Brooklyn Music Scene Clubs

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Brooklyn Echoes*, the podcast that keeps the borough’s legends and memories alive. I’m your host, Robert Henriksen.

While Brooklyn’s rock scene in the 1970s and 1980s was often overshadowed by Manhattan’s iconic venues like CBGB, a few spots stood out for hosting live rock, punk, indie, and metal performances. The 70s had fewer dedicated rock clubs in the borough, with much of the punk energy spilling over from Manhattan, but the 80s saw more activity through DIY spaces and metal hubs. Here’s a list of the most notable ones based on historical accounts, ranked by prominence in the rock genre:

1. **L’Amour** (Bay Ridge, opened as rock venue in 1981) 

   Widely regarded as the top rock club in Brooklyn during the 80s, it was dubbed the “Rock Capital of Brooklyn” and specialized in heavy metal and hard rock. It hosted major acts like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Iron Maiden in their early days, drawing crowds from across the tri-state area. Originally a disco from 1978, it shifted to rock and operated until 2004.

2. **Lauterbach’s** (Park Slope, active in the 1980s) 

   A gritty dive bar with a small stage and pool table, it served as the heart of Brooklyn’s DIY indie rock scene in the 80s. It featured local underground bands and events tied to the “Brooklyn Beat” series, including compilation albums like *Today Brooklyn, Tomorrow the World* (1988). Notable acts included Chemical Wedding, Squirrels from Hell, Frank’s Museum, and Al Lee Wyer. It had ties to Manhattan’s CBGB scene but focused on Brooklyn’s emerging indie talent.

3. **Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)** (Fort Greene, ongoing since 1861 but relevant events in 70s-80s) 

   Not a typical club, but a major performing arts venue that incorporated rock influences through its experimental programming. In the mid-70s and 80s, it embraced punk and new wave crossovers, such as the 1984 Elisa Monte Dance Company performance featuring music by Glenn Branca (of Theoretical Girls, blending minimalism and rock). BAM’s Next Wave Festival in the 80s highlighted innovative rock-adjacent works, drawing from the downtown scene including influences from bands like Talking Heads and Ramones.

Other clubs like Dynamite, Action City (at the Town & Country Club), and City Club were frequently recalled in nostalgia discussions for Brooklyn nightlife in the 70s and 80s, but they leaned more toward disco, dance, or general partying rather than dedicated rock shows. The Warsaw (Polish National Home in Greenpoint) has roots as a community space since 1914 and began hosting live music in the late 20th century, potentially including some 80s events, though documentation is sparse for rock specifically in that era. If you’re interested in modern spots channeling that vibe, places like Warsaw or Saint Vitus carry on the tradition today.

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