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The Fillmore
Category: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Music Venues
1805 Geary Blvd(at Fillmore St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
Neighborhoods: Japantown, Western Addition/NOPA
(415) 346-3000
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
875 reviews for The Fillmore
875 reviews in English
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Review from Suz L.
San Francisco, CA
5/23/2012
The Fillmore is the best place to see your favourite artists. Everyone who is anyone has played here (and a few who may have never heard of.) It's intimate and definitely worth checking out. Few that I can recall seeing:
Willie Nelson
Etta James
Steve Miller
Billy Idol
Death Cab for Cuties
Santana
Snoop Dog, Master P, Dog Pound, Warren G
Fiest
Mudcrutch (Tom Petty)
Devotchka
Augustana
Tapes n Tapes
James Blunt -
Review from Gaurav B.
Sunnyvale, CA
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was here to check out Steven Wilson's performance. Bar was alright, ok drinks, ok bartenders.
The venue was also alright. Bathrooms were a little weird.
There were couple of really nice people in the staff but one security guy inside the theater was just plain rude and unreasonable. He really spoiled my evening because I was focusing on just having a good time checking out one of the greatest musicians I have been listening to for about 8 years.
He told me not to stand in front of him as its blocking his view. I have been to a couple of concerts but never heard that before. After being threatened of being kicked out, I gave in to his pathetic attitude and focused on the music.
This place gets good artists and that is the only reason I will ever come back here. -
Review from Meghan B.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2012
This venue is alright. The staff is horrible (why the bad attitudes?!). Acoustics are good. Drinks are $8 (beer/well) and up... The floor is bouncy.
I only write reviews after a particularly good or horrible bad experience. In the vase of the Fillmore, its the latter.
I had a photo credential for a show and approached a bouncer to ask what the photo pass meant (there was no pit, side stage was inaccessible). He was SO RUDE and rather than answer my question like a reasonable human he was physically threatening and started yelling at me.
Going outside was an episode of 3 different people aggressively telling us that we would not be let in if we left, even after the understanding that we were going to the smoking area.
Then, some power tripped door guy tried to make me take a 10 minute "time-out" before he would let me back in last night. Even with press credentials he insisted on X-ing my hand before he would (very reluctantly) let me back in.
What is up with the bad attitudes? Maybe last night was a fluke but I feel strongly that I will not be returning to this venue anytime soon. There are way better places in the Bay Area to see a show.. don't waste your money at this one. -
Review from Michelangelo S.
Seattle, WA
5/10/2012
Wondrous venue and walking distance from the crowds I shake it with
SITREP
My ex-girlfriend took me to see Gary Numen play here and I've been in love with the place since. Along the way I've seen other artists I love, such as Peter Murphy (with and without Bauhaus), Switchblade Symphony, Sonic Youth and many many more.
SETUP
Small small balcony, though there's a sweet upstairs room that doubles as a seated chill space, but also sometimes has a smaller band stand where another artist can play to this crowd.
But the main floor - which usually is standing room general admission permits a considerable amount of dancing, and moshing, and mingling with friends. Kinda go in circuits around the perimeter. Find myself getting smashed up against the stage riser, but them I'm chilling in the back talking to sound engineers.
It's all good.
THE BAR
Typical San Francisco for venues of this size. Plan on $6 for a beer and $8-$10 for a basic mixed drink. I'd be pissed if I was in Sacramento or Seattle. But in San Francisco, this is par for the course.
THE PARKING
It sucks. Plan on that fact. So either take mass transit, walk (which is what I do from the Haight, or Fell Street (depending on who's flat I'm staying at) or plan on an hour to park and walk if you are just coming down for the night - like I do many times - from Sacramento.
THE LOWDOWN
The Fillmore is a great place to catch a more intimate vibe, but with a still sizable crowd.Listed in: My Bay Area Raves...., Welcome to the DARK SIDE...
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Review from Bill M.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2012
The Owners or Managers of this store are greedy, and particuliarlly insensitive to people!
