Rolling Stone magazine is alerting readers to the best “Venues That Rock” across the country and in the latest category in the series – “Best Big Rooms in America” – Atlanta gets a double dose of love among the Top 20 large clubs and theaters.
The Fox Theatre lands at No. 11 on the list, with the judging panel noting its origins as a Shriners temple and the Midtown venue’s distinctive Egyptian décor (our story about the Fox tours will tell you a bit more about its background).
Rolling Stone also noted that Elvis Presley played six shows in two days at the 4,700-capacity venue in 1956 (their mention of Adele performing there in 2011 is actually incorrect, though, since her show wound up being canceled when she began having issues with her vocal cords).
Close by on the pick list is The Tabernacle, the groovy-cool one-time church, which lands at lucky No. 13. The committee cited the “stained-glass windows, colorful patterned ceiling and a huge chandelier” as some of the distinctive attributes of the 2,400-capacity former House of Blues.
You don’t need to tell Conan O’Brien, who taped a week of his late night show there leading up to the NCAA tournament.
The downtown venue’s marketing guru Molly Sandman is understandably thrilled at the recognition.
“Tabernacle has been recognized on several ‘Best of” lists over the last 16 years, but this is easily the biggest compliment ever bestowed on us,” she said, adding that it’s humbling to be on a list with such legendary landmarks as The Fillmore, Radio City Music Hall, The Ryman and The Wiltern.
“We’re also excited to share the honor with the Fabulous Fox Theatre,” Sandman said.
The top-ranked venue on the list is the 9:30 Club in D.C.
Rolling Stone ranked the venues based on a poll of 26 musicians and music biz insiders including Miranda Lambert, Sharon Osbourne and Pearl Jam manager Kelly Curtis.
Check out the entire list here.
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