Long known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Los Angeles has a rich history in all things entertainment. The music industry, in particular, has roots in the city that date as far back as the early 1900s. With such a deep foothold in music, this town has to have venues for artists to perform in, so let’s take a tour of some of the best places to catch live music in Los Angeles.
MOST WELL-KNOWN
Ah, the iconic Hollywood Bowl. Voted one of the Top 10 Best Live Music Venues in America, this historic outdoor amphitheater is the crown jewel of LA’s music scene. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, it’s hosted everyone from The Beatles and The Doors to Beyoncé and Adele under its iconic bandshell since 1922.
The acoustics of this large-scale venue are top-notch, and there’s something magical about listening to live music under the stars with the city skyline twinkling in the background. You can even see the Hollywood sign from the top of the steps. Paid parking sells out fast and there’s no parking in the surrounding neighborhood, so make sure to plan accordingly.
If walls could talk, the legendary Troubadour would have some pretty epic and colorful tales to tell. This classic West Hollywood hotspot was originally a coffee shop in the 1950s and has hosted icons like Elton John, Joni Mitchell, and Nirvana, to name a few. Its intimate, standing-room-only setting (capacity of 500 people) and storied history make every show feel like you might be a part of music history.
MOST HISTORIC
The Roxy Theatre, located on the Sunset Strip, is another West Hollywood gem that’s steeped in history. The Roxy has been a staple of the LA music scene since the ’70s and has hosted some of the most legendary acts in modern music history, like The Ramones, The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Prince, and Bob Marley.
Apart from music acts, it also featured iconic performers like Jerry Lewis and Cheech & Chong, and it was also home to the first American stage run of The Rocky Horror Show. The cozy size of this space has a great view of the stage from anywhere in the room, so no matter where you are, you’ll have an awesome spot.
If you’ve seen movies like A Star is Born, Get Him to the Greek, and Bye Bye Birdie, then you’ve seen The Greek Theatre. This “Athenian-inspired” venue combines breathtaking views with world-class performances and boasts a capacity of almost 6,000 people. Whether you’re catching a concert under the stars or dancing your heart out at one of the many music festivals that play here, it’s easy to see why The Greek is a favorite among Angelenos.
Other venues to check out would be the gorgeous Art Deco landmarks The Wiltern, Hollywood Palladium, or the El Rey Theatre, the grungy classic Whisky A Go-Go, or historic Fonda Theatre.
SMALL INTIMATE VENUE
Imagine walking down an alley just off of Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood and into a cozy, dimly lit room with plush couches and the sound of acoustic guitars drifting through the air. That’s the vibe you’ll get at Hotel Café, a beloved singer-songwriter haven in Hollywood. With its intimate setting and stellar lineup of artists, it’s the perfect spot for a low-key night of live music.
Tucked away in the Echo Park neighborhood, The Echo may not be as old as some of the other venues we’ve covered but it’s certainly made its mark on the city’s musical landscape with such big name acts like Billie Eilish, Bad Religion, The Pixies, and the Rolling Stones. From indie rock to electronic beats, this intimate venue showcases a diverse array of talent and has helped launch the careers of many up-and-coming artists.
The Smell is a “community-oriented art and music space” in Downtown LA known as a haven for underground artists and music enthusiasts. This completely not-for-profit and volunteer-run event space is known for its gritty charm and commitment to showcasing up-and-coming talent. It is an all-ages and alcohol-free venue where you’ll find the pulse of LA’s indie and avant-garde scene. (capacity 130 people.)
MOST POPULAR
While Crypto.com Arena is primarily known as a sports arena, the former Staples Center also hosts some of the biggest names in music. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band were the first musical act to play here upon its opening in 1999. With a crowd capacity of over 20,000 people, this is the go-to venue for massive concerts, like Taylor Swift’s 1989 or Eras tour, which can draw huge audiences from around the world.
The Forum, now known as the Kia Forum, is another multipurpose arena. The Forum in Inglewood boasts a rich musical history and continues to draw major acts thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location. This large arena can accommodate even the largest crowds.
Some other unique locations that are a hit with music fans are Avalon Hollywood, which is a hybrid of live music venue/nightclub and voted one of the the best clubs to be up in, the macabre Hollywood Forever Cemetery where you can watch bands among the final resting places of tinseltown, and the super-divey Kibitz Room, attached for 80 years to Canter’s Deli.
We’ll Get You to the Greek (+ Others!)
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