Boston’s live music scene just got a major upgrade with the arrival of Roadrunner, New England’s largest indoor general admission venue. Located on Guest Street in the bustling Boston Landing development, this state-of-the-art club is poised to redefine the concert experience for both fans and artists. After two years of pandemic-related closures impacting beloved music spots, Roadrunner opens its doors as a beacon for music lovers, promising an unparalleled and thoughtfully designed space to enjoy live performances.
Stepping into Roadrunner is unlike the typical chaotic venue entry. Designed by The Bowery Presents, the team behind venues like the Sinclair and Royale, Roadrunner prioritizes a seamless and welcoming arrival. Instead of navigating cramped hallways, guests are immediately greeted with the impressive view of the expansive stage. This intentional design is just the first hint at the meticulous planning that went into creating a superior music environment.
Adding to the venue’s vibrant atmosphere, a striking mural by artist Filipe Ortiz captures your attention right at the entrance. Inspired by the iconic Modern Lovers’ song “Roadrunner,” this artwork serves as a visual homage to Boston’s rich musical heritage, setting the tone for the exciting experiences to come.
The heart of Roadrunner is undoubtedly its massive, 60-foot wide stage, equipped with a cutting-edge sound system. House audio technician Reid Calkin’s enthusiasm was palpable as he tested the system, declaring, “Welcome. First time speaking through the PA — feeling good about it, feeling great.” This excitement is shared by Josh Bhatti, VP of Bowery Presents Boston, who spearheaded the Roadrunner project. For Bhatti, hearing the PA system come to life marked the culmination of a four-year vision to create a venue that could elevate Boston’s concert scene.
Bhatti explained the need for Roadrunner by pointing out the limited venue options for touring bands in Boston. Previously, The Bowery Presents could offer artists 500 and 1200-capacity rooms, but lacked a larger space to accommodate growing audiences. Roadrunner, situated in a repurposed 50,000 square foot space within the Boston Landing development on Guest Street, fills this crucial gap. The venue’s creation, backed by AEG, reflects a commitment to enhancing the overall concert experience, aiming to turn casual attendees into frequent concertgoers by providing a more appealing and comfortable environment.
Beyond the music itself, Roadrunner focuses on creating a holistic and enjoyable experience. The multi-level venue boasts a fun, upscale vibe with practical amenities like two coat checks, four spacious bars, and ample restrooms, all designed with playful décor that nods to skateboard culture, Boston sports, and local music legends. Sightlines and acoustics were paramount in the design process. Bhatti and his team rigorously considered visibility and sound quality from every vantage point in the venue, ensuring an immersive experience for all attendees.
Stephen Martyak of Studio Tyak, who also designed the Sinclair, emphasized the venue’s accessibility, particularly praising the ADA-compliant sections in the balcony, which offer some of the venue’s best views.
Roadrunner’s commitment to a superior experience extends beyond the audience to the artists themselves. Backstage, a different world unfolds, designed to cater to the needs of touring musicians. Pushing through soundproof doors reveals five well-appointed dressing rooms, each with showers, a fully equipped catering kitchen, and a comfortable lounge area.
Bhatti emphasizes that providing these amenities is about enabling artists to perform at their best. Recognizing the demanding nature of touring life, Roadrunner prioritizes artist comfort and well-being, drawing a parallel to athletes needing optimal conditions to excel. “If they’re comfortable and feel like they’ve had a good day, they have a better show,” Bhatti notes, directly benefiting the fan experience.
One of the most appreciated, yet often overlooked, features is Roadrunner’s indoor, climate-controlled loading dock. This amenity addresses a major logistical challenge for touring crews in urban environments like Boston. Jared Herman, tour manager and sound engineer for Boston band Lake Street Dive, highlighted the luxury of a quick and easy load-in/load-out process and backstage laundry facilities. These practical considerations significantly improve the touring experience, especially during harsh New England winters.
Lake Street Dive, a band with local roots formed at the New England Conservatory, understands the importance of venues like Roadrunner. Drummer Michael Calabrese points out the challenging financial landscape for musicians in the streaming era, making consistent touring and larger venues crucial for sustainability. Roadrunner, as the largest indoor venue of its kind in New England, offers a vital space for bands to grow and connect with larger audiences year-round.
Lake Street Dive’s journey from bubble tea cafes to clubs like the Lizard Lounge, and eventually to larger venues with the support of The Bowery Presents, exemplifies the ecosystem Roadrunner aims to strengthen. Calabrese hopes Roadrunner will alleviate pressure on smaller venues, creating a ripple effect that benefits local acts by opening up opportunities across the Boston music scene.
For Josh Bhatti and the Roadrunner team, this venue is more than just a business; it’s a tribute to Boston’s vibrant musical legacy. Inspired by Jonathan Richman’s “Roadrunner,” Stephen Martyak even incorporated the indigo blue color from The Modern Lovers’ album into the venue’s design. Roadrunner, located on Guest Street, is poised to become a cornerstone of the Boston music scene, offering an exceptional experience for artists and fans alike.
Roadrunner opened on March 15th with Billy Strings and has a packed schedule featuring acts like Dropkick Murphys, Olivia Rodrigo, Mitski, LCD Soundsystem, and The Decemberists, solidifying its place as a premier destination for live music in Boston.
