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The Fillmore
Rating Details »
Category: Music Venues [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Western Addition/NOPA, Japantown1805 Geary Blvd
(at Fillmore St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 346-3000
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 7:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
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655 reviews for The Fillmore
Fun night with friends
Imogen Heap played here this evening!
Loved her new songs and her tour groupies... amazing!
Left with a FREE poster in hand
Mellow crowd lovin' the beats
Oh, can't wait when she's back in April 2010!
Red apples, chandeliers, great view of the stage
Enjoyed my first show at this small and wonderful venue
*~* I M O G E N H E A P *~*
I have to confess, I didn't know how to properly pronounce the name of the performer until the day of the concert! Yes, I'm quite embarrased. -.- So to get some things straightened out, it's Imogen Heap (pronounced imoJEN... not imoGAN) ahaha The name might not sound familiar to you at first, but think Frou Frou and Garden State! She has an English accent, has crazy awesome hair, and has a unique voice when she sings.
The Fillmore: It's quite a small venue, kind of reminds me of House of Blues on Sunset in LA. Very nice crystal chandelier lights hanging from the ceiling!! Loved the dark painted walls! Bars and benches along the walls. Upper balcony seating only on one side of the venue. Coat check in (I think you have to pay). A huge basket of red delicious apples await you at the top of the stairs as you enter. When you exit, get yourself a nice souvenir (a FREE Fillmore poster of the concert)!!
The concert: It was awesome! I've not paid for many concerts in my life. It's quite sad. I've either won tickets or was on a list to get in for free. Probably this is the second concert I've actually had to pay for. First one was a Matchbox 20 concert at the Staples center in LA way back in high school. O_O So about this concert... I LOVED the stage decor! It looked like a winter wonderland! This giant white wooden tree that lights up! The backdrop had the same silhouette of the tree. Grand piano on stage was transparent with a feathered boa inside! The cellist's chair was made of white fur too! And cool blue lighting! The opening acts were great! They were also incorporated into Imogen Heap's main concert! My favorite act was the cellist Zoey! Loved her dreads! Overall, I just couldn't believe how close we wer to the performers on stage! The crowds was great! Very calm, mellow, civilized group. Thank goodness for no crazy mosh pits, loud-blasting-screaming music! O_O I could still hear very well after the concert!
The ugly: The only annoyance was the security guy on the floor who kept try to get through the crowds of people who were taking picture with flash or recording the concert. You're enjoying the moment and some old guy in a hawaiian shirt (and a bit smelly) =X tries to push through in front of you every few minutes! OMG, come on! They should've announced in while you were entering the venue not to do those things.
Getting there: From our friend's house, we took the cab from Civic Center for about $7 each way.
Left Mountain View: 5pm
Got into SF: 6:14pm (traffic was horrible)
Fillmore: 7pm
The Fillmore: 7:45pm (doors opened @ 7pm)
Opening act: 8pm
Imogen Heap: 9:15pm- midnight
Got back to Mountain View: 12:45am
Tips...
- Try not to bring too much stuff with you (leave your big purses at home)
- Don't bring a jacket, it's going to get HOT inside
- Bring a water bottle, you might get dehydrated... or even pass out (someone did that evening)
- Wear comfy shoes if you plan to stand the whole time on the main floor
- Grab yourself an apple when you're there if you get hungry!
Very impressed by the history of the venue and the rockin' staff.
Coat check: 75 cents/item, you'll probably need to, gets pretty steamy inside.
My FAVORITE place to see a live band in San Francisco!
Make sure to line up early to get front row!
Also, make sure to stay until the end and get a free poster as you leave.
Great place to enjoy bands, concerts and beer. And history as you look at all the posters.
Fillmore is great except they tend to pack WAYYY too many people into one venue.. Nearly died once at a show here.. but otherwise the venue is great and a very fun place to hang out
A good venue to see bands and the size is just right. Like any other venue that has free standing, get there early when you go see a concert there. If you stay until the end they give you a free poster of the artist you just saw. I'd go back again with the right artist performing.