One of thier employee's suddenly passed away a week ago and they did not even acknowledge it or take up a collection for the Family. This employee was helpful,sweet and professional
I now understand why the employees there are not happy working there -
Review from Paul G.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012
I now know what it is like to watch a concert from within a bong. I saw Meshuggah here during my third visit to San Francisco in May and I just love the laid back atmosphere. There are security guards who, before you enter, give you a minor pat down and ask if you have "anything dangerous" on you but I'm guessing you could bring in a hookah the size of a camel judging by the aroma on the inside. I also didn't notice any guards on the inside, which is alright, becuase they weren't needed. It was laid back and everyone enjoyed the music. I hope nothing changes. The atmosphere for a concert was great and the sound was awesome. This is the best indoor venue for a concert I have been to. I didn't notice any apples. I guess they don't waste those on the heavy metal type.
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Review from Lauren S.
Vallejo, CA
5/3/2012 1 photo
Fillmore Virgin No More!
I've tryed the others, Great American Music Hall, Cafe Du Nord, Slims...etc...but yesterday I experienced pure bliss inside this hall when I saw James Morrrison. Before I get to the main dish let's just say this place is everything everyone has written about, so there's not much more i can say but..give me more of that Good Stuff.
Getting to the show..the appetizer of the night was a sweet little band called HoneyHoney, a melodic fusion of soulful folk-rock who got the crowd pumped for the heat of meat that was to come. Beautiful songs which included one of my fav's called "Thin Line" had a profound effect, but unfortunately there were no more of their cd's to buy. Oh Well..Next Time!
Enter James Morrison and his ever-so talented band..(GUYS WITH ACCENTS WHO SING GREAT ARE SO HOT!) in his brown leather jacket,white symbol-embedded T, and jeans looking quite comfortable, but yet oh so fab that he had the men in the room swooning too(including heterosexuals..lol) The voice is incomparable to any singer-songwriter I've heard in his genre so far and I've heard and seen plenty. Deep feeling is put into every word uttered from this man and he was worth every dollor I spent to come and see him and more! Ladies and gentlemen if you ever get a chance to see J. M live, please do so, I promise you won't regret it. Thanks to all The Fillmore pose for making it a wonderful night :-) -
Review from Jennifer L.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2012
1) The 38 takes you RIGHT outside - Woo hoo!
2) Staff is so nice! Welcomes you as you walk into the door. Talked to staff afterwards too. Manners go a long way!
3) Nice, high ceilings, so it doesn't get stuffy at all :) Pretty chandeliers + love the feeling of this place. Not too dark, not too bright.
4) Bar was raised and easy to get to, so you can easily see the stage if you're there instead of the floor.
5) The concert was sold out, but there was enough room to walk around without pushing around. Easily the nicest crowd @ any concert I've ever been to, but then again, The Weeknd is not The Offspring!
6) Of all the venues in SF, I am definitely keeping my eye out for concerts at The Fillmore next time!! -
Review from Maya S.
5/9/2012
+ The historic appeal of The Fillmore already grants 5 stars.
+ Traditions: Free apples (Red Delicious kind) & posters.
+ Great acoustics.
+ Courteous and efficient staff.
+ Simple layout of a large dance floor, bar, bathrooms and cool posters of past acts covering the walls.
+ Free metered parking in the surrounding area after 6pm, and at least lots available nearby in Japantown. -
Review from James M.
Sacramento, CA
5/14/2012
Great venue. Drinks are a little expensive, but its SF, so it is to be expected.
On sold out shows, you get a free poster, which is awesome.
Great parking at the Japan Town Cultural Center parking garage. Good rates. Also, if you got the time, cruise around the local area and what not while you wait for the door to open at the Fillmore. -
Review from Jennifer O.
San Mateo, CA
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
There is something wrong with you if you don't like the Fillmore. This is easily my absolute favorite venue to see a show. I've never seen a bad show there, and instead, I've become an even bigger fan of some artists than I was going in.
You aren't a true music fan if you haven't seen and enjoyed a show at the Fillmore. That is all. -
Review from mei m.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2012
Dear Fillmore Security (big fat white haired dude with beard),
I've never been so offended by the security team. I was a guest backstage of the opening band Blue Angel Lounge during Brian Jonestone Massacre's set. You didn't ask me for my badge, and you rudely just shoved me out the door. Brian Jonestone was clearly upset with you sound guys, and lighting guys. He should really have been upset with the security as well. You should never touch a woman recklessly when you don't know who she is or where she's coming from regardless of anything you have in mind!
