheap."
• MIDNIGHT SPECIAL - San Antonio -
• THE MIND'S EYE - San Antonio - Rob Meurer writes: "There was a club where a lot of us played now and then, called The Mind's Eye. Very psychedelic joint, lots of smoke and strobe lights." Okie-D writes: "I'm not sure, but wasn't that the big stucco/adobe place across austin hwy. from terrel plaza? At one time it was also known as the MYSTIC MOOR. [my mother said it was a BAD place]." 60sMan writes: "The Argyles formed the Minds Eye club mentioned in your website - yes it was across from Terrell Plaza on Austin Highway.Next door, there used to be a 50s type of drive called the Big Orange named after an orange drink they served with burgers etc. They had a canopy for parking and the very end was informally reserved for a group of hoodlums called the Big Orange Boys. These were not musicians or hippies, but real live "hoods". Back in the early 60s, they were the only source for dope that I knew of - you could expect to do 20 years for getting high, and a lot more for dealing. These were pre-hippie days so it was real underground stuff. Anyhow, my friend and I made the mistake of parking in their "turf" and a fight appeared coming so we fled and the Boys threw a log throught our back window to emphasize our error. Latter, we made friends with them and that was my first connection to get match boxes and Prince Albert cans of weed. This was the connection between the Big Orange and the Minds Eye. The Big Orange boys latter shot Benny Trieber in the leg over a bad dope deal. The Argyles formed in 1965 and the Minds Eye opened in 1966. So, some of us were getting hip long before this hippie place opened."
• MOUNTAIN TOP - San Antonio - Charly Wino writes: "1966? I managed MOUNT"N TOP _IH-10@camp bullis rd. It had Rock concerts, elevated sur dog with light shows" Steve Wisnoski writes: "A reader described 'mountain top' at I-10 and old camp bullis road. In '75 it was called "Ruperts mountain top" and rupert rented out a hand full of cabins there. My girlfriend and I moved in there for 6 months. Directly next store they have cleared the land and are building some big mall thing there. The current owners are unknown, the gates are always locked and I've never seen anyone enter or exit. I know because my house is just past there and I drive by like everyday."
• MOTHER BLUES - Dallas -
• MOTHER EARTH - Austin - Christina L writes: "..my sister and her friend fritz hung out there way toooo much in 1973 on...they can spend hours talking of the days."
• MULE STALL - San Antonio -
• MULLIGANS - San Antonio - Stash writes: "Here's another addition to your club trivia list - Mulligan's - it was by UTSA right next to the campus south bookstore. Lots of bands played there. I know I saw the Blast and Otto there."
• MYSTIC MOOR - San Antonio - Richard Havel writes: "I seem to recall a club called The Mystic Moor. I think it was on Austin Highway and had a fog machine."
• NAVY CLUB - San Antonio - Chris Holzhaus writes: "Don't forget the Navy Club , both (this and Commanders) stayed open till 4:00am 7 days a week. The reason you ask? At one time, the federal gov.held the license ...the city couldn't touch them, when any trouble started up, the Military Police would be called. Anybody could buy a members card to get in."
• THE NEW ORLEANS CLUB - Austin - Billy S. Powell writes: "The New Orleans Club was a fantastic club - the lower level was inside with a bar and Earnie Mae Miller played piano - the semi-outdoor part of the club was built into an old residence and hosted Krackerjack, Sweet Smoke, Elevators, Wig, Baby Cakes,etc. on a regular basis. It was at 12th and Red River. Often times when we couldn't afford the cover - we'd sit outside and listen."
• NORMA JEANS - San Antonio - Stash writes: "Norma jeans was a great little club on walzem rd at austin hwy. I remember seeing the models and claude morgan there as well as Kurt Otto's band "Otto" I still have one of his flyers from there it states "otto new music"."
• OASIS/WHITE ROOM - San Antonio - Roger Johnson writes: "At the White Room/Oasis
  I saw a number of good bands but one stands out: Bees Make Honey. This night in particular has Gene Coleman coming through the door as I am up at the bar. He yaks with whoever is working the door and steps into the club and it got sort of quiet bacause this is when Gene really liked to freak people out with his uncanny ability to look like Hendrix. Next thing I know the club is fairly quiet and everyone, and I mean everyone, is looking at him. He had the silk scarf around his 'Fro and it looked cool and errie at the same time. BMH did a good show that night and I believe Jay came out in tophat, tails, fishnet hose and heels. I still like their versions of "Under My Wheels" by Alice Cooper and "I'm in Love with My Right Hand". Honey Luscious and Kenny put on their usual good show that night."