I love the intimacy of this venue! If you're in front row, most of the time you could find a way to shake hands or touch the artists on stage. (that sentence didn't really come out right. Whatevs)
Went to many concerts here from Senses fail to Rooney. If you wait outside long enough, you could meet the artists afterwards (if they're chill). Met the band Keane and got their autograph.
The building looks kinda crappy from the outside but I like it. It has that cool ghetto look to it. Another sweet thing about this place is as you're walking into the auditorium, you'll pass by framed photos of previous performers dating back to who knows when.
I'm not 100% sure that it's still available but you could also buy concert tickets at their box office before shows and on Sundays. Saves you from paying fees that ticket master would charge online.
Before you say anything, I used to live one block down from this place, so needless to say, I practically lived here for a while. Now here are my reasons why I hate/love The Fillmore.
1. I'm 5'2" and this venue does not provide enough of a slant in the main floor for people my height to see over anyone taller than the average female. Most shorties have this problem and therefore they all flock to the front rows.
2. Although drinks are available to those standing around waiting through opening acts, the plastic cups are constantly being dropped by concert goers and needless to say hardwood floors + beverage= one sloppy mess. This is a constant problem. Oh, and as most venues, ventilation is mainly through oversized fans only in certain areas of the floor. Good luck to feel a breeze if you're smack in the middle of the venue for a sold out show.
3. Go for the history of the venue as you walk through the main hallway into the floor. You'll spot endless amounts of photographs from Joplin to the Dead, Hendrix, and Aretha to name a few.
4. Go for the wonderful collectible posters they hand out at the end of each show as they are one of the few places to have this and red apples to goers in a basket by the entry area.
5. For sound quality, try Great American Music Hall, Yoshis two blocks away, 365 Bimbos. For closeness factor The Fillmore, Slims and yes Bottom of the Hill - even though it is practically impossible to find cabs there in the middle of the night. Venture out, SF has plenty of places to catch great music.
This is an excellent place to see a show.
It is big with lots of interesting decorations. If the music gets to be too much in the main room, you can skitter off to the side rooms to mellow out. This is especially important for me as I don't especially enjoy large crowds.
The best part is they give you a free poster for the show you just saw at the end of the night. How cool is that?
This is my favorite venue to see a show. The first time I went here was to see Third Eye Blind kick off their 10th anniversary tour, right in their hometown of San Francisco.
The crowd was chill. I was able to enjoy the music, and not deal with any assholes who were too drunk or obnoxious. (Okay, maybe just one, but everyone else was fine.)
And after that experience, I realized this is what a concert venue should feel like. Not too big, not too small. Great lighting and sound system. Even better people. No longer was I going to deal with all-day music festivals, sweaty and chaotic. The Fillmore offers an intimate space that makes it possible to really enjoy music.
Sneaky trick: If you're there for a concert, get there right when it opens. You can grab dinner upstairs and snag a table in one of the balcony portions so you can eat and enjoy the opening acts seated. If you know, you're getting old like me and you're legs can't handle 3+ hours of standing anymore. Note: I haven't managed to do this yet but noticed people happily eating and listening to the opening acts. I showed up 1.5 hours after the doors opened and it was not busy so I imagine you just need to get there right when the doors open.
The Fillmore is one snaaazy venue. I got the chance to come here for the first time for The Get Up Kids reunion concert last Monday. The venue isn't too big so you always have a decent view of your favorite band (as long as you stay away from tall people) and another bonus? Bathrooms are CLEAN! I dread concert venues I haven't been to until I can verify the cleanliness of their lavatory but the one at the Fillmore was decent. Yay! I know, I have issues with public restrooms but I'm working on it.
Recently went to the Mutemath concert here. First time ever here. Definitely not the last!
I'll be upfront, I love small venues. Not too crowded, chill crowd where it's all about the music. I love the acoustics and my gfs were able to take some kick ass pictures of the bands without having to say 'excuse me' 28947947233 times and having people stare at you in a glaring fashion as if we don't live in the freest country in the world!
Really chill place. Even had the opportunity to dance around. Bartender made some really heavy vodka tonic drinks which I really appreciated. She even helped us take pictures and the bar wasn't terribly crowded where we had to wait 5 minutes just to order.
