Ever felt the pulse of legendary music? Right here at Barco Rebar Rehearsal Space you can almost hear the echoes. This isn’t just any rehearsal space. It’s a DC music institution a haven for musicians since 1991. Barco Rebar started in owner Richard Gibson’s basement. His band MFD’s loud practices annoyed the neighbors. He needed a solution. He found two warehouse spaces. This became the first Barco Rebar.
Today Barco Rebar boasts four rooms. They are fully equipped with top-of-the-line gear. Yamaha drum sets Ampeg SVT amps and Marshall amps are just a few examples. Musicians of all levels can use the space. The process is simple. Musicians call or text to book a room. They’re usually quite happy with the experience.
Big names have graced these rooms. Motorhead Beyonce and the Foo Fighters have all recorded or broadcast from Barco Rebar. Local bands have also made it a home. Scream the band that helped launch Dave Grohl’s career is a regular. Singer Pete Stahl said they keep coming back because of the good vibe. Richard Gibson’s flexibility and the equipment make it ideal. Stahl also noted the lack of rehearsal spaces in DC. Barco Rebar fills a much-needed void.
Gibson says after a session bands sound tighter. The clear acoustics allow musicians to hear themselves properly. He finds it personally gratifying to hear positive feedback. Many bands rave about recordings and videos made there. Barco Rebar is more than a rehearsal space. It’s a cornerstone of the DC music scene. A place where musical legends were made. A place where the next generation of musicians is currently making their mark.