if you are an uga student, you have to come here at least once in your 4 years here, even if you hate indie music (this is a small club in athens, ga...it's all indie music). you go, have a drink or two, then go to the grill after the concert ends at like 1 am or so. It's just something everyone does at least once.
Review Source:Recently went to see Yacht Rock here. I've been to 40 Watt a few times before and really like the intimacy of seeing bands here. However, the staff (bartenders) are extremely rude! I understand things get busy, however the bartenders act like they despise customers and they are an inconvenience! We walked in and immediately got in line at the bar. When I ordered 2 beers and two vodka sodas, the bartender screamed at me that he only gives one drink per stamp (on your hand). I apologized and asked just for one vodka soda. He looked at me, turned away and screamed no only to go help another person at the end of the bar! After I got over my shock of "what just happened here?" I waited for another bartender to come by. A nicer girl came by and I asked for all 4 drinks. No questions asked, she took my money and made all 4 for me with a smile. Maybe this guy was having a bad night, who knows but I was completely shocked at his position. After getting our first drinks of the evening, we migrated over to the other side of the room next to a much smaller bar. There were two women working this bar and again the same scene! Rude and inconvenienced that customers were there trying to pay them money.
Much prefer GA Theater.
The 40 Watt is a classic that just keeps getting better. Â The best thing about this music venue is the variety of acts they book. Â In the past few months I have seen Henry Rollins, The Heartless Bastards, and the Mountain Goats. Â There is a full bar and the drinks are both reasonably priced and good. Â The staff are friendly even to an old fossil like me. Â Even packed the venue is comfortable and once the music starts you really become part of the show. Â The sound system is great.
Review Source:Excellent large capacity (around 900) club. This is a much better option than the venues in Atlanta that are similar sized (Variety, Masquerade, Roxy, etc.). They're still booking quality bands, too. Layout is a bit similar to Toad's in New Haven, CT (spacious single level open floor). The only issue I've had is they often don't even open until 10 pm, and headliners have taken the stage at midnight or later. That's crazy on a school night, but I guess it's rock 'n' roll.
Review Source:Hands down, the best venue in Athens. Every time one of my favorite bands come through, they seem to be at this venue. Everyone is so nice, the sound is amazing, and pbr cheap. Has a little bit of an intimate feel to it and you really get into the shows.There is a certain charm here that you easily fall in love with. I met one of my best friends at an Old Crow Medicine Show gig here and countless other cool people have been added to my Blackberry phone book. Definitely go if you get the chance. You won't be disappointed.
Review Source:Checked out a show here last night, really liked the venue. They have cheap beers with tall boy pbrs at 4 bucks a can along with some good microbrews around 5 bucks.
Air quality was good since there was no smoking and the place was comfortable as it didn't get sweltering hot in there like some concert venues.
The 40 Watt Club is legendary. As one reviewer put it, it's like CBGBs of the south, which in theory is a fair and appealing description. I say "in theory" because it doesn't really translate over to the real thing, the actual venue. I've seen far too many people go to the 40 Watt for the first time expecting some sort of religious experience because of all the myth surrounding it only to be incredibly disappointed by the bland interior and the lack of interest exhibited by most crowds. (I've been to several shows there, and most of them were well under 25% capacity.) It's like people expect to feel some magic in the air. It's just a building. It's not even the original 40 Watt site. It's just a building. If you do feel any magic, it's likely from the quality of the music on stage, and has nothing to do with where you are. If you can keep that in mind and enjoy it for what it is, not for the fairytale behind it, you might have a pretty good time.
Review Source:I went to high school about 15 miles from the fabulous 40 Watt Club. When you live in northeast Georgia as I did during my formative years that is just a hop-skip-&-jump away. Now it has to be a must see to drive that 70 absolutely boring miles from ATL to visit. Upon arrival it does not disappoint. After 30+ years the Athens staple has seen it all. I wish the walls could talk.
It is basically the CBGB's of the South for lack of better term and using the parlance of our times. I have seen everyone from Melvins, Motorhead, Melt Banana, Low, Heiroglyphics, and even puppet shows here. The staff is very friendly and fortunately does not let the Little 5 Points attitude only an hour and a half away invade their own realm.