The only disappointment I had was that no one came dressed up as vampires. You know..Twilight soundtrack? Hello!?!? It's close enough to halloween where you can have a pre-run with your costumes, no?
This fantastic venue is one of my favorites.
It's close to Japantown so parking isn't a major issue if you're willing to walk a few blocks.
With it's reputation of being a famous live house, walking into the Fillmore feels like walking into a place where you know instinctively that you're going to get a fantastic concert no matter who the artist is.
I've been here for Jason Mraz's first show as well as many Japanese artists like Puffy (otherwise known in the U.S. as Puffy Ami Yumi) and, most recently, GLAY.
The Fillmore has fantastic acoustics and no matter where you are on the main floor, you have a great view. The bartenders like to make the drinks strong so be sure to get a your drink of choice (you need a 21+ stamp and only 1 drink at a time) and get ready to enjoy the concert.
I love the way the floor bounces when everyone's dancing and rockin' out. GLAY put on amazing show and the Fillmore was a great place to showcase their energy. The amazing guitar solos by Hisashi and Takuro and Jiro's epic bass solo thrummed throughout the entire venue and just heightened the crowd's energy.
It was their second time at the Fillmore and I hope they keep coming back. No other venue can convey simply how amazing they are other than the Fillmore.
Awesome place. Big but still small enough to be intimate. I saw Citizen Cope here last night and I had a great time. Three bars, plus upstairs seating and bar. The staff was friendly besides one old dickhead bartender. They ran out of certain beers at one bar but if you just go to the other one they will probably have it.
Altogether a cool place, highly recommended.
Very cool little venue. First of all, I thought it was very unusual (and neat) that it's located on the second floor! I went here with my boyfriend to see the Get Up Kids on their reunion tour. It was a great show, and we managed to get right up near the front. Whoever described this venue as "intimate" was definitely right; the distance between stage and where you can start standing is seriously minimal. And as an added bonus: the bathrooms were clean. I love it!
I "heart" The FIllmore. I saw my first show there late last year. It was a Mike Ness show. The venue itself is fairly sizeable with a big floor and a raised stage. It's got baconies upstairs and a separate room/bar away from the balconies in case you want to just 'hang out' and grab a drink. I have yet to have any issues with fellow concert goer's here at The Fillmore and the staff seems pretty polite. I think its kind of cool that the waitresses go around the floor ordering drinks. It's rather impressive to see these girls hold the trays ever so steady so high above their heads to avoid people bumping into them.
I was there again last night for an RX Bandit/Dredge show. Of course it was a great show. The sound was phenomenal, the lights were done up as usual and the crowd was nice and mellow. While Dredge was up, I opted to hunt down a seat off to the side since my poor footsies were hurting. I was luckily enough to spot 2 empty seats on the first floor by the big bar on the right side of the stage.
My friend wasn't feeling too good (too much to drink) and one of the employees noticed. He immediately asked if I needed help and if we needed ear plugs. Luckily we already had some but the fact that he asked was a pleasant surprise.
The only gripe about this place is fairly irrelevant because it's expected for almost any venue: a)trying to find parking can be a challenge b) indoor reefer...
a good show is like a fireworks display. you need the right space to make it work (just ask michael jackson's head), a crowd, a display that builds to the right crescendo of cool, and a good sound system to either block out the bad noise or amplify the sights with even better noise.
part of this review is based on the actual show i saw at the fillmore friday night, and part is general observations about the fillmore itself. i'll try to separate them out, but a lot of the thoughts overlap each other because one can't be good without the other.
first off, the fillmore is a great space to see a good show. it's just the right size- not too huge that you feel completely disconnected to the artists but big enough to pack a decent amount of people in there. the best is to score a spot on the edge of the balcony (which i didn't do for this show, but will try to next time). the atmosphere of the fillmore is great. classier than the joint your roommate's band played at that wreaked of pee, the fillmore nods to all the history it possesses kind of enhancing any show experience you have there. the big wall of show artwork is like viagra for your live music experience. people greet you and welcome you into the vibe, and you feel like you're entering into more than your stereotypical concert venue.