• THE ONE KNIGHT - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "For early 1970's, Jimmie and Stevie and the hip who's who like Rock n Roll Randy, the Hawaiian Prince, the Guacamole Queen, off-work musicians seen there late late, after hours, no alcohol served but everyone wrecked. Slogan: The Dive Too Tough to Die."
• OPRY HOUSE SALOON - San Antonio -
• PATIO BAR & GRILL - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "Popular blues hangout for a while. On Fredericksburg Rd., near downtown. Played there with The Hardliners a couple of times."
• PAPA JACK'S - San Antonio - John Arevalo writes: "Does anyone remember a place called Papa Jack's? It was right off the frontage road to the 410 in the near north east side. My band, Reality, played there in 1973 -1974. I think I saw John Nitzinger there too. Nice clean place and had a nice rockin' crowd. Lots of lovely northside ladies were very much a part of that scene." Steve Wisnoski writes: "One of your readers asked about papa jacks. I know you remember that it was at Nacoghdoches rd. and 410. I would play there with excaliber and we would back up john nitzinger and navasota. It had a really cool lighted dance floor. One night I played there when a fight broke out on the dance floor between one of the bandido's and a bouncer. The bandido's were asked to leave and overturned some tables on the way out. They barricated the doors which pissed em off so they broke the top window and fired about three rounds through the broken window. I remember the roar of the motorcycles as they cut out."
• PIRANHAS - San Antonio - Renee Green writes: "On Loop 410."
• THE PLACE NEXT DOOR - San Antonio - Larry Hall writes: "Remember the "Place Next Door" on Wurzbach? (Contributed by Matt Guild) - MG writes: "Larry Hall had asked if anybody remembered the "The Place Next Door" on Wurzbach at Data Point. Well yes I remember it very well. I was a cook in the restaurant, "The Rothbaron Restaurant" which was owned by Linden Roth, and was the anchor of that establishment. The Saloon next door was added, hence the name "The Place next Door". I use to serve food to the Saloon through a small window in the back. We had an all you can eat Spaghetti night on Mondays! It was perfect for Monday Night Football. This was a classic Texas Saloon, with a small stage, dance area, cheap beer, pool tables, a foosball table, and great food (I might add). They had live music Wednesday through Saturday which was anchored by bands like Stardust, and Claude Morgan and the Buckboard Boogie Boys. It was a wild place on Friday and Saturday nights, with a fights breaking out fairly regular. Pitchers flying, girls screaming, glass breaking, that was a typical weekend at this Texas style saloon. I worked there from 1974 - 1977, and still have great memories of the place and the music!"
• PLAYPEN - San Antonio - Ernie Cruz writes: "Also there were the Playpen North and Playpen West that were cool places to party. Playpen North was on San Pedro and Playpen West was I believe on West Ave." Chuck Belcar writes: "Playing at the Play Pen and Waterhole Number three before I was old enough to drive and Texas did not yet have liqour by the drink I was a disillussioned 15 year old when I found out the dancers were 16 and the airmen finsihing basic were headed to Nam, and would spend 20-30 dollars on 75 beers."
• THE PLAYERS CLUB - San Antonio - Kevin Conway writes: "The first version of Pablo's Grove had a house gig at The Player's Club on San Pedro, across from The Electric
  Machine music store."
• PLAYERS RETREAT - San Antonio - Chris Holzhaus writes: There was a club in 78 called "players retreat",it was off the corner of Perrin Beital and Austin Hwy. I played there several times before i moved to Austin in 80." Steve Denney writes: "Corner of Perrin-Beitel and Austin Hwy. Later became an adult bookstore. This was the first place I saw Stevie Ray Vaughan (the club, not the bookstore). It was 50 cents cover, and it was the Triple Threat Review - must have been around '77 or so. Lou Ann Barton was singing, and I think W.C. Clark was on bass. Stevie was terrific - everything you heard and saw him do on the global stages a few years later, I saw him do that night in this dingy little bar. There were maybe 50 people there. The manager told them to turn down after the first set because they were way too loud. Stevie was kind of sulking after that, so I didn't bother him. I did talk to him a few years after that at the Continental Club in Austin, and he had a good laugh about that incident." Bubba Henze writes: "The first few time I went there to provide stage lighting it was a progressive country bar but soon after switched to hard rock. I was working the door one night taking cover charge while Overload was playing. The band set off a concussion pyro burst during one number (probably a Kiss song) and a local drug dealer pulled his piece in the middle of the crowd (a bit tweeked he was). There was always some kind of action going on there."
