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It was a simple formula: bring a cross-platform of the best local, regional and national emerging artists to Chicago. True to its vision since 1982, Metro has established itself as one of the countrys premier new music venues. |
Owner Joe Shanahan left his hometown of Chicago for New York City in the late 1970s to explore the developing art, music and dance culture sweeping the city. A year later, he returned to Chicago with an idea for a club integrating the arts communities.
A friend directed Shanahan to 3730 North Clark Street. Originally built in 1927 as a Swedish Community Center, Shanahan opened SmartBar in July of 1982 on the top floor.
A month later, Shanahan had the opportunity to promote a show with a little known band he met in New York. He placed his first advertisement in the Chicago Reader and distributed flyers. For five bucks a head, Chicago saw a show featuring a little-known band from Athens, Georgia - R.E.M.
Metro began making its mark on Chicago by booking new local bands like Naked Raygun and Big Black.
As audiences responded to the emerging music from Chicago bands, Metro began to look to other cities for talent. From New York, Sonic Youth and the Ramones. From Athens, R.E.M. and Pylon. From Minneapolis, the Replacements, Husker Du and Soul Asylum. X and the Bangles from California and before long, bands from all
over the world graced the Metro stage in just the first year of the clubs existence, New Order, Depeche Mode, Killing Joke, Billy Idol and O.M.D.
The 1990s marked the rise of grunge and alternative and Metro was at the forefront of the movement. Chicagoans The Smashing Pumpkins, Urge Overkill, Liz Phair and Veruca Salt began their careers on the Metro stage. From Seattle, Nirvana, Soundgarden and Mudhoney came to play to Chicago audiences. Los Angeles brought
Janes Addiction and a relationship with Perry Farrell that continues to this day.
One of Metros strengths has been its ability to evolve with music and art and seek out the best new and emerging artists. No Doubt, Pete Yorn, Creed, Disturbed, Travis, Papa Roach, David Gray, Limp Bizkit, Stereophonics, Korn, Moby, Carl Cox, Paul Oakenfold, Tori Amos all paid their dues on the Metro stage.
While Metro and SmartBar seek to expose new artists, the clubs has also seen some of the greats of American and British rock and roll. Legendary artists including James Brown, Iggy Pop, George Clinton, Joe Strummer and Prince have all performed for the Metro crowd.
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