I recently ran across an image of the Red Hot Chili Peppers playing Shafer Court in the late 80s and followed the link to VintageRVA. This site is an absolute goldmine of Richmond history. Below are some photos and quotes that I pulled from the past several years of entries on the site. The dates don't always add up, because some of the entries I pulled them from are a couple of years old, but you should be able to correct the math without too much trouble. If you have some time to devote to it, make sure and check out the VintageRVA blog. It's amazing, and the music-oriented posts are just the beginning of what you'll find there.
Avail at The Flood Zone - 1995
It wouldn't be a blog about Richmond without mentioning the great Avail. So today we take a trip back 16 years for an Avail, Screw 32 and Glazeride show at The Flood Zone in Shockoe Bottom from April 7th, 1995.
The B-52s at The Mosque - 1989
23 years ago the B-52s played The Mosque (now The Landmark Theater).
Bob Dylan at The Mosque - February 11th 1966
Only 7 months after his controversial first electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival, Bob Dylan rolled into town with his band to play The Mosque (now The Landmark Theater) on February 11th, 1966: 45 years ago today. He played this show in between New York City and Nashville sessions for his Blonde on Blonde album, which would be released a few months later. Tickets for this show were a whopping $2 to $3.75.
Cab Calloway at The Mosque - 1947
Here's a great ad from the Richmond Afro American - 66 years ago today Cab Calloway played The Mosque (now The Landmark Theater). Tickets were $1.88 to $3.13, including tax! Wish I could have been there...
Cheech and Chong at The Mosque - 1979
From March 28th, 1979 - 32 years ago today - comes this ad for Cheech and Chong performing at The Mosque.
Dave Matthews Band at William & Mary Hall - 1993
Not quite Richmond, but pretty close: Eighteen years ago today little known Dave Matthews Band opened up for Toad the Wet Sprocket at William & Mary Hall in Williamsburg. The ad below comes from the March 18, 1993 issue of the University of Richmond's newspaper The Collegian.
Ella Fitzgerald & Dizzy Gillespie at The Mosque - 1947
On January 15th, 1947 Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie played The Mosque (now The Landmark Theater). 56 years ago today. Tickets were $1.50 and $1.85...amazing.
Frank Zappa at The Richmond Coliseum - November 2nd, 1974
38 years ago tonight Frank Zappa played the Richmond Coliseum
Yes & The Eagles - Richmond Coliseum - 1972
Continuing on the theme from yesterday, here's an ad from the University of Richmond's Collegian for The Eagles opening for Yes on September 27th, 1972 at the Richmond Coliseum. 39 years ago today. The Eagles were opening the tour, and supporting their first album that had only been released 3 months earlier.
The Ramones at the VCU Gym - 1978
33 years ago tonight the Ramones rocked the VCU gym
Green Day at Twisters - January 22nd, 1993
Green Day played Twisters on on West Grace Street on January 22nd, 1993, 18 years ago today. This is the current location of Strange Matter, and has been known as 929, Chronos Cafe, Nanci Raygun, and The Back Door among others over the years.
Jesus Lizard at The Flood Zone - 1993
Aaahhh the grunge years in Richmond. Not that the Jesus Lizard were grunge, but some of the people in this crowd shot sure are. Anyone spot themselves in this pic from The Flood Zone on June 4th, 1993...18 years ago yesterday? Helmet and Loudspeaker played as well. My favorite is the guy with the overall shorts in the upper right corner.
Rollins Band - The Flood Zone - 1992
19 years ago today The Rollins Band played at The Flood Zone in Shockoe Bottom, along with Corrosion of Conformity.
(MAIN IMAGE DESCRIPTION) Tina Turner & Steel Mill at The Mosque - 1970
41 years ago today Bruce Springsteen and his band Steel Mill opened for Ike & Tina Turner at The Mosque (now The Landmark Theater).