The venue is absolutely stunning and the only saving grace was the very friendly woman at the door as well as the nice man helping by the will-call window. -
Review from Sofia R.
I've been to the Fillmore a few times over the years for different bands. It's a solid venue. Really great place to go for shows!!
Spacious, cool concert posters line the walls upstairs, several bar areas (they are so expensive though), upstairs seating--one seating area even has a little stage for small performances!
The lighting is generally well done, the sound system is usually perfect, bathrooms are pretty nice, and the service is very professional. They even have a tub of apples for you if you feel like eating one!
There is a coat check ($1.50 per item...so cheap!) but once you check something in you CANNOT ask for it back and put it back in. Make sure you have all the things you need before you check your stuff in or else.
Only other gripe is that it's a little hard to get to the venue! It's pretty much around Japantown area. Accessible yet time consuming by bus.
I like the Fillmore. -
Review from Brandi W.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/21/2012
I went to see Wild Flag play at the Fillmore recently. What a fun show! I wasn't too fond of the opening band, but I had a great time nonetheless.
I showed up fashionably late, but still managed to find a spot pretty close to the stage. Seems like everyone goes to the bathroom or to the bar in between sets, which gives you an opportunity to sneak closer.
Carrie Brownstein, Mary Timony, Janet Weiss, and Rebecca Cole were all fierce, and I had a wonderful time, despite all of the cackling drunk girls right next to me.
Free apples by the door. Free poster at the end of the show was also a nice treat. It's also close to the bus stop, so if you rely on public transportation, you're in luck. -
Review from Bob V.
Aromas, CA
4/16/2012
The Legendary Bill Graham Bay Area Club. One of the best places in the world that I've experienced live rock, blues, soul concerts. The Sound, Lighting and Room Acoustics are great, it is all standing room only, there is no significant seating (except for a very limited number of A-List VIP balconies) so get there early and get up front - especially if you are short.
I had been here around 10 times back in the 1980s. The place is fixed up much nicer than I remember or what I could remember from the 80s. But it still has the same great ambiance. At The Fillmore, you know you are at a Rock Concert Hall and not some multipurpose arena.
Unlike other reviewers, I had no problems with the staff. They are direct and speak loudly to you but its really because they are dealing with a ton of often loaded or stoned concert patrons. If you are nice with them, they are nice with you. If you want to make lots of Fillmore friends, wear SF Giants gear. Seeking to get razed, wear Dodger blue - on 2nd thought, maybe not a good idea.
Get there early, be sure to grab an apple on the way in and make your way upstairs to look over past concert posters and to grab a drink or two. Drinks are higher priced but it is a concert venue. But I found prices no greater and perhaps less than at AT&T or a downtown theater.
Lot of easy parking in Japan town lots. Be warned however, you might catch a 2nd hand high from the exhales of numerous concert goes smoking nearby. Every so often inside even, you catch a whiff of what B-Wizz calls '4-20 in the air'. Not that I partake in any of that. -
Review from Liz O.
Pleasanton, CA
4/16/2012
Great Venue.. HORRIBLE STAFF!
We saw Train here last night.. fun.. great concert. but wow .. the staff was hands down one of the WORST put together teams I have ever seen!
Everyone at the front door was a JOKE. Don't even mean to bring this up.. but honestly.. has to be said. Literally 80% of the people were over weight, mean, negative, miserable people yelling at everyone. I was actually shocked at how rude each of them were.. not just to me but it seemed like everyone around me too! It is just sad that people are that miserable. No one was even doing anything wrong that I saw.. just pathetic unnecessary attitude is all I saw. Really.. keep in mind none of you RUN The Fillmore or own it in any way.. it's a front door job which all of them should be THANKFUL for and attempting to be positive might help!
So.. Train was amazing.. inside was ok.. no seats.. just standing around drinking. so.. will probably not come back unless their is another great band playing their.. sad that unhappy people send out such horrible vibes and actions to others. I would defiantly recommend to whoever runs the hiring seriously re-evaluate all their employees. -
Review from Laurie H.
5/2/2012
Another SF favorite venue! It's easy to take public transportation to this place. I've been here so many times & each time has been an outstanding experience!
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Review from David M.
Palo Alto, CA
4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
It was never my plan to visit the Fillmore, but through friends and work I have been fortunate to see OAR to Band of Skulls at this venue. Mixed between a decorated history of artist is simply one of the best locations to for Live music in the city.
