First Avenue is a legendary music club in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It has been a staple of the Twin Cities music scene since its opening in 1970. The club has hosted some of the world’s most famous musicians, including Prince, Bob Dylan, and the Replacements. It has been featured in films, books, and television shows, and has been the backdrop of numerous memorable live performances.
First Avenue was opened in 1970 by Allan Fingerhut and his brother Steve. The club was originally named the 7th Street Entry, as it was located on the corner of 7th Street and First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. The club was designed to be an alternative to the existing music scene in Minneapolis, which was dominated by Top 40 and country music. It quickly gained a reputation as a place that welcomed all types of music, from punk to folk to jazz.
The club’s first big break came in 1981, when Prince recorded the music video for his hit song “1999” at the club. The scene featured Prince dancing on the club’s iconic star-studded wall, which has since become one of the most recognizable images in music. The video helped to launch Prince’s career and put First Avenue on the map.
Since then, First Avenue has become a mecca for music fans and musicians alike. It has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Bob Dylan, the Replacements, and the Foo Fighters. It has also been the site of numerous memorable live performances, including Prince’s historic “Purple Rain” concert in 1984.
The club has also been featured in films, books, and television shows. It was prominently featured in the Coen Brothers’ film “Fargo,” and was the backdrop for a scene in the television show “Fringe.” It has also been the subject of several books, including “First Avenue: Stories and Scenes from Minnesota’s Legendary Music Club” and “The First Avenue Book of Music.”
Today, First Avenue is still going strong. It continues to host a wide variety of acts, ranging from local up-and-coming bands to international superstars. It has been a fixture of the Minneapolis music scene for over 40 years and shows no signs of slowing down. In its time, it has become a beloved landmark and a symbol of the city’s vibrant music scene.
First Avenue is an important part of the Twin Cities music scene and has been for decades. From hosting some of the world’s most famous musicians to appearing in films and television shows, it has become an iconic symbol of the city’s music culture. It is a beloved landmark that will continue to be a part of the city’s music scene for years to come.