What if I told you a spot marked simply as 7 held more stories than meets the eye? It is not just a number. It marks a location with a history deeply entwined with Minneapolis music. We are standing in front of First Avenue.
First Avenue began its life as a Greyhound bus depot in 1937. Imagine travelers bustling through its doors. They were eager to reach their destinations. The depot boasted Art Deco style. It had air conditioning and shiny blue bricks.
In 1968, the buses moved out. In 1970, Allan Fingerhut transformed the space. He converted it into a nightclub called The Depot.
Joe Cocker and Mad Dogs & Englishmen opened The Depot. A stage crowded with musicians created magnificent sets. Leon Russell and Rita Coolidge played that night.
The music scene changed. Disco became popular. In 1972, The Depot became Uncle Sam’s. It was a red, white, and blue disco. Richard Luka called it “Studio 54 for the discriminating Kmart shopper”.
Steve McClellan started as a bartender. He later became the general manager. In 1979, American Avents left. McClellan and Jack Meyers took over management.
In 1980, the club was renamed First Avenue. The smaller stage became the 7th St Entry. The Entry once was a restaurant. It became a venue for local bands.
First Avenue fostered local talent. Prince, The Replacements, and Hu00fcsker Du00fc graced its stages. By 2000, it had 500000 annual attendees.
First Avenue played a key role in the Minneapolis sound. It was one of the first clubs to book Black performers. The New York Times called it culturally significant.
Prince filmed “Purple Rain” at First Avenue in 1984. Most of the club’s employees were extras. The production gave the club its patch panel.
The exterior of First Avenue sports more than 400 stars. Each star bears the name of a performer. These performers played at First Avenue or 7th St Entry. U2 wrote part of “October” during a sound check.
In 2004, First Avenue briefly closed due to financial issues. Protests erupted. McClellan and Meyers bought the club. It reopened quickly.
First Avenue closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened in 2021. It remains an iconic, independently owned club.
First Avenue has witnessed countless musical milestones. It has launched careers and hosted legends. Its walls echo with music history. It continues to shape Minneapolis culture. The spot marked 7 is more than a number. It represents a legacy.