The roar of the crowd. The thrum of the bass. That’s the Paradise Rock Club. Right here.
This isn’t just any music venue. This is Boston music history. The Paradise Rock Club opened its doors on September 22 1977. It was the brainchild of Don Law a former Boston University student. He saw the potential in Boston’s vibrant student scene. He and Frank Barsalona started buying venues. They wanted to tap into the energy of the local music scene.
The Paradise wasn’t always a rock haven. It went through several transformations before finding its identity. Before becoming the legendary venue we know today it was known as The Together Garage then The Boston Club and finally Dummy’s. Each iteration paved the way for the legendary Paradise. The Don Law Company a Boston music giant owned it initially. They also controlled the Boston Garden and the Cape Cod Coliseum.
In 1998 Live Nation took over. However Don Law and David Mugar bought it back in 2009. Declan Mehigan and Joe Dunne joined them as owners. Today Crossroads Presents a company stemming from the Don Law Company owns the Paradise. They also own other iconic Boston venues. The Orpheum Theater House of Blues Boston and Brighton Music Hall are part of their empire.
The Paradise Rock Club underwent a major renovation in 2010. The stage was moved fifteen feet to the left. The box office was relocated to the front. A new bar was added to the back. The artist rooms were upgraded considerably. They are now on the second floor. Each room is twice the size of the original ones. They even added a washer and dryer. Declan Mehigan said bands always look for laundromats. They decided to provide the convenience directly.
Phish played their first big Boston show here in 1989. Paradise management initially refused to book them. The band rented the venue instead. The show was a sellout. Hundreds of fans were left outside unable to get in. U2 played their first US tour here in 1980. The Paradise has hosted countless legendary artists. Aerosmith The Cars Tom Petty Blondie Pixies and countless others have graced its stage.
The Paradise Rock Club isn’t just about the music. It’s about the legacy. It’s a testament to the power of live music. The place where dreams are made and legends are born. It’s a Boston institution. It’s the Paradise Rock Club. And you’re standing right in front of it.