• PURPLE ONION - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "Early 1960s cellar club, under building (hotel?) by River downtown was demolished for Hemisfair. Doug Sahm backed by the Starmarks sang Stormy Monday and played West Side blues here."
• PUSI KAT CLUB - San Antonio - (Contributed by Susan V) Susan V writes: "Hi Mike, Enjoyed your website! I worked at the Pusi Kat Club in 1967-68 and knew Lord August and the Visions of Light quite well. Me and Linda Cotton were the Pusi Kats that would meet people at the door and take them to their tables. We met and partied with many great bands including The Who, Yardbirds, Electric Prunes, etc. I remember the Bubble Puppy, the South Canadian Overflow and several more came to mind after reading through your listing. Been looking for a website with more info about the Pusi Kat. Any information would be appreciated, and if you have any questions, I'm here. (ML adds: Anyone with additional trivia about the Pusi Kat be sure and write me) (Susan V later adds): "Roy Cox of the Bubble Puppy was someone I went to high school with. I remember him at the Pusi Kat too. One night, Jimi Hendrix played at the Municipal Auditorium. The club was closed that night, but after Jimi's concert, we got together with him backstage, and brought him to the Pusi Kat, opened the doors, and partyied with him most of that night." (Contributed by Chris Holzhaus) Chris writes: "I alllll....most fell from my chair when i saw susan's post on the pussy kat ....Ahhhh,the memories ...she was one beautifull woman! As for my involvement at the pussikat .....Eastwood Review played every sunday for 10 cent beer night. You paid a dollar to get in and could drink 10 cent beer all night! The fuckin place was totally buzzed at the end of the night.Where is Susan now? Susan V adds: " I've been in touch with Clay Meyers, Augie Meyer's son. I remember him as a little kid running around the Pusi Kat club while his dad and the band, Lord August and the Visions of Light, practiced. Clay has a recording studio up in Bulverde. I had some photos of his dad and some of the others in the band from 1985 when we had a sort of Pusi Kat reunion at Ferdies out on 281." Bill Lieber writes: "I have fond memories of the Pussy Cat Club and later the Jam Factory and much later the Vinyard on Villita St." Jimmie Randall writes: "I played bass with the Beefeaters (I still cringe at that name!) in '68 and '69.We played at the Pusi-Kat almost all summer in '68 during Hemispheric. What a grand time! I was nineteen and out on my own for the first time .Wild in the streets!"
• THE SHADOWS - San Antonio -
• RABBIT HABIT - San Antonio - Chris Holzhaus writes: "On mulberry. Claude Morgan played there a bunch till they tore it down."
• RANDY'S RODEO - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "Still there today, I think. Dance hall that booked lots of country, Tejano, and rock bands; local, regional and national. The Sex Pistols played one of their only six U.S. shows there in Jan. '78 - I wasn't there, but my brother Butch and Kurt Otto were - I still have the ticket stub. The Ramones played there a month later. I remember playing there with a '50s band once, opening up for Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids." Bubba Henze writes: "Site of the first Rush concert in San Antonio. They were touring in support of Fly By Night. Heyoka was the opening act and Lenny (sound & lights) had asked me to bring in some of my lights to add to theirs. Before Rush went on, I slipped under the tables where the PA was and came up right beside stage left. I bribed Rush's stage manager a few joints to let me hang and watched the whole show arm's length from Geddy! Later when the club changed it's name to Cardi's, I learned to operate a carbon arc follow spot during Alice Cooper's Special Forces Tour in '81. Nitzinger was playing lead guitar on that tour. For more about Randy's Rodeo visit http://www.randysrodeo.com/."
• RAUL'S - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "Late 1970's considered home of Austin punk rock scene, Huns, Skunks, Scratch Acid, Big Boy and others. Closed went kicker bar 1981."
• RAZZLE DAZZLE - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "On Austin Highway, lived up to its name, rock n roll never sounded better than inside this tiny rockin' joint with its tiny jammed dance floor. Pool table side room. Parking lot action. Lots of girls and motorcycles. Late 1970s to early 1980's."
• RED ROOSTER - San Antonio - Joe McDuffie writes: "There was the Red Rooster out on Goliad road for a few years."
