Detroit may now be most widely known as the Motor City, but once upon a time it was best known as the home of Motown. We may not be the music mecca that we once were, but we are still a haven for amazing concert acts, with so many different music venues scattered throughout the downtown area as well as in the surrounding cities.
When you think of Detroit concerts, Immediately the most popular venues come to mind, like DTE Energy Music Theatre (formerly known as Pine Knob), The Fox, Joe Louis Arena, and of course The Palace of Auburn Hills. But don't forget the smaller venues that are just as large in terms of acoustics and scope, such as the Fillmore Theatre (formerly known as the State Theatre), the Fisher Theatre, and Meadow Brook Music Theatre. And that's just the beginning! Let's talk about a few of these music venues that you may visit for concerts in Detroit.
DTE Energy Music Theatre seats just over 15,000 people, and it was formerly known as Pine Knob Music Theatre, named after the Pine Knob ski slopes that are nearby. The venue itself has been going strong since 1972, and every summer it becomes an absolute mecca of music, with huge crowds of people filling the seats as well as the lawn area. It was once known for its beautiful entrance cut through the lawn, with the names of all the bands that had played there professionally painted on it as an incredible mural. Unfortunately that area that many referred to as the tunnel was filled in a couple of decades ago, but the grounds are still gorgeous and the entrance to the venue is perhaps just as striking as the acts who play there night after night! Many major touring acts have named this as one of their favorite venues of all time, including Jimmy Buffett and Rush. Whether you call it Pine Knob (as most of us still do!) or DTE Energy Music Theatre, one thing is clear: This venue is beloved by all Detroit residents and it's an incredible place to see any live act!
The Fox Theatre has been going strong since 1928, and it has been compared to such historic theatres as Radio City Music Hall and Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium among others. It was carefully restored to its former glory in the late 1980s, and today you can go and see some of the hottest music acts while enjoying that beautiful original and restored architecture. There have been so many noteworthy performances here over the years, including three by Elvis Presley in the mid 1950s, and plenty of Motown acts in the 1960s and 1970s. After the restoration in the late 1980s, there was a very noteworthy performance by Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Liza Minelli. That performance was shown on Showtime, and received rave reviews. Today this is the spot to see all the hottest music acts of the day, as well as kids shows like Sesame Street Live and Dora The Explorer Live, and musical events like Riverdance. You haven't heard music in Detroit until you have heard it at The Fox!
Joe Louis Arena, affectionately known to locals as simply "The Joe," was our state's largest venue for live concert until The Palace of Auburn Hills was built in the late 1980s. Most of our bigger concerts are now held at The Palace, with The Joe being the home of the Detroit Red Wings most nights now. But you can still see some great musical acts here from time to time. There are nearly 90 premium suites available for patrons, plus a private seating location for members of the Comerica Bank Legend's Club. At sports events, Champion's Club members get special perks and features including instant replays in the skyboxes! Joe Louis Arena is always a great place to see a concert whenever you get the chance to do so!
The Palace of Auburn Hills is found a little bit outside of the downtown Detroit area, further north in the city of Auburn Hills. When this sports and entertainment venue opened in the late 1980s, it took most of our concert business from Joe Louis Arena, and to this day it is our biggest concert venue. It was once eclipsed in size by the record setting Pontiac Silverdome, which of course is now closed. Just about every major touring artists has performed in this iconic building, and many have recorded those live shows for later HBO broadcast and/or DVD release too, including Michigan's own Madonna. There are 180 luxury suites for your enjoyment here, including thirteen underground luxury suites.
The Fillmore has been known by many names, including its original name of The State Theatre, the Palms-State Theatre, the Palms Theatre, and finally once again back to the State Theatre and ultimately The Fillmore. We hope this name sticks! It's located just down the street from The Fox Theatre, and being a bit smaller but still with the same grandeur of The Fox, this venue hosts many excellent music acts as well as plenty of multi-night Broadway-style shows. Live Nation now owns the venue and they have been working hard to restore it to its former glory. On nights of adults only shows, you can enjoy alcohol purchased from concession stands, and you can also enjoy the State Bar & Grill while you're there.
Other venues that we love just as much are Fisher Theatre, Meadow Brook Music theatre, Cobo Hall, Comerica Park, Freedom hill, Gem Theatre, Masonic Temple Theatre, Detroit Symphony Hall, and the now defunct and very much missed Pontiac Silverdome!
No matter what Detroit concerts you will be attending in the coming months, please consider renting our 30 passenger party bus for your travel needs. For long trips with all your friends, especially to The Palace of Auburn Hills, there's nothing better than renting a party bus! Affordable, luxurious, and unforgettable!
That long ride home will feel like a joy when you are relaxing on our comfortable premium leather seats, soaking up the ambiance from our LED and fiber optic lighting systems, and enjoying your favorite drinks that you've mixed at our beautiful built-in bars. When you're ready to book that 30 passenger party bus, just give us a call at 248-630-5605. We can't wait to hear from you!