Why 3-stars then? As much as I love the venue for its calm, San-Francisco style atmosphere, quick and efficient bartenders, and of course music, there were not any high points that made me feel a need to trek out from the Mission on a regular basis.
Overall, if you want great live music or if you're a rock and roll fan, I recommend giving this historic venue a visit. -
Review from Joe Bob J.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2012
The best medium sized club venue in the Bay Area.
The Uptown in Napa is great as is the Warfield, The Fox, etc... BUT the Fillmore has a great sound and history. They care about the bands and making them sound good , look good. The vibe, yes I said vibe is usual relaxed and everyone there as a music/band fan. They want to be there for the show and not as a club scene which happens to have a band in it.
When a secondary opening band is upstaris, it makes it a better night.
Also, Dan Dion rocks on as the house PhoTog, check out his work on the walls of the lobby. Envy -
Review from Rhea K.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2012
I've been to the Fillmore several times, but I was very disappointed with the service and treatment the last time I came here.
I came to the Fillmore with a group of friends for the 4/14 Yonder Mountain show (great show, btw). I was on the ground floor and my friends and I decided to head to the back bar to get a drink. We're standing near the bar waiting to order drinks when one of the waitresses literally PALMS my friend in the face and shoves her out of the way. It all happened so fast, we were just in shock. She just..... took her hand and shoved my friend's head out of her path, pushing her into the bar, and kept on walking.
Didn't know the Fillmore was into abusing its patrons, but now you know.. beware of the waitresses. -
Review from Joe J.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
HAIKU REVIEW
Back in the Sixties,
Bill Graham barreled some apples
to counter LSD.
What he envisioned...
Words cannot honor legend.
THIS is rock and roll.
Poster room upstairs
Won't tell you half the story.
Just wait, you'll get yours.
Every Fillmore show
Feels like magic -- for the band,
For your friends, for you.
Hendrix, Morrison,
Joplin, Creedence owned this stage.
You feel those spirits?
These chandeliers glow.
That band comes on and thunders.
Perchance this night, we dream. -
Review from Mike V.
2/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Still the best venue in San Francisco. Been coming here for years, eaten my fair share of apples, introduced by my amazing Dad when I was almost too young to know what that musty "smell" was in the back rows, and enjoyed everywhere from the floor to the upper bar to the back of the house.
This place imbues cool vibes and rich history at every turn. Also some of the best acoustics short of Davies Symphony Hall. Catch good bands here while you can, before they get "great" and upgrade to the BG Civic Auditorium and the dreaded HP Pavilion.
Tips? as if there's anything you don't already know. (1) they don't give out the posters til the last song. (2) wash the apples. (3) the back right bar is often overlooked by people and a much shorter wait than the main floor bar. (4) great acoustic singer/songwriters on the second floor from time to time. (5) cheapest coat check around, but make sure you get there before that last song or you'll be waiting a bit. -
Review from Jennifer T.
Oakland, CA
3/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The Fillmore is and always will be the shit. I love this venue; it's not the Fox, but it's pretty rad. It's so awesome that most events come with a free poster, and apples, too. I cannot wait to plaster my walls with them, the posters, not apples.
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Review from Daniel W.
San Jose, CA
12/15/2011
I'm going a different direction here.
Here are some tips for people who are scared of the big city(who don't live in it) like me and get intimidated. You know, the kind of intimidated that might keep you from going to a show because someone writes shit about getting robbed or their car broken into.
* Take Van Ness to Geary and then vice versa to get out. Let's not play with the Google maps that suggest side streets.
* I didn't park on the street because of all the reviews that said your car will broken into. I had to park a little further but I think that was necessary for car safety.
* I parked at the Japan Town garage 2 blocks away and took all my stuff out of view of the car. Its well lit and very cheap (50 cents an hour). There are a lot of people an staff in there, while not immune from the smash and grab, seemed like a good option.
* With 2 blocks to walk I really recommend walking with somebody and not bringing your entire wallet/purse to the show. Leave it at home and bring your ID and some cash and maybe a single credit card.
* Go early. Easier parking and even though doors say 8pm, they let you in 30 mins earlier...well at least the show I went to. Hopefully it will still be light out.
* Leave with everybody else at the end of the show. Strength in numbers.