• REPUBLIQUE OF BOKO-MARU - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "In a strip center at 410 and Evers, I think. Restaurant and fern bar by day, music at night. For a while Ron Rose was running an open-mike jam on Tuesday nights here, around '86. I did some solo acoustic-type gigs here."
• RHAPSODY STREET CLUB - San Antonio - Roger Johnson writes: "I saw Man Mountain, Pablo's Grove, and I think I even saw Bees Make Honey (what a club band!!) and Claude Morgan and the BBBs there. This would have been about '77 or'78. It was a fairly good sized club as I remember it and usually booked good bands."
• RICARDO'S - San Antonio - Vel Espinoza writes: "There was a group called, Pure magic with Jimmy Casas (now deceased) that used to play Ricardo’s (restaurant-bar) on the Riverwalk in San Antonio back in the late 70s."
• RIVER CITY FAIR - San Antonio -
• ROCKY'S - San Antonio - Stash writes: "in your clubs trivia section you left out "rockys" it was a great club on austin highway in the same shopping center where the hometown buffet is now. I saw heyoka there several times, lots of other local bands played there too. There was a church's chicken (I think one of the oldest ones) in the parking lot by the club and everyone would get drunk listen to music and then eat some fried chicken before heading home......"
• THE ROCK & ROLL CONNECTION - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "Dingy little hard-rock bar on Commercial St. Marauder played here several times, sometimes with a local metal band called Force. They seemed to like us there; I only recall one bottle being thrown at us."
• THE ROCK SALOON - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "On West Ave, inside 410. Large place that used to book local, regional, and some national acts. I saw Mike's band Renegade there, opening up for Badfinger - July '82; I still have the ticket stub. As I recall Renegade put on a good show and got the crowd really warmed up. I had very much been looking forward to that show as I was (and still am) a huge Badfinger fan; unfortunately, they turned out to be a cover band with no original Badfinger members. (Side note: Dan Matovina's excellent Badfinger biography, "Without You", details the bitter infighting that was going on amongst the surviving Badfinger members around this time - multiple versions of the band were circulating on the road at the same time, some of them with no original members at all, although they claimed to be - very sad." Oscar Valdez writes: "I grew up in San Antonio. I graduated from Burbank H.S. in 1977. I drove a 1973 Road Runner, it was a bad ass car. Anyway, I just wanted to say your website is awesome. I do remember the old clubs and bands of the seventies and early eighties. The club that sticks out in my mind was the Rock Saloon. I got to see several bands perform there. A couple of bands that come to mind are Molly McQuire and Savvy. I believe Savvy was from Ft. Worth. I also got to see Tommy Tutone on March 16, 1982. I still have the ticket stub. My girlfriend and I use to visit that establishment quite often. We got married in June of '82. We still talk about the old glory days. I wish we could relive those days. Good clubs and good music are in short supply these days."
• THE ROME INN - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "Served pizza is where in late 1970s SRV was "discovered" by Edi Johnson for Classic Management. The rest is history: CPM&SRV, may God rest their souls."
• ROOK PUB - San Antonio - [broadway @ mullberry] Okie-D writes: "Played here over a number of years with a variety of transient "boogie bands". It's now Good Time Charlies. (burgers)."
• THE SCOTCHMANS CLUB - San Antonio - Chris Holzhaus writes: "N. San Pedro. Jokermoon ruled that roost for better than 2 years." Orrin Thomson writes: "Marie Vandendries of Scotsman club and many other great band clubs died of cancer."
• SAINT MARYS BAR AND GRILL - San Antonio - Chris Holzhaus writes: "First real blues bar on st.marys st. early 80's."
• SATIN DOLL - San Antonio - Joe McDuffie writes: "I was just passin thru the site and noticed nobody mentioned the Satin Doll Club, it was on Nacogdoches I think , just outside 410. I remember seeing Roy Head there doin "Treat her right". Man it was cool!!
• SCRATCH - San Antonio - Renee Green writes: "On Fredericksburg & 410."