if there was one thing i could change about the aesthetics of the fillmore, it'd be to rake that audience floor a wee bit so that us shorties could see from standing mid-floor more clearly.
friday night's show was great. mute math is the type of band that often does a better live show than what you'll get on their album, though they don't leave you wanting when you listen to it on your ipod. this was the perfect venue for them (aside of the wishful thinking raked floor). they were able to command the room and energize it with each song. like a fireworks display, all the elements seemed to come together. the perfect size venue with a jazzed crowd, a band building momentum with each song, reaching that peak of energy towards the end of the show with the sound reverberating the walls that you could feel it in your chest- the perfect build.
at one point i literally looked around and realized how well put together the show was. it wasn't just the band (though they are amazing live), but the fact that the show was well produced in the space. good sound, good space, good vibe.
seeing some of my favorite bands in their element is like a religious experience for me. i'm in this happy little bubble of watching them emote through the creation of their music. fillmore, you helped mute math soar.
...just rake that floor. then i could see more when the chach in front of me decides to rock out and his head bobs in and out of my way. :)
the other downers of the fillmore, before i end: livenation as your only ticket option. booooo. tacking on any type of additional fees like that just sways me away from going to anything at a venue that only offers that. the lesson is to stop by the box office on sunday afternoons and avoid most of the fees by buying your tickets in person. it'll knock off about $10 off your total ticket price.
best venue in the bay! free apples all night, food/bar lounge area, and the posters at the end of the night now are a wall of memories of good times on my wall
large enough to be spacious, small enough to be intimate
rock on!
The Fillmore is an outstanding concert venue, and truly one of the best. This is San Francisco's finest and truly a gem. I'm so happy that the Fillmore is so close to my hood, and have had the privilege of seeing artists like (then up and coming) Ben Folds Five as well as the Fratelli Brothers. Whenever I enter the main doors, get carded (yes, I still do at this place at least), and walk up the stairs, I get chills knowing that many great artists like Santana, Grateful Dead, and Bob Dylan (to name a few) have performed here. I've had many Fillmore experiences, and my most recent one was watching Ben Harper and the Relentless 7.
My Top Two Most Memorable Fillmore experiences:
1) In 2005, I was invited to a private corporate event led by my BFF, who is also the lovely Yelper (and currently MIA until August), Jeannette Z. At the time, she was in a band (of the several performing that evening), and yours truly was front and center as she performed. For those of you who don't know, the girlie can sing her heart out, as she has been doing since she was little. (BTW, I know this since I've known her since junior high). Anywho, I'm one of her biggest fans, and as she performed on that stage, I beamed with such pride and was took pictures like I was the paparrazi.
*That same night, another fellow Yelper, Michael H, and his band were also performing. MH is also a musician, and a very talented drummer. He was captivated by JZ (who wouldn't be, right?) and sparks flew. Yes, I was there when those lovebirds met. :0
2) Black Crowes Concert - A number of years ago, my friend (a huge BC fan) invited me to their performance. At the time, Chris Robinson was still married to Kate Hudson. Before the show, Kate and son, Ryder, were hanging outside by the side entrance. Later on, I looked up to see Kate at the balcony, with a drink and a smoke in one hand, and the other hand swaying as she grooved to her man's tunes. It was awesome. This show totally rocked and wished I brought my camera to capture the moments. Duoh!
I love everything about the Fillmore, from the outside architecture to the interior (with all of the concert posters of previous performers in the hallway, hanging chandeliers in the main room, etc.,). All of the artists that I've seen here have commented on how awesome and intimate this venue is, and I really couldn't agree more. Not many places can have you so up close and personal! The acoustics are great, too. There are several full bars inside, and the wait can be long (as the servers usually have priority). You definitely get a "high" here, whether you bring your own or get it by secondhand. After the concert is over, the concert high continues as upon exiting, you get an official Fillmore artist poster!