I didn't find the north or south side of the street any more or less creepy but people say stick to the south side. I passed some skeevies on that side at the bus stop, so I can't rec.
The shows end early(by 11pm) so the real nasty zombies aren't out yet.
Be safe and enjoy the show! -
Review from Tristan W.
Redondo Beach, CA
4/8/2012
Along with the Great American Music Hall, The Fillmore is the best music venue in the Bay Area. You simply can't beat it. The acoustics are top notch, you get free apples, and the place just exudes history. Just thinking about all the legendary bands that have graced that stage is enough to make any music fan drool. I can't wait for my next show here.
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Review from Nathan M.
Berkeley, CA
3/1/2012
Free apples, free custom posters, and a solid heritage make The Fillmore the best midsize (1199) venue in San Francisco. Definitely try to catch artists here before they move on to The Warfield or the BGCA. Smaller venues like The Fillmore and Great American Music Hall are the best places to catch ascending artists. The neighborhood is slightly 1970s seedy, but safe enough. The Muni 38/38L has stops adjacent to the venue, so access from Montgomery BART is a breeze.
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Review from Matt H.
Springdale, AR
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a great iconic theater where history oozes from every nook and cranny.
Beer selection is okay, full(modified) bar. Impressive efficient bar tenders.
As much as I loved this Venue, I was surprised by the lack of ornateness in the ballroom itself.
And the acoustics are probably a 8 on a scale of 10.
But its a great time in a great city.
I really enjoyed my Fillmore Apple that they hand out before every show. -
Review from Ellisa B.
Sunnyvale, CA
Updated - 5/8/2012
The folks that do tickets for the Fillmore got in touch with us and rectified the situation, so I'm changing my rating. Can't wait to see the show!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/18/2012
This review isn't about the venue, it's about the box office. We called to verify they were open… Read more »
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Review from Amy Y.
Pleasant Hill, CA
3/2/2012
I avoid this venue. I've seen Ani DiFranco and Amos Lee there twice respectfully and I've been miserable each time. First of all, it's a standing room only venue. Now in my thirties, I've earned the privilege of having seat. I'm also super short, so unless I arrive super early and stay in the exact same spot all night- I'm screwed. I know it's legendary and all, but I would rather drive to Napa or Santa Rosa to see a show than spend a night at the Fillmore.
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Review from David D.
Boston, MA
2/1/2012
Anyone who knows music, knows that the fillmore is one of the most well known venues with a lot of history. During a trip to SF, I was fortunate enough to catch the Black Crowes during one of their end of the year 6 night runs at the fillmore.
As for the venue, if you were walking by it on the street, you might not even notice it, as I did not see any signs, I just followed the crowd once I got out of my cab. Once inside, their was a basket of apples, which seems like some kind of regular thing they do over there. There is also a great room with a bar, tables to sit down and great posters of some of the most famous concerts that the venue has hosted.
The room itself was nice. Chandeliers stand out and it was a good open space, I did not feel cramped in the sold out show. Sound quality was great as was the overall vibe, could be the fans of the band I was seeing or just the SF music community.
I look forward to hearing more music here. -
Review from Mike R.
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Metallica!!!! Yes, I was priveleged enough to be able to get into one of the XxX shows at the Fillmore, and oh what a treat that was!!! I happened to be there the night Rob Halford and Glen Danzig graced (not sure if that is tha proper word when describing these guys, but it works for me!) the crowd with there presence, joining the hometown boys on stage for a few songs each--it was metal nirvana!!!
Anyway, enough about the show, I could carry on for hours about that, but the Fillmore itself, what a brilliant venue to watch a show at! It was all standing room in the main ballroom, but so what, it was still an excellent vantage point and I rather prefered the floor to the balcony areas even though my ticket permitted me up there. There was a bar at the rear of the ballroom area and another to the side of the ballroom, so there was no troubles keeping hydrated ;-)
All in all, awesome show, and equally awesome venue! -
Review from Colin L.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2012
as far as shows go, is there a better place with the amount of history?!?!?! not really asking, just being witty with the first line. just imagine the drugs done at this place over the time...
you get a poster if the show sells out? yeah, place is fucking unreal... -
Review from christina t.