• THE SHAFT - Divine - Mark Lessing writes: "I grew up in Devine TX, 30 miles south of SA, just a dusty little town on the highway to Laredo (also childhood home to drummer Lucio "Bones" Gonzales and Claude Morgan).It was here in 1967 when a bunch of us kids took a vacant hundred year old mercantile building, cut a hole in the floor, added steps to the damp dark brick-walled basement, decorated the walls upstairs with psycodelia and Beatles Revolver-cover art, wired it for amplifiers, and called the place The Shaft. The Shaft booked all the local rock acts from South and Central Texas...and beyond...The Buckinghams (Kind of a Drag) and The Standells (Dirty Water) played The Shaft in '67. It was sure fun while it lasted, attracting large crowds of young rowdy music lovers from many miles away. But soon strong objection by conservative residents and grumbling from law enforcement led to the "condemnation" of The Shaft and forced closure by order of the Devine fire dept. in 1968. Still not sure whether the place was condemned because it actually presented a fire hazard (although we would really pack the place) or because it violated local "Legion of Decency" code."
• THE SHANTY - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "Canyon Lake. Played there with The Hardliners a couple of times. Typical drunken river-rat hangout, but crowded and fun. One gig there I was so delirious with the flu that I started knocking over cymbals with my Les Paul at the end of "Won't Get Fooled Again", in true Pete Townshend style. Fortunately the guitar emerged unscathed."
• SKIPWILLY'S - San Antonio - Chris Holzhaus writes: "How about Skip Willys on 1604? Claude Morgan played there alot." Randy Galliher writes: "Skipwillys out on 1604 started life as the Tumbleweed Saloon and Stagecoach Stop. When I first went there it was a quiet bar where you could get a chess game and a beer after class. They were trying to be a resturant/bar and rarely had the parking lot full. About 1978 Skip Wells took over the club and renamed it Fitzwillys. He started having dimer nights (.10 beers) and booked the best bands he could find. Skip was a great promoter and knew how to get a club going. The first time I saw Claude Morgan (and the Buckboard Boogie Boys)perform was at Fitzwillys on Halloween night 1977. That was one wild show. As the club became more popular he expanded the back and removed the pool tables. I saw Heyoka perform there to a packed house. When Christopher Cross won his grammys he had already signed a contract to perform at Fitzwillys as Criss Cross. He tried but could not get out of the contract and packed the place. Skip Wells made a ton of money on that deal." Stash writes: "I remember skipwilly's well I first saw stevie ray vaughan there in 1981-82! I had a table right next to the stage, dogman and the shephers did the warm up. then Stevie took over, it was unbeliveable! I never heard any of his music later that was as good as he was that night. At the table next to me were the band members of the mo-dels! I guess they wanted to hear him too. When stevie finished playing the crown was so awed that everything was silent for a few moments then everyone got up and gave him a standing ovation. An interesting and funny note outside they had one of those flashing signs telling that next week would be claude morgan and the blast, someone had rearranged it to say "mauled organ and the clap". I saw claude several years later and told him and he had a good laugh over it."
• SMOKIES - San Antonio - Steve Wisnoski writes: "Smokies was on the east side of fredericksburg rd. several miles outside loop 410. It seems they catered to country music as I remembered some pick-up country gigs there. Teathered to a peavey amp by a 8 ft. 1/4" phone jack to 1/4" phone jack cord, I watched my mother dance the cotton-eyed joe, the horror...the horror." ML writes: "Yeah I think you are right that Smokies was originally a country bar. They turned to rock & roll later. They figured (rightly so) that they could do better bringing in rock acts. The bar manager was a guy named Ray and I ended up sharing an apartment with him for about 2 years. He was a real nice guy although he had a big hard on for THe MAX and Blackrose. I couldn't get him to shut up about them. It did provide us (Sandcastle) with a regular Sun night gig for awhile."
• SNEAKERS - San Antonio -
• SOAP CREEK SALOON - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "Bee Caves Road, Doug Sahm's home away from home and he lived next door. Saw Willie and Chris and Rita one night. Medium size nightlub room with small stage and another room with bar and two pool tables. Lots of tequila and crazies, most Austintatious of all the old joints. Later Creek's were just OK, the magic had moved on."
• STAMPEDE - San Antonio -
• STEAMBOAT - Austin - Stray Dog writes: "Steamboat on 6th Street circ 1980."
• THE STING - San Antonio - Okie-d writes: "[N. Main, across st. from eat it/ball it] Another gutted storefront [originally Schnables Hardware] catering to SAC area. This room was pretty good size and had a large raised stage which,at some point, was moved to the opposite side of the room. I'll never forget a Overload gig here,......we were playing "Circles In The North", an old Homer tune, and Galen Niles walked in. He apparently was very offended, and began raving [we were too loud to hear] and finally gave us a two handed, jabbing, flip-off, and stormed out." ML writes: "I remember that Galen incident as well. I heard later from Larry McGuffin that Galen thought we were trying to rip off the tune, which wasn't true. We were simply trying to give Homer some tribute because it was such a great tune."
