7 Bucket List Outdoor Concert Venues for Fans of Live Music

When it comes to experiencing live music in the United States, there's nothing quite like an outdoor concert. From the expansive lawns of amphitheaters to the dusty fields of music festivals, outdoor venues provide a unique and unforgettable setting for some of the greatest musical performances of all time. Here, we'll explore some of the most iconic outdoor venues in the US and the historic performances that have taken place there.

1.  Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, Colorado

Located just outside Denver, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is widely regarded as one of the most stunning concert venues in the world. Carved into the side of a natural rock formation, the venue boasts unparalleled acoustics and breathtaking views of the surrounding Colorado foothills. Some of the most legendary performances in music history have taken place on this hallowed ground, including The Beatles in 1964, U2 in 1983, and Radiohead in 2003. Other notable performances at Red Rocks include Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, and Stevie Nicks.

One of the most iconic performances at Red Rocks took place in 1978, when Neil Young and Crazy Horse played a series of shows at the venue. The concerts were recorded and later released as the live album "Rust Never Sleeps," which is widely considered to be one of the greatest live albums of all time. The album features some of Young's most beloved songs, including "Powderfinger" and "Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)."

2.  The Gorge Amphitheatre - George, Washington

Nestled in the scenic hills of central Washington, The Gorge Amphitheatre is another beloved outdoor venue that has played host to some of the biggest names in music. The venue's sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge make for a stunning backdrop to any concert, but it's the acoustics that really set The Gorge apart. The natural amphitheater design and the lack of nearby development make for near-perfect sound quality, whether you're in the front row or the back.

One of the most historic performances at The Gorge took place in 2005, when Dave Matthews Band played a three-night stand at the venue. The concerts were later released as the live album and DVD "The Gorge," which is widely regarded as one of the best live recordings of the band's career. The album features crowd favorites like "Crash Into Me," "Ants Marching," and "Warehouse," as well as deep cuts like "The Stone" and "Pig."

3.  The Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, California

The Hollywood Bowl is one of the most iconic concert venues in the world, known for its distinctive bandshell and stunning hillside location. The venue has played host to everyone from The Beatles to Frank Sinatra to The Rolling Stones, making it a must-visit destination for any music fan. The Bowl's capacity of over 17,000 makes it one of the largest outdoor venues in the US, but the intimate atmosphere and stunning acoustics make it feel much more intimate.

One of the most famous performances at The Hollywood Bowl took place in 1964, when The Beatles played two sold-out shows at the venue. The concerts were part of the band's first US tour, and the screams from the ecstatic fans were so loud that they drowned out the music for much of the night. Despite the technical difficulties, the shows were a huge success and helped cement The Beatles' place as one of the biggest bands in the world.

4. Madison Square Garden - New York, New York

While it's not strictly an outdoor venue, Madison Square Garden is a legendary concert destination that deserves a place on any list of iconic music venues. Located in the heart of New York City, the venue has played host to countless historic performances, from Elvis Presley's 1972 "Aloha from Hawaii" concert to the "Concert for New York City" after the 9/11 attacks. The Garden's iconic round shape and massive capacity of over 20,000 make it one of the most impressive concert venues in the world.

One of the most legendary performances at Madison Square Garden took place in 1971, when Led Zeppelin played a series of shows at the venue. The concerts were part of the band's fourth US tour and marked their first headlining shows at the Garden. The shows were so successful that the band returned for a five-night stand the following year. The performances were later released as the live album "The Song Remains the Same," which has become a classic rock staple and includes some of Zeppelin's most beloved tracks, like "Stairway to Heaven," "Black Dog," and "Rock and Roll."

5.  The Bonnaroo Farm - Manchester, Tennessee

While not a traditional concert venue, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival has become one of the most beloved and iconic outdoor music festivals in the US. Held annually in Manchester, Tennessee at the Bonnaroo Farm, the festival attracts some of the biggest names in music across a wide range of genres. From rock to hip-hop to electronic, Bonnaroo offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for music fans from all walks of life.

One of the most memorable performances in Bonnaroo history took place in 2013, when Paul McCartney took the stage for a three-hour set that included classic Beatles tracks like "Hey Jude" and "Let It Be" as well as solo hits like "Live and Let Die" and "Band on the Run." The performance was a masterclass in showmanship and proved that even at 70 years old, McCartney still had what it takes to rock a festival crowd.

6.  The Greek Theatre - Berkeley, California

Located in the picturesque hills of Berkeley, California, The Greek Theatre is a beloved outdoor venue known for its stunning views and intimate atmosphere. The venue has played host to some of the biggest names in music over the years, including Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, and Radiohead. The Greek's capacity of just under 9,000 makes for a more intimate concert experience than some of the larger outdoor venues on this list.

One of the most iconic performances at The Greek took place in 1985, when Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers played a series of shows at the venue. The concerts were part of the band's "Pack Up the Plantation" tour and were recorded for the live album of the same name. The album features some of Petty's most beloved tracks, including "Refugee," "Don't Do Me Like That," and "Breakdown," and has become a classic rock staple.

7.  Wrigley Field - Chicago, Illinois

While it's primarily known as the home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field has also become a popular concert destination in recent years. The venue's unique location in the heart of a residential neighborhood gives concerts at Wrigley a unique charm and sense of community. The stadium's capacity of just under 42,000 makes for a massive concert experience that's unlike any other.

One of the most historic performances at Wrigley Field took place in 2013, when Pearl Jam played two sold-out shows at the venue. The concerts were part of the band's "Lightning Bolt" tour and marked their first headlining shows at Wrigley. The performances were so successful that the band returned for two more shows the following year. The concerts were later released as the live album "Pearl Jam Live at Wrigley Field," which features classic tracks like "Alive," "Jeremy," and "Better Man."

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From legendary venues like Madison Square Garden and The Hollywood Bowl to beloved outdoor destinations like The Gorge and Red Rocks, the US is home to some of the most iconic concert venues in the world. These venues have played host to some of the biggest names in music over the years and have been the site of countless historic performances.

Whether you're a die-hard music fan or just looking for a memorable night out, these iconic outdoor venues are sure to provide an unforgettable concert experience. From the stunning natural beauty of Red Rocks to the intimate atmosphere of The Greek, each venue on this list offers something unique and special. So next time your favorite band comes to town, consider checking out one of these iconic outdoor venues and experience the magic of live music in a truly unforgettable setting.