San Jose, CA
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
OMG this place was great. Why? Because I SAW METALLICA HERE! It feels like the floor is going to give way at any moment, it feels like an super old building (cuz it is), and if you are short it is rather tough to see the stage from certain places. But it is awesome. The upper level rocks, the bar is decent (so i heard) the food is pretty good, and the acoustics are great. This place is great.
PS- yea it isnt in the BEST part of town. However , if you park in the Japantown garage near the hotel, you will be fine AND will play hardly anything for parking -
Review from Akvile H.
1/2/2012 2 Check-ins Here
What a cool and historic venue! I went to a show here recently and security and staff are friendly and I felt safe inside. This venue definitely has a great feel to it. I believe it was built in the 1930's and used to be a roller skating rink (on the 2nd floor) ...how cool!
No matter what kind of music show you are going to, this place is great. Bar inside, drinks are a bit overpriced but I suppose that's just how it goes when you are at a music show. The acoustics are good, there are some balcony seats, big dance floor, and good size stage. I look forward to coming back here again! -
Review from Chris A.
Irvine, CA
Updated - 3/18/2012
I saw Drive-By Truckers Friday night as part of the band's 2012 west coast run. The Fillmore did not disappoint and neither did the Truckers, and I expect this venue and this band being amazing. See last year's review.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/6/2011
I've been to lots of shows at lots of venues including many of the classic venues. The Fillmore… Read more »
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Review from Chris M.
11/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I really enjoy shows at the Fillmore!!
The Fillmore is old, historical and just a really cool venue to listen to music!
Upstairs there is a second bar, you can order food and watch the act from the decadent luxury under beautiful chandeliers :)
2 great perks at the Fillmore:
1. FREE posters for sold out shows! As long as the show sells out with enough time you will get a free poster at the end! The posters are only handed out after the show, you have to wait until the end to get one! Check out all the cool past posters on the walls upstairs!! My mission is to find which band has the most on the wall... any help greatly appreciated :)
2. FREE apples! The Fillmore helps with your '5 a day' with a huge rustic iron bath tub of apples! Though at a recent show (Mac Miller) there were no apples :( Apparently they were worried all those pesky kidz (very young audience!!) would throw the apples on stage! -
Review from Lorrayne L.
Oakland, CA
10/26/2011
Before I can properly review Miyavi's recent gig at Slim's this past Thursday, I have to start by posting my review of him from last year at The Fillmore. Enjoy.
============
Date: 15 June 2010
Location: The Fillmore, San Francisco
Screaming fangirls and devoted fanboys gathered together last night to welcome back J-rock (http://en.wikipedia.or...) sensation Miyavi (http://myv382tokyo.com/) to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Miyavi first exploded onto the Japanese visual kei (http://en.wikipedia.or...) scene back in 1999 when he first joined the J-rock band Dué le Quartz (http://en.wikipedia.or...) at the young age of 17. Miyavi, back then known as Miyabi, blew the world away with his addicting and mesmerizing guitar-playing skills. Since the break-up of that band, he joined forces with J-rock heavy-weights Gackt, Yoshiki and Sugizo to form the group S.K.I.N. back in 2007. Now, Miyavi has become a sole force to be reckoned with on the J-rock music scene, standing apart from his peers with his unique style of fusing many different genres of music to form his own brand of revolutionary rock.
The concert itself was electrifying, and did not seem to last long enough for the fans to get enough of the J-rocker. The decided lack of special effects put a strong emphasis on the musician prancing and parading around on stage, allowing the audience a first-hand demonstration of the rocker's key talent - his unbelievable ability to play a guitar like no other.
It is perhaps Miyavi's gift for the instrument that reminds me so strongly of heavy-weights Slash (Guns 'n Roses) and Lindsay Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac). Miyavi's abilities to play his guitar without the use of a pick, and to even be able to play while holding the instrument to the back of his head while dancing around on stage, is nothing short of amazing to watch and sets him apart from many other rock guitarists that I have seen over the years. If you have not had the chance to witness this young man's talents, I highly recommend watching the video to his hit "Survive" (http://youtu.be/cfQ-DK...) or this live version of "Are You Ready to Rock" (http://youtu.be/IsdCIt...) where he plays the entire song and all the instruments by himself:
There were several highlights to the show, to which yours truly was up front and dancing along with all the other fans in the joint. At one point, during a lull where Miyavi was drinking water and the crowd quieted some, a fangirl screamed out "YOU'RE SEXY!" to the man. The reaction was truly memorable. After laughing at the outcry, he saunters up to the mike, pulls up his shirt, and speaks in a husky tone "Oh really?" The fans went wild.
