In the heart of Minneapolis, at the intersection of First Avenue and 7th Street, stands a legendary music venue that has shaped the landscape of American music for over half a century. First Avenue & 7th Street Entry, born from the vision of Allan Fingerhut and Danny Stevens in the late 1960s, has become more than just a nightclub; it’s a cultural institution. From its humble beginnings as a revamped Greyhound bus depot, this venue has fostered a vibrant community of musicians and music lovers, bridging diverse backgrounds and musical genres. Its enduring legacy as one of the most respected and influential music nightclubs in the United States is a testament to its unique spirit and unwavering commitment to music.
The story of First Avenue begins in 1970 when it first opened its doors as The Depot. Immediately setting the stage for its future prominence, The Depot quickly attracted a roster of national acts that read like a who’s who of rock and blues royalty. Early patrons were treated to performances by iconic artists such as The Kinks, the legendary B.B. King, the eclectic Frank Zappa, and the dynamic Ike and Tina Turner Revue. 
Ike and Tina Turner Revue performing at The Depot Despite this initial success, financial difficulties forced The Depot to close its doors in 1971, marking a brief hiatus in the venue’s burgeoning history.
A new chapter began in 1972 when Fingerhut, seeking to revitalize the space, sold a controlling interest to American Events Company (AEC). With this change in ownership came a new name and direction: Uncle Sam’s. As part of a franchising agreement, Uncle Sam’s initially shifted its focus away from live music, embracing the burgeoning disco craze and featuring DJs as its primary entertainment. However, the spirit of live music was not entirely extinguished. In the late 1970s, a pivotal figure emerged in the venue’s history – manager Steve McClellan. Recognizing the untapped potential of live performances, McClellan began booking bands, and the resounding success of early shows by punk pioneers The Ramones and rock powerhouse Pat Benatar, both selling out in advance, signaled a clear path forward. 
Pat Benatar performing live music As disco’s popularity waned, AEC divested its interest, selling back to Fingerhut, who entrusted managerial control to McClellan. After a two-year stint as Sam’s, the club reclaimed its destiny and adopted its final, and now iconic, name: First Avenue.
This transformation coincided with a significant period of musical evolution in the Twin Cities, as punk rock and R&B began to take center stage. First Avenue became a crucial hub for both of these burgeoning movements. While underground rock already had established footholds at venues like Jay’s Longhorn and Duffy’s in the late 1970s, nurturing local acts such as Hüsker Dü and The Suburbs, the creation of the 7th Street Entry marked a turning point. Born from the repurposed coat room of Sam’s, the 7th Street Entry emerged as a smaller, more intimate club within First Avenue. This space became a haven for indie bands, quickly gaining recognition as a premier punk and indie rock venue. Among the bands that graced its stage, The Replacements rose to prominence, even notoriety, their unpredictable and electrifying performances becoming a major draw, solidifying their legendary cult status and further cementing the Entry’s reputation.
In the early 1980s, Minneapolis’ music scene, like many others across the country, was marked by segregation, with downtown clubs often unwelcoming to African American musicians. First Avenue stood apart as a notable exception. A defining characteristic, particularly for its time, was its commitment to integrated lineups. This inclusive approach cultivated a diverse and regular clientele, exposing audiences from various backgrounds to a rich tapestry of musical cultures. On any given night at First Avenue, a concertgoer might experience the raw energy of punk, the groove of funk, the rhythms of world music, and a spectrum of genres in between.
McClellan’s booking philosophy played a crucial role in this integration, as he consistently featured black R&B acts such as The Time, Flyte Tyme, and most notably, Prince. First Avenue became something of a musical home for Prince. He frequently performed at the club, using it as a testing ground for unreleased material, gauging audience reactions in the intimate club setting. In the fall of 1983, First Avenue etched its place in cinematic history when Prince rented the venue to film pivotal scenes for his groundbreaking film, Purple Rain. The film’s monumental success catapulted Prince to international superstardom and simultaneously elevated First Avenue’s profile, providing a much-needed boost in revenue and solidifying its iconic status. 
Prince performing at First Avenue during the Purple Rain era
While nurturing the vibrant local music scene of Minneapolis remained a core mission, First Avenue also became an essential tour stop for alternative bands on their ascent to stadium-level fame. Bands like R.E.M., U2, New Order, and Nirvana, along with countless other emerging acts, graced the First Avenue stage in the early stages of their careers, recognizing the venue’s importance and prestige.
First Avenue has continued its unwavering support of local music to this day, serving as a proving ground for bands like Soul Asylum, Babes in Toyland, The Jayhawks, Semisonic, Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Lizzo, and Doomtree. Its initial success as a hub for innovative music was, in large part, a result of McClellan’s dedication to showcasing talent, often prioritizing artistic merit over immediate commercial gains. This commitment, while artistically fruitful, meant that financial stability was often precarious, and threats of closure loomed even after Fingerhut and club accountant Byron Frank acquired the property in 2000.
In a dramatic turn of events in 2004, Fingerhut dismissed McClellan and the management team, leading to the club’s closure and a subsequent bankruptcy filing. However, the community rallied in response to the potential loss of this cultural treasure. Amidst public outcry and with the crucial support of Minneapolis Mayor R. T. Rybak, McClellan, Frank, and Jack Meyers successfully purchased the club’s assets and reopened First Avenue, ensuring its survival.
In the years following its reopening, First Avenue has expanded its reach and influence. It acquired the Turf Club, assumed management of the historic Palace Theater in St. Paul, and broadened its booking operations to include other clubs and theaters, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the Minneapolis and national music scene. First Avenue & 7th Street Entry remains a vital and dynamic space, continuing to champion diverse musical voices and solidify its legacy as a truly iconic American music venue.