• SUNKIN GARDENS THEATER - San Antonio -
• SUNOVA BEACH - San Antonio -
• SWINGERS CLUB - Austin - Billy S. Powell writes: "I also didn't notice mention of Austin's Swingers club which was at approximately 51st and Burnet Road - some great shows came through there. I could talk about those days for hours."
• TABASCO BEACH - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "Near SAC, possibly on St. Mary's St. Another popular blues joint for a while."
• TANGIERS - San Antonio - Charly Wino writes: "A Beat Nick niteclub, open mike ,etc. Sir doug thru Hollywood JP [Johnny Perez]. I did the drumhead design for his eurotour."
• TEEN CANTEEN - San Antonio - ML writes: The Canteen has to many memories to list. Almost every weekend during my HS period was spent at this establishment. The drinking age in Tx was 21 at the time and this was the only place I could hang out. Here is where I saw virtually ALL the current and future stars of the tx music scene at one time or another. Some nights was spent in a Boone's farm stupor (Sam was cool about this -wink wink) or simply wide eyed cold sober as I watched a parade of talent that would forever change me. Later, after Sam Kinsey sold out, the building changed owners and became another music venue whose name I don't recall. That was where I saw touring acts such as Leslie West and Eric Johnson. Eric was awesome as he demonstrated pure power with a note for note rendition of Hendrix's 'wind cries mary'. This was Eric's pre-fame period but even then the crowd gave standing ovations after EVERY song that night. That building and the Teen Canteen was a great influence on me at the time. Randy Galliher writes: "Later Skip Wells (Skipwillys) moved into the Teen Canteen and called it Skipwillys (II?). While the place was much larger than Fitzwillys he never got the consistent crowds. I remember seeing Claude and the Blast perform there. The best performance I caught at Skipwillys was Clarence Gatemouth Brown. There was only a handful of people there that night and I was able to meet and talk to Gatemouth during a break. This was about 1980 and Gatemouth looked about 65. I was amazed to see him recently on Saturday Night Live Performing with the Band during a Commercial lead-in. I think he even won a grammy recently." Matt Farrar writes: "Just read about the Teen Canteen, Wanted to point out that the Canteen started in the basement of Wonderland Mall (now called Crossroads Mall). The building in your article came later and I believe Sam built and owned the site. It was across from the Northeast School district's Sport complex "Blossom Stadium". Chris Holzhaus writes: "I was cruizing your club trivia and noticed Matt Farras comment on the original teen canteen location. It was not located in the beginning at Wonderland Mall but located on the corner of Fulton and Fredricksburg (across from Epp's Smokehouse). I think it opened in 62' but I'm not sure. I remember going there to see lil' Jake and the Giants alot. Kinseys Mom use to run the door in those days." Roger Barnes writes: "I used to go the Battle of the Bands in the mid 60's with my buds from Garner and MacArthur. Sam Kinsey was always manning the door and really held court in that place. He seemed kind of swishy to me and seemed like an adult hanging out in a teenagers world. I recall seeing great local bands like The Stoics, The Chains, and The Invaders play. It was surreal .... walking the rooms and each band playing at their assigned station ... so you had maybe 10 bands playing at one time in different spots throughout the place. It was great fun .... and although my band .. The Paragons aspired to play there ... we never made the cut. But we probably had more fun showing up and scarfing up the chicks the other bands rustled up .... ah .. life in old San Antone."
• TEEN TOWN - San Antonio - Bobby Schultz writes: "I just found your website again. I lost it out of my favorites and thought you might have taken it down. Anywho, I was going over the club trivia page and noticed that there was no mention of "Teen Town". It was a teen club much like Teen Canteen but on the southeast side of San Antonio in the McCreless shopping village. Not the mall but the older strip center type thing. It was around at the same time as the Teen Canteen but catered to all of the southside teens who could not yet drive and couldn't get there parents to take them all the way to the northside. Same bands played there "The Chayns", "The Cave Dwellers" and other bands of that era. Thanks for the website. I've spent hours there."
