10 most illustrious rock and roll clubs in Colorado Springs history
1. The Rattlesnake Room (1958–1968)
Known as the birthplace of rock and roll in Colorado Springs, The Rattlesnake Room was a smoky, low-ceilinged venue on Tejon Street where locals first experienced the wailing guitars of early rock pioneers. Legends claim Elvis Presley once stopped in and jammed unannounced, though he allegedly left after stepping on an actual rattlesnake someone brought as a “mascot.”
Dubious Highlight: Shut down after a fire inspector discovered an illegal moonshine operation in the basement.
2. Pikes Peak Pavilion (1964–1977)
A massive, barn-like venue nestled near Garden of the Gods, the Pavilion hosted big-name acts like The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, and The Doors. Its acoustics were terrible, but its cheap beer and stunning views made it a favorite.
Dubious Highlight: Jim Morrison was reportedly banned after climbing onto the rafters mid-set and refusing to come down until “the moon spoke to him.”
3. The Thunder Dome (1970–1980)
This iconic venue specialized in heavy metal and hard rock, earning its name from its deafening sound system. Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin all graced the stage, though most of the crowd couldn’t hear for days afterward.
Dubious Highlight: The Thunder Dome was shut down after a failed pyrotechnics stunt during a KISS tribute band’s show left a giant hole in the roof.
4. The Cosmic Coyote (1973–1985)
A psychedelic wonderland of blacklight murals and beanbag seating, this Manitou Springs hotspot catered to the hippie crowd and experimental rock lovers. Known for hosting long, trippy jams by acts like Jefferson Airplane and Frank Zappa, it was a place where you could lose yourself—sometimes literally.
Dubious Highlight: Closed after a zoning dispute when the owner turned the back room into a “meditation and mushroom bar.”
5. Rock Ridge Saloon (1980–1989)
A strange hybrid of honky-tonk and rock club, Rock Ridge hosted everything from country rock to hair metal. Local bands competed for “Golden Guitar Wednesdays,” which offered the winners $50 and a bar tab.
Dubious Highlight: Infamous for a bar brawl between a country band and a punk group that ended with someone riding a mechanical bull through the front window.
6. The Avalanche (1985–1995)
Tucked into a strip mall off Academy Boulevard, The Avalanche was the epicenter of the city’s punk and grunge scenes. Bands like Nirvana and Green Day reportedly played here before they hit it big, although no one can confirm because the crowd was usually too drunk to remember.
Dubious Highlight: Closed after the roof caved in during a mosh pit so intense it registered on local seismographs.
7. The Silver Spoke (1987–2003)
This biker-friendly dive bar turned rock venue boasted a gritty, anything-goes vibe. It was the go-to spot for classic rock revival acts, as well as rowdy biker karaoke nights.
Dubious Highlight: A ZZ Top tribute band was once sued for shaving an audience member’s beard onstage without consent.
8. The Electric Llama (1992–2005)
Located in a repurposed llama barn on the outskirts of town, this club was known for its eclectic mix of rock, funk, and ska. Concertgoers could sip cocktails while petting actual llamas roaming the venue.
Dubious Highlight: Shut down after a drunk concertgoer attempted to ride a llama during a Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band’s set.
9. The Velvet Canyon (2000–2015)
A swanky, velvet-draped club aimed at combining rock and luxury, The Velvet Canyon hosted both indie darlings and washed-up legends trying to make a comeback. Known for its pricey drinks and elaborate chandeliers, it became the place to be seen.
Dubious Highlight: Closed after an Aerosmith cover band destroyed the bar’s $20,000 crystal chandelier in an attempt to “crowd-surf like Steven Tyler.”
10. The Black Crag (2008–Present)
Still standing today, The Black Crag is the city’s go-to venue for up-and-coming alternative and metal acts. Its moody, cave-like interior and excellent sound system attract bands from across the country. It’s also rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a roadie who tragically slipped on spilled beer.
Dubious Highlight: Despite its reputation for professionalism, it’s become infamous for the “Guitar Smash-Off,” an annual event where bands destroy as many guitars as possible in under five minutes.