Go see some live music in a truly live venue!
So, I have only been here 3 times, for 3 very different shows (Old Crow Medicine Show, The Melvins, and Athfest 2010 for the Holy Liars), but I am definitely anticipating my next show there! Â
The $3 24oz PBRs and $4 24oz Coors Lights are a deal! Â And since there is no ventilation/circulation in the place, it helps to stay hydrated =)
For all shows I was able to stand fairly close to the stage so I could see (I am short) but had I been farther back in the crowd, I would not have been able to see anything. Â I understand that this is to be expected though, considering this is a bar venue.
However, I have been to some bar venues in St Louis where the places are tiered, so that even if you are in the back of the bar, it is higher than the stage. Â But, I won't hold this against the 40 watt. Â
The bartenders and nice, and the bathrooms are actually pretty clean (which is important for a girl). Â There are couches and chairs to sit on if you get tired and an ATM on site since some vendors don't accept cards for merchandise.
The sound is awesome in the place and the lighting is good.
Recently saw a show here for the first time in about 17 years, and thankfully, nothing has changed.
The 40 Watt Club is proof that God exists, and of all the high falutin' places throughout the bible belt, he has chosen an unassuming little spot in the middle of Bulldog country.
How else do you explain the vibe between the band, the crowd, and the venue, that rarely happens in most places, and yet, it seems to happen here regularly. Its GOT to be divine magic...
It doesn't matter who is on stage, who's watching in the audience, or who's working the door or the bar. Always a good time, always friendly, and for a moment, we are reminded that Budweiser ads CAN come to life! That life is good, and things that we're nostalgic for can be found again. Am very grateful that this place still exists. Amen...
I've been to several venues in the states and abroad and few venues come close the 40 Watt. Â The staff is courteous, friendly, and enthusiastic, the bartenders are fantastic, the sound is outrageously fantastic, and the caliber of shows here are nothing short of phenomenal. Â
Sure, I can refresh your memory or educate you on this venue's history, or tell you of all the talent this venue has showcased throughout the years, but you will never truly understand the magic of the 40 Watt unless you've been there and witnessed it in all of its glory.
Great venue -- space can get very packed which makes it very very hot, decently priced drinks, and fast bartenders. I can totally see how it might be a fantastic place for live music... So, now you might ask: how did I come by this place if not for the music? Randomly popped in to see a drag show a couple weeks ago with a friend, which was, needless to say, a very *interesting* experience since it was my first. If I had to rate the drag show, I wouldn't give 4 stars, but I'm reviewing just the venue, right?
Review Source:Athens is one of my favorite places in this great state of Georgia. Add in live music performances from your favorite bands + the beautiful faces of UGA - even better!
40 Watt Club is a quirky place and is totally a great venue for concerts. Intimate, cozy, totally kickass. Can't wait to go back again.
40 Watt! Â You haven't changed! Â Or rather, you have changed, but not since 2001, so you felt warm and welcoming and comfortable for me.
I'm glad I came to visit. Â I'm even more glad I could snag a seat in the back (even though I couldn't really see). Â I'm glad I showed my husband a slice of classic Athens. Â I'm glad that you had cheap nonalcoholic beer for me to drink (even if it was O'Douls). Â I'm even glad that your toilet seats don't have pee all over them, but that's more of a generalized sign of southern politeness rather than anything specific to you as a venue.
Thanks for sticking around, 40 Watt. Â There's a reason why you're a classic.
I bet if I had gone to UGA, I would have spent more than my fair share of saturday nights here. I went to see a Daft Punk Cover band, threw back a handful of tall boy PBRs, for about 3 bucks each. Could that be any better? I think not.
Great sound, fast staff, and an all around cool place.
I've come here many times, first for M.I.A. (before she got famous, when it was only $15!) and then for Krush Girls...
I love the space.. It's intimate and fun, and easy to find your way around. It never got too crowded and I never had a problem with the staff or getting in.
