Louisville’s music scene is getting a shakeup. Following news that Danny Wimmer Presents will partner with Iroquois Amphitheater, Headliners Music Hall is also looking for a new steward.
According to a post on Instagram, Headliners is “exploring options for future operators.” While we wait to hear about the future of the beloved music venue, let’s look back at its nearly 30-year history.
The origin of Headliners’ building
The building began as a cafeteria for a distillery, but music has always rang in these halls. According to Louisville Tourism, bands that came to the Seelbach and Brown hotels practiced in the building during the Prohibition era. The public watched these practices while drinking the “medicinal” bourbon bottled nearby.
Who are the current owners?
In 1998, Mike Pollard Sr. and Fred Wooten Sr. sunk $250,000 into transforming it into a music venue. After Pollard’s death in the 2000s, it was sold to Billy Hardison, Joe Argabrite, and John Grantz. Grantz left the business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moon Taxi performed at Headliners Music Hall in 2009.
Photo by Turner Burns
Remembering iconic acts at Headliners
We asked our readers to tell us their top memories at Headliners. Here were some of our favorite responses:
- “The White Stripes before they broke big. It was so crowded you could pick your feet up and not fall down!” — Reader Rob S.
- “I had my first kiss at the Moon Taxi concert right before they got kinda big.” — Reader Joann K.
- “Seeing Modern English there after a rain out at Waterfront Park.” — Reader Darren R.
We also asked our followers over on Instagram to weigh in on their favorite concerts at Headliners, and they did not disappoint:
- “Too many to choose from, but the first time @moetheband played maybe 20 years ago? That place was so packed the mirrors were completely fogged and of course moe. killed per usual. Also @blackpumas @missmargoprice @waxfang and local legends Fire the Saddle final show stand out. And the epic night that was the Last Waltz tribute circa 2005?” — @lauras.louisville
- “Phosphorescent with Jim James for the encore and Courtney Barnett opener. Jeff Tweedy solo. Josh Ritter with Gregory Alan Isakov opening. Real Estate. The Chris Robinson Brotherhood!!! So many incredible nights.” — @lbsunflwr
- “The first show I ever saw there was my all-time favorite band, @sonicyouth_official in 2003 and I’ve loved Headliners ever since.” — @hey_drewcifer
And then a very special shout out to Reader Karl H. who went to Headliners for the first time in an altered state and “thought the plane outside had just crashed.” Happens to the best of us, Karl. But if you’re curious, the plane went down several decades ago.
