Great history Michael. I did the Wanted: The Outlaws tour in 1976 with Willie, Waylon, Jesi Colter and Tompall Glaser (I played with Tompall). We didn't play in Austin but later in 1977 we played the Opry House but I don't remember the date but I remember the venue. Lower ceiling as I recall and a lot of drunk people. Mel Brown on guitar and Ben Keith on steel (Mel moved to Austin and played organ in the Antone's house band later). But I was also doing dates with Sonny & Cher and still recording in Houston (Sugar Hill - Huey Meaux) and later that year joined Joan Armatrading and played the Paramount and the end of 1977 moved to LA. Lots of foggy memories but thanks for your history...
What incredible stories! Those must have been such incredibly moments and music to be a part of.
I'm actually doing research on the Austin Opry House, and specifically around Eric Clapton's performances there.
I'd love opportunity to continue the conversation and pick your brain! Any chance you'd be open to it? Feel free to reach me via email luisserota@gmail.com if so!
Such an interesting write-up. Thanks. When did they tear out the seats? I have SO many fond memories there - The Church, The Pogues, Psychedelic Furs, Pixies, Morphine, Alejandro, GBV, on and on - but I don't remember seats. Maybe I only knew the "Austin Opera House"?
Makes sense. I was 15 in '88 - which was about a year before I started to attend shows with a high school teacher (who played drums for the first band of a now famous Austin musician) who told the door people I was his son. Only remember the Opera House. That Morphine show. Wow.
Great history Michael. I did the Wanted: The Outlaws tour in 1976 with Willie, Waylon, Jesi Colter and Tompall Glaser (I played with Tompall). We didn't play in Austin but later in 1977 we played the Opry House but I don't remember the date but I remember the venue. Lower ceiling as I recall and a lot of drunk people. Mel Brown on guitar and Ben Keith on steel (Mel moved to Austin and played organ in the Antone's house band later). But I was also doing dates with Sonny & Cher and still recording in Houston (Sugar Hill - Huey Meaux) and later that year joined Joan Armatrading and played the Paramount and the end of 1977 moved to LA. Lots of foggy memories but thanks for your history...
What incredible stories! Those must have been such incredibly moments and music to be a part of.
I'm actually doing research on the Austin Opry House, and specifically around Eric Clapton's performances there.
I'd love opportunity to continue the conversation and pick your brain! Any chance you'd be open to it? Feel free to reach me via email luisserota@gmail.com if so!
All the best and well wishes,
Luis S.
Saw Oingo Boingo there in 1986, epic show! Saw Echo and the Bunnymen there as well. Was a cool venue.
I am really enjoying your essays Michael. I moved here Fall of 1980. Always had a soft spot for the Opera House. I remember registering for ACC there!
Such an interesting write-up. Thanks. When did they tear out the seats? I have SO many fond memories there - The Church, The Pogues, Psychedelic Furs, Pixies, Morphine, Alejandro, GBV, on and on - but I don't remember seats. Maybe I only knew the "Austin Opera House"?
They seats were torn out after Willie sold it in '88 and it became the Terrace.
Makes sense. I was 15 in '88 - which was about a year before I started to attend shows with a high school teacher (who played drums for the first band of a now famous Austin musician) who told the door people I was his son. Only remember the Opera House. That Morphine show. Wow.
The original (for eight months) had tables and chairs plus a dance floor. The Eagles had people dancing on the tables.