If I ever go to Athens for a concert, I always hope it's here! :)
I've been to the old site many times back in the day but I finally ventured out to the newer location the other night to see Built To Spill. Â Two hours to get there and the struggling two hours to get back home ( that was rough for a 41 year old ). Â All in all, great venue. Â Enough space to move around. good sound, smoke free and the staff had an easy going attitude. Â Thumbs up. Â
I haven't been back to Athens since 1990 and boy has it changed. Â I wish I was back in college - ha!
I have seen a lot of different types of shows here from Alela Diane to Cinemachanica to Okkervil River to the Black Lips to Vetiver. A lot of good times to be had here. A must in Athens life.
There is a very, very special place in my heart for the 40watt. First Athens show I went to was here. Saw Of Montreal and MGMT on my birthday, Halloween of 07. All I can say, magic happens at the 40watt.
A place that I'll frequent no matter what guy I'm with or not with, no matter if friends are too busy for a show, and no matter if I've only got $20 to my name for a $10 show.
Long live the 40 watt!
The 40 Watt is a great venue to catch a live show! They host a ton of smaller bands but also pull in the occasional headliner. A short list of bands/acts i've seen here (in random order):
Patton Oswalt
The Donnas
The Cramps
Keane
The Sounds
The Genitorturers
Queens of the Stone Age
Better Than Ezra
They have two bars for big shows and the men's room urinals are stickered to death by bands who may or may not have graced the stage.
Optimus loves this place. Â Optimus hates this place.
I've played this place. Â I've seen "everyone" play this place. Â I've slept backstage, I've seen all kinds of crazy nonsense backstage. Â I've seen Mr. T backstage getting it on with Cyndi Lauper backstage. Â At least, that's who they said they were. Â PBR Prom, my giant robotic ass.
Oh, so much vomit here over the years. Â Ever seen a 30-foot tall drunk hunk of metal hurl? Â You have if you've been to the 40 Watt with me.
So many memories. Â Too bad I can't remember them.
Optimus Sighs.
So much of the spirit of Athens is embodied by The 40 Watt Club. During my short time in Athens I've seen everyone from R.E.M. reunited to The Killers on the small, intimate stage. The decor in itself is a reason to purchase a ticket, but the show is also sure to be worth seeing since The 40 Watt is token club to play of Athens' numerous music venues. It's a great place to people watch and "celebrity" site. (At one concert I turned and realized I was standing right next to Michael Stipe and Chris Martin.)
So much of the history of the Athens music scene is tied to The 40 Watt. Â The club carries on the great tradition with excellence.
This place totally took my virginity!
Ok, that's not true. Â I gave it away willingly because I couldn't resists 40 Watt's charming atmosphere, string lights and great sound.
And you know what, five years later I'm still ok with 40 Watt being my first. Â Of course then I went through that whole slut phase and started checking out other venues (Caledonia, Georgia Theatre, etc.) but found that 40 Watt is the best in all of Athens.
Memorable events:
The dancing extravaganza that is Krush Girls. Â Hipsters and gays shaking it to Billy Idol? Â Yes please. Â Also I definitely told my life story to Michael Stipe during one of my more drunken nights. Â I like to think it's going to inspire a hit single someday. Â We'll see.
Seeing M.I.A. before she was an "indie darling" on her first US tour with only a couple hundred people in the room. Â Love that bitch.
Of Montreal halloween shows. Â I mean, really? Â Really! Â Hotness.
40 Watt, I miss you. Â If I come back will you teach me new tricks?
Oh 40 Watt why are you in Athens? Â I've only been to 4 shows here, but it would have been much more were it easier to find someone to drive down there with me. Â Most of the bands I listen to play shows there when they come through the Southeast. Â They have the best sound out of any of the small venues I've gone to. Â And they've never screwed me over on the guest list (it's happened before with other venues). Â I think the only downside is that this is the only place where I have gotten dangerously close to being a fight. Â Other than that one time I've had nothing but awesome experiences. Â Just beware of drunken, belligerent hipsters.
Review Source:I love it. The sparkly lights hanging from the high ceiling, the memories of all the hundreds of hours of shows I've seen there, the tiki bar on the left and the long, PBR-stocked bar on the right, the bathroom graffiti that gets painted over every several months only to be written again, the floor slick with beer after a wild and crazy dance party, the floor clean and shiny and cool when chairs are set out for a quieter, more intimate show...
