Metro: Where rock stars have come and gone
For almost three decades, Metro has been one of Chicago’s most beloved rock music venues. With a rich tapestry and expansive history, today the venue still showcases distinguished and respected acts from all over the globe.
Owner Joe Shanahan’s musical odyssey started in 1982 when he opened what was then called Cabaret Metro across the street from Wrigley Stadium in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. One of the first acts to play the club was a then unknown R.E.M. Within the first few years, the venue saw the likes of such celebrated acts New Order, Nirvana, the Smashing Pumpkins and Bob Dylan haunt the 1,500 capacity, two-leveled space.
Shanahan spent some time in New York and decided to open a DJ-focused club called Smart Bar in the basement of Metro. Smart Bar hosts international DJ acts and occasionally throws after-parties tied into band appearances. The sleek interior features bar stools, a small dance floor and a colorful lit bar. Sometimes admission is free to Smart Bar with a purchase of a Metro show.
A balcony overlooking the stage, a main bar and two V.I.P sections comprise the dank Metro, along with a lower level with one main bar and a couple of satellite stations. Posters of upcoming shows plaster the black walls, and a store on the first level sells concert tickets and merchandise.
The Pumpkins launched their career at the Metro in the late ‘80s when they played their first show at Metro and then proceeded to play their final show with the original lineup 12 years later. Fueling the tradition started decades ago, Metro continues to draw international, national and local bands for sold-out performances.
Posted by Garin Pirnia