This is one of the larger venues in the city so more well-known artists play here. It's probably the next step down from places like the Shoreline Pavilion. Parking can be difficult as with anywhere in the city, and it's not located near market and the BART stations so you'd have to catch a muni or a taxicab. I like it, but I prefer smaller more intimate venues where you can get close to the stage.
Lead vocalist: "How many of you guys have class tomorrow morning?"
Everyone else: (screams)
Me: FML
Little did I know that artists like Ratatat, The Shins and Death Cab attracted such a young crowd. Which makes me one of the "oldest" concert-goers at the Fillmore (minus the Dads who are watching over their underage daughters).
Aside from the screaming teenagers, The Fillmore is a great venue. Full bar, easy parking, no issues with tickets and good bands. Needless to say, if you enjoy live music and don't mind the crowds, check out the Fillmore.
Club Passport! Available on http://LiveNation.com now! Here's what you need to know... $49.99 all in, no fees. Access to participating Fillmore shows for the rest of the year!
http://www.LiveNation....
Although I'm a little ashamed to admit that I JUST went to a concert at the Fillmore I must say it was one of the best I've ever been to. There really isn't a bad spot in the place. The crowd wasn't too big and we never had a problem getting to the bar (although we were there to see Matisyahu so that could have been why the beer crowd was so thin). Beer was a little expensive but what SF venue doesn't rape you when it comes to that? The sound was just plain great and as someone trying to kick the flu I'm going to comment on the air quality, great. I knew there were people smoking but I barely noticed a smell or haze. We stood in the very back and even that felt insanely close. I can't wait to go back.
Oh... the Fillmore... the memories, the musics, the free posters... This venue has to be my favorite in San Francisco. I saw Death Cab and Jimmy Eat World here with the girl, and it was awesome both times. The venue is smaller and has a the intimate feel of a club w/out the crampedness. There are chandeliers everywhere, and balconies on the side for the lazies. A consession stand in the back of the room serves up drinks w/out having to fight your way outside. Acoustics were great, makes for amazin' shows.... And yep, to top it all off you get a free poster on the way out. I still have mine framed from the Death Cab show. And hey, free apples!
"Why am I wearing your class ring?"
Well, you aren't.......yet, maybe never. But we have time on our side....but you should know that I am not gonna change....possibly.
My return to the writing stage, I told you it wouldn't be long. A fresh start is all one needs along with a free apple.
January 2009, a monumental month and meeting a new friend at a venue that has played host to many historical greats in music. The Fillmore is an icon and you feel like you are walking on hallowed ground. The pear cider is tasty and served up quickly and efficiently by some friendly bar tenders who eyeball your laminate and wonder who you're here with.
I've been to several shows at the Fillmore and have loved each and everyone. On this particular winter night, I was treated to a new beginning and a friendship that will undoubtedly never end. They may not be a fan of my hometown, but if I traveled to yours would I even find you there?
A giant strawberry for you.
I love this place. The acoustics are fantastic! It's easy to get a beer and there's plenty of space to roam. I love going upstairs before shows and checking out all of the posters. The only thing keeping me from giving this venue 5 stars is my personal preference for smaller, more intimate venues. However, though this place is rather large, if you see a less popular band here it's certainly possible for it to feel small and intimate.
Ah, the Fillmore, where the good bands all play. Why? Because it's famous. Why? Because the good bands all played here, of course. Or something like that.
They don't let you forget their historic lineups, either--the walls are covered with posters of all the amazing shows you *won't* be seeing tonight (kind of a downer, actually). But pedigree aside, it's just a big, square room with a balcony on one side, not unlike the GAMH only less ornate (and in a similarly inauspicious location--funny how the MoneyMart sign on the building is far more prominent than the Fillmore sign). I was here for Camera Obscura, and the venue seemed to handle the crowd easily. Most importantly, they have at least 3 bars, and even table service in the upstairs balcony (being too old to fight my way to a drink, I'm loving that).
In short, if you go to live music at all, you kinda have to go to the Fillmore at some point. Just wait until your favorite band comes though--otherwise it probably won't work its maximum magic on you.
