Is anyone besides me mourning Starwood’s passing?
Summer just somehow doesn’t seem the same here in Nashvegas without shows at Starwood. I was in high school when Starwood was built, and have seen many, many shows there–some of which I remember quite fondly, some I barely remember through the haze of many beverages, but in spite of the overpriced beer, it was always great fun. There’s nothing quite like seeing a show outside under the stars on a beautiful night, and summer to me always meant shows at Starwood. Granted, it was never my top pick acoustically, although I have heard it when the mix was dialed in just right and it was mighty sweet! But the people watching was always fun, and they always had a wide range of acts–everyone from perennial faves Hank Jr., Jimmy Buffett, and James Taylor to Poison, Judas Priest, The Cult, Dwight Yoakum, The Black Crowes, Billy Idol, Lenny Kravitz, The Allman Brothers, Steely Dan, Alan Jackson, and on to teen scene and Ozzfest & Loolapalooza. Live Nation closed out Starwood and a couple of other venues because they weren’t “profitable”–and real estate in that area (like everywhere else in Nashville and surrounding areas) has shot through the roof. We keep hearing rumors of the baseball park/amphitheatre in downtown–who knows if that will ever come to fruition, but I never thought we’d see professional football or hockey here either (although we’re still touch and go on the Predators). A much more likely (to me) scenario is the redevelopment of the Fairgrounds–rumors have been swirling for quite a while, and although I sure would hate to see the track go (Music City Motorplex) since some of my earliest memories are watching my dad race there when I was a couple of years old–I keep hearing rumbles about it. I imagine any outdoor venue is going to be a good deal more sizable than Starwood–gots to fill those seats to get the top-tier talent–and parking and access is going to be another issue. You can hit the Fairgrounds from several directions. Anyway, I just miss the stars as the backdrop for all those fine tunes.
What are some of your favorite Starwood memories/shows?
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POSTED IN: Nashville Music
5 opinions for Is anyone besides me mourning Starwood’s passing?
Christina
Jul 31, 2007 at 2:15 am
Um. I can’t remember. But I think I had fun. But I am not so sure you did. :)
Christina
Jul 31, 2007 at 2:15 am
But, I am lamenting the loss of Starwood, even from such a distance. The thought of it just makes me sad. :(
Nick Bradbury
Jul 31, 2007 at 7:30 am
I’m missing Starwood, too. My favorite memory was when I took my son to his first rock concert - Rush - at Starwood a few years ago.
Suzzann
Aug 1, 2007 at 12:05 am
Nick–I, too, saw Rush at Starwood (and Municipal more than once, and the Omni in Atlanta right smack dab in the middle of finals my senior year of college). I just saw something on the news tonight about what to do with the old thermal plant land downtown, since the Sounds ballpark deal is dead dead dead. The latest push is for…big surprise…more condos, office space, and retail. I would much prefer a large amphitheatre, with maybe some retail and restaurants mixed in, but time will tell. And public outcry!
Suzzann
Aug 1, 2007 at 12:07 am
Christina–Oh I had fun. And you had fun. Plenty big fun. All over the side of the truck monster. Hahahahaha.
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