It was most refreshing to hear just how fluent the artist was speaking English, much to the delight of his North American fans. More key highlights of the two-and-a-half hour concert were his spraying the audience with his water bottle (which yours truly got smacked in the face with), after which he chucked the bottle out to some lucky fan in the crowd, and saving a poor young lady that was getting pushed harshly into the bouncer bars at the front of the stage by rabid fangirls behind her trying to get as close to the J-rocker as possible. He loved the crowd by screaming back at them in the exact same way the fangirls were, which only incited more rabid screaming, to which he more than happily reciprocated. The screaming match was hilarious to witness, having never seen that done from a musician before.
Miyavi also played a few songs from his upcoming album in the fall, a couple of which had the face-splitting titles of "SuperMotherFuckingBitch" and "Ah-Ha!". (Even the bouncers were laughing and rocking out to the first one) Look on iTunes or at your nearest J-rock friendly music store for when the album hits shelves in October. The new album promises to be everything one can expect from the man, and much much more.
But perhaps the most mesmerizing moment of the entire night was when Miyavi shared with us his trials that took place over the past year, in which he got married and had his first child, a daughter. The audience screaming out "omedetto" (Japanese for "congratulations") and "Happy Father's Day" really spoke of the joy that his fans shared with him for a couple of his greatest moments in life.
At the end of the concert, Miyavi walked all over the front of the stage waving to his devoted fans and shouting his love and appreciation for his San Francisco fanbase from where he could before finally leaving the stage. The night was truly a work of magic, and yours truly was one of the many happily infected.
Miyavi, we wish you a very Happy Father's Day, and much luck and love from all of us here in the Bay Area!
Miyavi Official Website: http://myv382tokyo.com/ -
Review from Jay V.
Santa Monica, CA
1/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Been here a few times now. As a frequent concert goer, I dig this place as one of my favorite venues around the U.S.
Saw Metallica XXX there, night 1. Saw the Tragically Hip there in 09 two nights.
Heading back in a few weeks for Gomez.
Can't wait. Rock me Fillmore, rock me hard. -
Review from Julia D.
11/28/2011
Every show I have seen here @ the fillmore I have always enjoyed
Artists seen: Primus, Les Claypool, Cypress Hill, Trentmoeller and multiple others.
++Free posters @ end of the show
+ If you are a good concert go-er like me, you get used to cruisin' through the crowd and bein able to read pathways in and out.
- If your 5'4 like me, sucks to get stuck behind a pack of 6'5 ogars. But, I just groove my way to the front so never really a problem anymore.
- Kinda sucks how the bar is only on 1 side. When I go, I always make sure that I can stick close to the bar because thats a good way to enter the front of the crowd again. Depends on who is playing
- Hate how the shows always end early, but o well, there are always after parties in the city
+ Vibe is awesome with other concert go-er/music lovers.
- Kinda shady area. I wouldn't walk around alone, let alone with a group of girls. That is just a screaming target, be sure that you have good transportation or a buncha dudes around ya to shield ya.
If I could, I'd probably give it 3.5 stars. But since I have seen so many awesome artists here, I rounded up.
Conclusion: Obviously in SF there are going to be some areas that are good, and some areas that are bad. This place just happens to fall on the cusp of both worlds, so be sure to play it smart and be safe. If you do drive, park on Geary, Ive always had good luck. Arrive, pre-game in the car and of course, party like a rockstar!=always a good night @ the fillmoreListed in: Music Venues
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Review from jen v.
New York, NY
3/16/2012
caught the Dragonette/Little Boots show here. Paid homage to this historic American SF venue and drank a Budweiser. only Absinthe is probably more apropro here. took a scene kid picture. checked out the various rooms. the Fillmores' atmosphere that particular night: british pop meets hippy alterna-goth. gypsy punk meets tribal belly dance. If the Fillmore was in highschool - he/she would be the too cool for school kids - - that smoked in the back of the gym near the grassy area; whilst playing guitar, picking daises, braiding each other's hair and playing hacky sack.
