The History of The Troubadour In Los Angeles, USA Venue
The Troubadour is a historic music venue located in West Hollywood, California, United States. It opened on September 13, 1957, and has hosted a wide variety of musical acts over the years, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, The Byrds, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Elton John, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Beck, and Adele.
- Early Years:
In the late 1950s, Doug Weston, a folk music enthusiast, opened The Troubadour as a coffeehouse in the heart of West Hollywood. This intimate venue quickly became a haven for folk singers and musicians, offering a platform for them to showcase their talents.
- 1960s and 1970s:
During the 1960s and 1970s, The Troubadour became a hub for the burgeoning folk and rock music scenes in Los Angeles. Bob Dylan made his Los Angeles debut at the venue in 1963. The Byrds, who formed in Los Angeles, played their first gig at The Troubadour in 1964. Other notable artists who performed at the venue during this time included Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Elton John.
- The Troubadour's Reputation:
Over the years, The Troubadour has established a reputation as a place where music history has been made. The venue's intimate setting and excellent acoustics have made it a favorite among musicians, who often credit it with helping to launch their careers.
- Ownership Changes:
In 1974, Doug Weston sold The Troubadour to Ed Roberts, who owned the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood. In 1983, Roberts sold the venue to Mitchell Frank and Larry Lipton, who owned the Troubadour until 2015. In 2015, the venue was sold to Nederlander Concerts, a prominent concert promotion company.
- Notable Performances:
The Troubadour has witnessed some of the most iconic performances in music history. In 1961, Bob Dylan recorded his live album, "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan," at the venue. In 1970, Neil Young recorded his live album, "Live at the Troubadour." In 1989, Tom Waits recorded his live album, "Big Time," at the venue.
- Current Status:
Today, The Troubadour remains a popular live music venue. Along with established artists, it continues to provide a platform for emerging musicians. The venue also hosts comedy shows and special events. It has retained its original charm and continues to be a beloved institution in the Los Angeles music scene.
Bands That Played The Troubadour In Los Angeles, USA
- The Byrds
- The Doors
- The Eagles
- Fleetwood Mac
- Bob Dylan
- Neil Young
- Joni Mitchell
- Jackson Browne
- Linda Ronstadt
- James Taylor
- Carole King
- Cat Stevens
- Elton John
- Tom Waits
- Warren Zevon
- The Ramones
- The Sex Pistols
- The Clash
- The Cramps
- Black Flag
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Jane's Addiction
- Pearl Jam
- Nirvana
- Green Day
- Radiohead
- Beck
- The White Stripes
- The Killers
- Arctic Monkeys
- The Strokes
- LCD Soundsystem
- Vampire Weekend
- Tame Impala
- The War on Drugs
- Father John Misty
- Mitski
- Soccer Mommy