The Back Room

Nobody ever accused The Back Room (at 2021 E. Riverside) of being Austin’s “nicest” live music venue during it’s impressive 33-year run from 1973 to 2006 . It was simply known as Austin’s Rock Club, and its small stage hosted acts from Pearl Jam to Circle Jerks to Jane’s Addiction and Marilyn Manson. Even it’s location (which many considered the “wrong side of I-35) didn’t keep the masses away from the top-tier bands that came through (many on their way to international stardom). Early ads announcing the opening of the club stated that "A Neat Appearance Is Required”. Nobody was ever sure if that was a joke or not.