We were walking back to the car. I was going to take you home, or were you going to take me? Not quite arm in arm, but drunk enough to make us both let a little too many of those old memories back into our heads. He came up to us, thrusting tickets into our hands. "What's this?" Free tickets, he can't use them. We look like a cute couple, so here, enjoy the show.
We watched from the balcony, a band we've never heard of, but fell in love with just the same. I put my arms around you, my chin resting on the copper waves of hair falling down your neck like the dark red velvet drapes that fell across the balcony. Did we kiss? Even though you were no longer with me, you still felt that old tingle as my breath brushed across your cheek. He'll never know, will he?
The music was incredible. The crowd adoring. Lighters and pocket lasers lit the stage when the final set pounded to a breathless end. I bought you a shirt that night. What was it? Some kind of twisted tree swooping across the front. Do you still wear it, and think of me? I still have that faded ticket. I keep it in my wallet, and I think of you. I hope you're doing well, wherever you are.
I was at this iconic, popular gem in 1997 for CSN (Crosby, Stills, and Nash) without Young who was at a bridge school benifit for his son, Ben who I went to preschool with, though not in the same class. Anyhow, it was a rocking night with everyone from 20 somethings to hippies with marijuana and all. I remembering turning to my father and saying, "Dad, I think I smell marijuana." A guy in front of me turned to me and said, "Want a hit?" I said "No thanks." I definitely got second hand asficsiation that night; the consert was excellent as well as the acustics and overall venu and atmosphere of people there for a good time.
Fastforward to last night; my friend and I saw a Greatful Dead tribute band who sound just like the original band. Both times, everyone, including the police officers and security gards are very friendly and professional, wishing you a good time. It was like 97 all over again, people of all ages, a lot of people breaking out the peace pipes and all. My friend and I were fortunate to be seated upstairs, looking down on it all. The bench was pretty comfortable and the cocktail waitress cute and friendly. It was a rocking night with everyone clapping to the beat and singing along with some of the songs. I had a wonderful time which I hope will be the second of many more to come. I love the old architecture vibe. So, for a rocking good time and a lively crowd to kmach, complete with a full bar, The Fillmore cannot be beat. Rock on and keep up the good work guys.!
The Fillmore. Where do I begin? I've seen so many Great bands here, and such a wide variety. Psych Rock. Punk. Metal. Hip Hop. You name it. Very 420 friendly, and waitresses who fight their way through the crowd to bring you drinks, so that you don't have to! Awesome!
It is one of the city's larger venues, but still flawlessly manages to capture the intimacy of a smaller venue, making almost every Fillmore experience a "classic" show. The vibe is definitely right at The Fillmore. I don't know if it's the acoustics, the chandeliers, or just the energy of all the legendary musicians who have graced the stage in years past, but either way, the Fillmore wont dissapoint. If you haven't been there, GO. NOW.
Seriously, I'm review # 598?! Holy crap! I guess I'll keep this brief then...
The Fillmore is great, a beautiful historic venue in the center of the City with great sound, friendly staff, and fantastic sight lines from pretty much anywhere in the house. It's no wonder so many good bands choose to play here year after year. I have friends who frequently fly up north from LA to see shows here because they just can't get over how great their Fillmore experiences always are. I wish they still consistently made the concert posters for which they've become so distinctly known but beggars can't be choosers, right?
Yeah, it's a good place to see a show and I've seen some great stuff. However, the whole place smells like dirty feet, the drinks are totally over priced (to be expected of course) and most of all, could you please play music before and between performers that kinda sorta goes with who's playing. That would be really nice. AND what the hell is up with you liberal hippie San Franciscans serving beer in big plastic cups? WHAT A WASTE! STOP KILLING THE PLANET!!!! PLEASE FIND SOMETHING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TO SERVE DRINKS IN!!!!!!!!
Death Cab for Cutie- $40
Kinky- $20
TV on the Radio- $25
Collection of a dozen one-of-a-kind show posters- $100
Losing my shoes while climbing onstage at the Girl Talk show- PRICELESS
I think the Fillmore is my 2nd favorite music venue in San Francisco. I love the purple glow the ceiling gets against the crystal chandeliers and the red velvet curtains. I love the musical history that the venue holds and to think about all the legendary performances that have occurred there. The posters all over the walls are fun to browse as well.
