Remember that time you heard a song that instantly transported you? That’s the magic the Triple Rock Social Club offered. Right here on Cedar Avenue stood a place unlike any other.
The Triple Rock Social Club wasn’t just a bar. It was a cornerstone of Minneapolis’ music scene. For nearly two decades it was the place where punks hip-hop heads and everyone in between gathered. Erik and Gretchen Funk created it in 1998. They wanted a space that combined their love of music vegan food and community. It was a bold vision. A vegan-friendly punk rock haven? It was unheard of.
The Triple Rock started as a bar. But the Funks had a bigger plan. They added a live music venue in 2003. It wasn’t fancy. It was intimate. It was all about the music. The low stage and lack of barricade created a unique connection between the performers and the audience. The club hosted local bands. It also welcomed nationally known acts. This unique blend made the Triple Rock special.
The Triple Rock wasn’t just a venue though. It was a place where friendships were forged. It was where memories were made. The walls of the Triple Rock were adorned with names. These weren’t just random scrawls. Each name represented a person. Each name was a piece of the Triple Rock’s history.
Even NOFX wrote a song about the Triple Rock. The song “Seeing Double at the Triple Rock” is a testament to the club’s legendary status. They even filmed the video there. The song captures the essence of the Triple Rock. It was a place where you could have a drink listen to great music and feel like you belonged.
Sadly the Triple Rock closed in 2017. The building still stands. It’s a reminder of the magic that once was. The Triple Rock’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its unique blend of music community and good times. It wasn’t just a club. It was a feeling. A feeling you won’t soon forget.