We are known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World”, but where does Las Vegas rank when it comes to “live” music? According to a recent article in Fifty Grand, we don’t even crack the Top 5! How is that even possible? With all the residencies and great bands coming out of city, you would think we would be #1 right?
Well, if it makes you feel any better, Seattle, that was once the capital of grunge, didn’t even make it into the Top 10. In fact the “Emerald City” came in at #14. How does that happen? Even with bands like Heart, Queensryche and more…you’d think they would rate a bit higher.
Two other cities that were surprisingly absent from the Top 10 were Detroit and Philadelphia! Both cities known for being the home of music featuring different genres over the past fifty to sixty years. Heck, Detroit alone…the home of Motown, Bob Seger and we’ll even give you Kid Rock! And Philadelphia…the home of everyone from Daryl Hall-John Oates to Chubby Checker!
“I know it’s only rock-n-roll, but I like it!”
Keep in mind that this survey was conducted late last year with over 13o0 respondents. Voting on “live” music in their city and not so much those from those cities. With that said, it takes on a different perspective.
If you lived in Las Vegas back in the late 70s and through the 80s…our city was full of “live” music and great bands. Along with that, great “live” music clubs to support those bands. Starting with Little Sister, Lejump, Sail On, and many more! Moby Grape, Carlos Murphy’s Troubadour all supplying the outlets for these bands. Keep in mind, this was when it was hard to book those big time bands to Vegas!
Then of course making their impressions on the music world was Slaughter! This band rocked, not only locally, but when they hit it big, they were proud of their Vegas roots! At the other end of the musical spectrum, Dino! Although his hit “Summer Girls” only reached #50 on the Billboard Top 100, it was his third single “I Like It” that peaked at #7. That’s the song that put Las Vegas on the musical map!
Rocket forward to today and when it comes to “live” music, Las Vegas comes in at #6! Followed by Chicago, Memphis, Denver and San Francisco rounding out the Top 10. But what cities made it to the Top 5? Scroll down and find out!
Top 5 Best Live Music Cities In The U.S.!
#5 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
With all the legendary places to see live music in this west coast city, you’d think it would have ranked higher. Clearly it’s known more for the beaches, plastic surgery and social media stars. Maybe that’s why Los Angeles come in at #5!
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#4 AUSTIN, TEXAS
This Texas town is more like a “mecca” when it comes to live music. Austin, Texas makes it happen for a lot of upcoming artist, so it’s no surprise it’s in the Top 5 coming in at #4!
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#3 NEW YORK CITY
This city is known for a lot of things and now you can add “live” music to the list! It has always had those cool places to catch artists jammin’ on the weekends or even during the weekday. Just a part of the reasons why New York City comes in at #3 on the list!
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#2 NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
The home of “Mardi Gras”, the blues and so many famous artists, New Orleans is a hot bed for “live” music. Whether it’s in the clubs or on the street corners. No wonder it came in at #2 on the list!
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#1 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Nashville tops the list when it comes to “live” music…because it probably is! New artists playing everywhere looking for their big break and legendary artists staying true to their roots. Nashville it a top the list of Best Live Music Cities in the U.S. Congrats!
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