Over the past couple of decades, the concert landscape has been overshadowed by unremarkable performances at grand sized venues designed especially for sporting events. Detroit is fortunate to have the rich entertainment history and architecture that prompted Live Nation to expand their Fillmore concept to the famed State Theater. The former State Theater on the corner of Woodward and Elizabeth Street has been home to a variety of entertainment. So we decided to take a look beyond the ticket booth to check out the updated venue now called the Fillmore Detroit.

The State Theater built in 1925 during the silent movie era, was fitted with a pipe organ, pull down screen, and theater seats on the main floor (removed in 1986). The State later hosted vaudeville acts, and talking pictures, before becoming the concert venue we know it today. The State’s architectural detail with embedded animal or human faces, marble columns and stairs, stained glass doorways, and the knights that guard either side of the stage create a truly cool “vibe” not easily found anywhere else.  

The original Fillmore in San Francisco was the child of famous music promoter Bill Graham. Signature characteristics of the Fillmore are hard wood dance floors, illuminated by chandeliers drowned in blue light; accented with rock 'n roll poster art, and a stage close to the audience.

Live Nation now owns that original Fillmore and wanted to have a series of theaters across the country with brand recognition similar to their House of Blues venues. Live Nation took a look at their list of music theaters, to determine which ones would bring their guests a consistent rock ‘n roll atmosphere, intimate enough to carry on the Fillmore experience.  

The State Theater was a perfect pick, having no seats on the main floor and the right mix of history with ambiance avoiding the need for any ground up construction. Live Nation commenced with their conversion of the State Theater by adding a series of three beautiful chandeliers over either side of the hard wood floor, red velvet behind columns, the rock poster art wall accentuated with red paint, and red velvet curtains throughout. The lobby welcomes guests with six framed photos of artists, playing at different Michigan venues. The roster of stage photos includes Alice Cooper at Pine Knob Music Theater, Patti Smith at the Michigan Theater, and Ted Nugent at Cobo Hall.  

Apples are another Fillmore tradition that is prominently featured in the new logo. Upon arrival concert goers would be greeted by a basket filled with the healthy food source, ordained with a “Take One” sign. They could also be considered a potential projectile that kept bands on notice to give a superior performance. This tradition is still used selectively at The Fillmore venues and has never caused a serious disturbance to guests or artists.

As the old saying goes, “there is not a bad seat in the house”, and The Fillmore Detroit does meet that expectation. Just go up to the balcony for a bird’s eye view of the stage, sound board or the off stage action in the wings that can not be appreciated from the main floor. The best seats in the house are in the mezzanine or first six rows of the balcony.

The main room is stunning, as most artists are in awe of the view from the stage. They are often observed photographing the "Great Dome" before departing the venue. The acoustics are another uniqueness of a grand theater like the Fillmore Detroit that receives rave reviews from visiting sound men. Lighting veterans enhance every performance for acts playing the Fillmore Detroit, creating an environment for memorable shows.

The history of the artists that have performed at the Fillmore makes it one of Detroit's foremost concert venues. Johnny Cash to Lenny Kravitz; White Stripes, Smashing Pumpkins to Kings of Leon, and everybody under the sun. David Bowie has appeared at the venue 5 times (acoustic and as part of Tin Machine), and there have been several visits by Iggy Pop who nearly knocked himself out jumping off a barricade during one performance. Newer artists have also made inspiring performances like the Black Keys, and one of only two shows in the U.S. by Our Lady Peace whose lead singer went up into the balcony to sing from the edge of the rail, surrounded by fans. The gesture was no small feat since he had to leave the theater by a backstage exit, run down Elizabeth Street and back into the venue through the kitchen.

The Beastie Boys selected the Fillmore Detroit to showcase their cabaret style extravaganza during the first of back to back nights at the theater. The Beastie's encouraged fans to step out in top hats and tails, while the ladies wore ballroom gowns to create a gala event at the Fillmore Detroit.

Although you never know who is going to make it anymore, The Fillmore Detroit has typically showcased that next layer of talent that has the best opportunity to succeed. The down turned economy has filtered the talent even further, now that the audience must "pick and chose" which concerts to attend. The Fillmore Detroit provides concert goers with a cost of admission that is easier to swallow (Willie Nelson tickets are on sale for as low as $35), unlike the larger venues that set most people back for six months. Alice and Chains and Stone Temple Pilots easily sold out The Fillmore Detroit because they are an excellent fit for this venue.

WCSX held its Birthday Bash last year that featured two shows with the J Geils Band, “honestly we could have done five” and still sold out. People came out of the wood work and hit up the staff for tickets, reminiscent of the old Cobo Hall days. This year WCSX will host the event in June at the Fillmore with guitar legend, Jeff Beck.

Back Stage there are four floors of dressing rooms with dumbwaiters used to transport wardrobe. The “Green Room” located directly underneath the stage bustles with activity making certain incoming artists are adequately welcomed. The orchestra pit still exists and is usable when needed. The stage production crew masters a manual fly rail system with counterbalance weights for stage backdrops, lights and curtains.

The stage crew have the greatest interaction with bands at the Fillmore Detroit and three of the best liked artists to have performed at the venue are David Bowie, Robert Plant and Bonnie Raitt. Although Bowie has been one of the hugely approachable artists to perform at the Fillmore, others have not been accessible. Prince’s management gave strict orders for employees not to look directly at the artist who performed there twice (about 10 years ago). There is enormous respect by the staff, who believe that when bands are at the Fillmore Detroit the stage is their place, and meet all reasonable requests no matter how bizarre.

Metallica once brought on tour weight room equipment that filled the first floor dressing room, pinball and classic video arcade machines on another level and a complete practice drum kit set up on the next level. The band walked in one half hour before doors opened and did not use any of the equipment during their visit at the Fillmore Detroit. The bigger than life sound & personality of Metallica put on an exhibit that “rocked the house”, and was well worth the effort by the Fillmore staff.

The mirrored ball located high above the dance floor space has been the center of many artists attraction. The desirable sparkling sphere enhances any well played ballad. The choice to utilize the ball is easier said than done since stage hands must manually control the spinning ball. Counting Crows front man Adam Durtz withdrew his request for the ball after he became ill from the reflecting light.

Today a valuable revenue stream and concentration of the Fillmore Detroit is special events, like the Detroit Music Awards that they have hosted for many years. They have held corporate events for Quicken; launched products for Pontiac, Stoli and Henieken. The Fillmore Detroit can also put on festive events like wedding receptions, designed specifically for the bride and groom.

Technology may have changed the way we get music, but what will never go away is live music. The Fillmore Detroit continues to present 60 to 70 shows a year and could grow as the artists become more dependent on touring to make money. Live entertainment is the primary focus of the Live Nation "experience" at every level from obtaining tickets, merchandising, parking, the bar and staff built for you to enjoy the show.

The Motor City remains a required stop for touring agencies, and Detroiters can expect to see venues like the Fillmore Detroit filled with talent, as the shift to live performances becomes the staple of industries diet.

Most people going to an event at the Fillmore Detroit focus on getting to the bar, finding friends and seeing the bands. Missed in this experience is the retained beauty of architecture and quality of sound at the Fillmore, that creates a magnificent setting for live music performances. The Fillmore is a rocked house and still battles the misconception of being a dirty, used up venue from its State Theater days. The next time you come see a show at The Fillmore Detroit, take a good look around and appreciate the setting of this famed theater.

Liner Notes: Special thanks to Jennifer Berkemier, Ben Doughty and Patrick Rushing for providing the tremendous insight into The Fillmore Story. Photo Credits BeardedHag/g.anastasios gallery

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