• TERRACE HOTEL ROOFTOP - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "On Saint Mary's near old Greyhound Bus Station. 1950's and 1960's. Rudy T and the Reno Bops, Little Joe and the Latinaires. Cops pat you down at the door looking for knives, passions run hot at these summer night dances. Very romantic under the stars setting." Chris Holzhaus writes: "Noticed under your club trivia that stray dog sez there was a club / hotel called terrace hotel/rooftop.This place was called the Tourist Ballroom /Hotel and Rooftop. I played there with Little Henry and the Laveers back in the early 60's."
• TEXAN ICE HOUSE - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "On West Ave, inside 410. Legendary Sunday-afternoon jams that would go anywhere from 1pm to 2am. I remember Doug Clifford and Stu Cook from Creedence came by once. Lots of good West Side players practically lived there."
• TEXAS TRADITION - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "Formerly the Lamp Post Inn, right next door to the old Dirty Sally's strip joint on Austin Hwy. Later became the Jagged Sky. Booked mostly country and country-rock bands. I played there with Jerry Waddell and others quite a few times. Lots of good country pickers used to show up and sit in, like J.R. Chatwell."
• TIFFANY'S - San Antonio -
• TIFFANY'S LOUNGE - San Antonio - Stray Dog writes: "Lower level basement club (like The Green Gate on St Mary's) with doorway and wide steps leading down beside Majestic Theater, mid 1950s to early 1960s. Swanky decor - great Latino bands, Sunny and the Sunglows, etc."
• TOM'S HIDEOUT - San Antonio - Roger Barnes writes: "Back in the 60's there used to be a really cool juke joint in the woods by Salado Creek...located off NE Loop 410 on the land where the swanky Los Patios Restaurant is now located. As boys we used to swim down the Salado ..starting up around Nachoches Road...and come ashore by Tom's Hideout..which was tucked in the woods and always had live music or juke box blaring and adults swilling back beer, dancing and raising hell. The joint was owned by the father of a classmate of mine... Cindy Hasletts Dad ...Tom Haslett. It was a cool place..rustic...ducks in the yard...dirt road leading up to it. It did look like a hideout and the characters who inhabited it looked right out of a Faulkner novel. Gone but not forgotten...it is a piece of San Antonio lore".
• TOP HAT - San Antonio - San Pedro Ave
• TOWN PUMP - San Antonio - Gary Botello writes: "I was looking through the club listings on the website and just thought of one that I am sure many people will remember. It was called the Town Pump (we used to call it the Town Dump). It was famous for hiring bands and not paying them or hiring them and not fully paying them. Played there once with Sugarjammer in the mid-70’s (I don’t think we ever got paid for the gig). I believe it was on or off St. Mary’s Street. It was a dive, but a very happening dive...usually pretty packed on weekends."
• TYCOON FLATS - San Antonio - Steve Denney writes: "On St. Mary's St. I think it may still be there. Outdoor patio where bands used to play. I did an acoustic solo gig there once or twice."
• WACKY'S - San Antonio - Georgia Z writes: "located on St. Mary's strip, a real dive but a great place for new bands wanting to perform their own music."
• WAREHOUSE CLUB - San Antonio - Skip Mascorro writes: "Another hot club of the era was the Warehouse Club tucked away off of Radium near the airport. Stepchild were regulars there."
• THE WILD WEST - San Antonio - George Callins writes: "I remeber playing The Wild West (on West Ave.) with my band several times in the mid '70's. The place was wall-to-wall and floor-to-cieling orange shag carpet. Stage, house and all. Could never get a good sound because the room was so dead. But a lot of good times there."
• THE VILLA FONTANA - San Antonio - Georgia Z writes: "located in Hemisphere, another great live music venue that was easy to get into when I was underage."
• THE VILLAGE INN - San Antonio - Larry Hall writes: "Hi Mike, I was browsing your Club Trivia section of your site and realized you had left out The Village Inn on San Pedro. It was probably the hot spot of the late late 70's. I remember Stardust played there a lot, as well as Morning, Snapshot, and others. Mesquite had fairly regular gigs there as well. As I remember it was in an place called Hill Country Village at the time... Not too far from the old San Pedro Drive In Theatre. Boy, there's a dinosaur, eh? Memories, memories."
• VILLAREALS ICE HOUSE - San Antonio - Chris Holzhaus writes: "On Bandera. Lots of outdoor concerts late 60's-70's."
• VULCAN GAS COMPANY - Austin - Click HERE for a history page by Dennis Hickey
• ZODIAC CLUB - San Antonio -