Ah, 40 Watt. Â
Best nights? Check out <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flagpole.com&s=af7e49ce197446ac141bfe501160c40cd6694f2cc1cc69f90a02950553b14807" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.flagpole.com</a> Â or <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2F40watt.com&s=b2a9792c852d41c26260b71b040081ec328cddabfda77d94ce9da26510e8c0d0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://40watt.com</a> to see who's playing.
No visit to Athens is complete without a stop by.
Great place to see a concert. Â The venue is relatively small compared to other music venues in Downtown Atlanta, but the size provides an intimate concert experience for the crowd in attendance.
While it may not be the fanciest or most aesthetically pleasing music venue in Georgia, the 40 Watt has enough character to help any guest see past the badly furnished interior. Â Not to mention they are located in Downtown Athens, which has more than an enough nightlife hot-spots for all to enjoy.
Even though it would might look like they are trying to float their own boat, I think the owners should change the name of this place to ' The Historic 40 Watt Club.' Â In case you are not familiar with why this place is historic, let me enlighten you. Â
The 40 Watt Club's original location on College Avenue in Athens hosted the second ever public appearance of the Georgia favorite, Athens originated band known as R.E.M. The first location was actually shut down because of the massive crowd that gathered for the concert, among other reasons. Â
Now the club caters to widely popular bands every weekend, giving visitors more of an intimate concert experience with their favorite artist performing on any particular night.
The 40 Watt is probably the most show-friendly and best utilized venue in the alcohol soaked, fratboy villa of Athens. Athens has long had a reputation as being at the forefront of music (whatever that means). I think it got that reputation pretty much solely due to REM. Besides the Elephant Six bands (which are extremely hit or miss), there hasn't been much of anything that great coming out of Athens. They appreciate the hype, I'm sure, but let's stop blabbering and patting everybody on the back so much. Athens is a college town.
If there's a show worth driving the hour from Atlanta for, the 40 Watt is probably the venue hosting the event. They do all the midsized indie acts here, and I've seen a lot of killer shows under their roof. The sound system is pretty decent and the stage is set at just the right height so that you feel close to the band, but not standing right next to them.
Plus, with all the local bars and stores around, you don't have to stand and watch the 2 cruddy openers when you just want to see the last act. I've spent many nights off in la-la land before showing up at 40 Watt just before the headliner launches.
Also plus, the hand-clappy backpack wearin' indie kids who have to go way overboard with their excitement to try to overrule the keg totin' Bulldog boys prowling their city don't usually show up here because it's not that indie. Thank ye god.
Headliner. Giggin' out. Set list. Tune up.
Music.
Ohhhhh 40 Watt I love you.
I have seen so many good bands here. This place is notorious in Athens for launching the careers of hundreds of well known bands, but best for those bands you might not have heard of yet. Take note, because they'll be all you'll hear in a few years. Bands come here to play $10.00 shows before they go on to bigger, but never never better, venues.
I could write a hundred thousand words about the 40 Watt -- about how it was the launchpad to some of the most important bands & artists of the past few generations [R.E.M., the B-52s, Neutral Milk Hotel], & a handful of criminally underrated bands who the history books will (hopefully) show the restpect they deserve [Vic Chesnutt, the Olivia Tremor Control], .
Otherwise, it's without a doubt among of my favorite places to ever see a show. I saw Belle & Sebastian there in 1998, on their first world tour (in support of "The Boy With The Arab Strap"), & The Flaming Lips there in 1999 on "The Soft Bulletin" tour, which may have been the most mindblowing concert experience I've ever had because you had no idea what to expect. It was the first lips tour to make the show a real experience -- multimedia (film playing on a screen behind the band), fake blood, confetti, bullhorns....the first time Wayne Coyne had really gotten into this stuff.
Plus, it's in Athens, which for my money is THE QUINTESSENTIAL college town in America, Austin aside (but Austin is AUSTIN, & it really doesn't count because there's a lot more than just a college there).
The 40 Watt is Unparalleled.
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