I have never had an issue with sound here so that is good. All of the shows I have seen here are memorable to say the least, some good and some not so much. The venue pulls a wide variety of performers for our listening pleasure.
I hate if you are midway towards the back of the room it is hard to see (I am 5'7", I don't think I am short but this place makes me feel short). I hate that if you want to, there is NO where to sit because it is usually reserved.
I've had the oppurtunity to see several shows at the Fillmore, and they have all been amazing. There's so much history to this place, and it's fun to walk around and see the posters from bands that have played there, from the Grateful Dead to the Doors to Led Zeppalin. For a music lover like myself, it's awe inspiring.
The venue is relatively small and has an intimate feeling. The atmosphere is great, we sometimes get there early and have drinks up on the balcony while we wait for the show to start. And they give out posters of the bands, as well as the famous apples. The only downside is the security guards can be a little overzealous. But overall, seeing a band at the Fillmore makes for a great concert-going experience.
Mmm Hmmmm.: How can you not love it? The Dead used to essentially live there... This auditorium can hold about 2,000 people. The dance hall downstairs is has a bar on the left side, huge glass chandeliers overhead, and the sound booth in plain sight. Upstairs, there is an enclosed room with old gig posters, a bar, and food. Also, there is a balcony, from which you can see then band. This is my favorite spot. If you have backstage passes you can also sit right above the band practically, in the best little balcony spot.
So, I have attended Sound Tribe, Jimmy Buffett Katrina Benefit, Roots and Kaskade and Martin Sexton. The sound here is pretty good, but really the coziness of the theatre is what makes the venue great. 2,000 max capacity is not a lot of people. Good shows sell out fast.
The bar is inept. It will take you 15 minutes to get each drink. The food is good, but it's not fast. Oh, and last night one bartender was trying to explain to me that wine with screw tops is better than corked wine. Come again?
This is my favorite place to see a band. Next best is the Warfield.
Three stars is very respectable.
It's fun to watch the scams happening outside with the ticket scalpers. Some of them (orange knit hat) had a "thing" going with the doormen (really big short guy with huge earrings). The doormen take fake/already scanned tickets sold by certain scalpers and get a kickback from the scalper. Wonder if management knows? cares??
I've seen many many shows here over the years. Good sound. The bars upstairs are less crowded, usually.
I'd say music is probably the only thing I like more than, well, at least equal to, food. I've seen many concerts at many places, massive shows to cozy performances. The Fillmore is by far the place than The Fillmore in San Francisco. The Whiskey on Sunset in the late 80's was great, but it's not as eclectic as today's Fillmore.
Where do I start? History, this place has been around since.. I don't know, but I don't really need to know since both Janis Joplin and the Dead played here. The photo of Jerry Garcia on the wall of fame inside the Fillmore says it all. It is intimate but yet exciting to be at this mecca of live music. This place rocks, yet it can be soulfully and poetically virtuous. The acoustics were amazing, great sound. Expect a wonderful time when you make it here.
I guess after 600 reviews there isn't much more to write except you have to go check it out for yourself. I would go as far as seeing a performance at the Fillmore by someone I don't really like or care for.
Another glorious evening spent with Cypress Hill!
I love the intimate nature of the Fillmore.
Every show here, past-present-future, is one to be remembered!
I've only been here twice, but both times were excellent and has made The Fillmore probably my favorite venue. The first show I saw here was The Get Up Kids' last San Francisco show ever, during their last tour ever. Ahhh, my third most favorite band ever! After Queen and Weezer, that is.
Went here again last month to see NOFX - again, right after they played Great American Music Hall the night or two before - and it reminded me of how great a venue The Fillmore is. I even discovered the secret bar area with tons of cool framed posters decking the walls on the second level! Okay, maybe it's not so secret, but I saw it for the first time the second time around.
The Fillmore isn't too big a venue, and the sound system is great. I'd come see a show here any day. Well, as long as I like the band.
