Georgia concert venue honored for helping make 'unassuming acts' into legendary bands
Before streaming, live concerts were everything. Some venues across the U.S. became legendary for hosting unforgettable shows, but which are the best?
24/7 Tempo recently released a list of The Most Iconic Concert Venues in America That Every Artist Dreams of Playing, highlighting ten venues that have left an indelible mark on music culture.
And Georgia’s own 40 Watt Club in Athens proudly earned a spot among these revered stages.
40 Watt Club
Motorhead2X performs at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Ga. on Friday, July 25, 2025.Nestled in the college town of Athens, the 40 Watt Club may be smaller than massive arenas or sprawling amphitheaters, but its impact on alternative and indie rock is anything but tiny.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_9rckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_hrckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe"It started as a rehearsal space before quickly transforming into a nightclub hosting local college acts," the report wrote. "Remarkably, many of these unassuming acts became legendary bands."
Which bands got their start at 40 Watt?
The venue’s walls have witnessed early performances from bands that became household names:
R.E.M.
The B-52’s
Pavement
Neutral Milk Hotel
What other venues made the list?
The 24/7 Tempo list spans the country, including venues like New York’s Madison Square Garden and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Also included is Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, and Radio City Music Hall.
For the full list, visit 247tempo.com/the-most-iconic-concert-venues-in-america-that-every-artist-dreams-of-playing.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_c3ckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_k3ckr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeVanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia venue makes list of America’s most iconic concert venues
