Rainbow Music Hall, January 26th, 1979

The Rainbow Music Hall, located at Monaco and Evans in Southeast Denver, opened on January 26th, 1979 with a “Gala Opening” featuring Jerry Jeff Walker. For almost 10 years and over 1,000 shows the Rainbow offered up a wide variety of musical acts, including U2, Roxy Music, New Order, The Talking Heads, and many others. Underemployed and underfunded Denver music fans were fond of the frequent $2 ticket prices, including shows by Devo and the Police. The final show was Warren Zevon in November 1988. More on the history of the Rainbow can be found on the Twist & Shout blog, Spork.

Rainbow Music Hall Gala Opening Tonight, January 26th, 1979

Rainbow Music Hall Gala Opening Tonight, January 26th, 1979


The Rainbow Music Hall Gala Opening, January 26, 1979

The Rainbow Music Hall Gala Opening, January 26, 1979


Jerry Jeff Walker at the Rainbow, 1979

Jerry Jeff Walker at the Rainbow, 1979

B50 Note: Thanks to Kim Allen for providing the opening night program.

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9 Responses to Rainbow Music Hall, January 26th, 1979

  1. Vic says:

    Devo, summer 1979. I still have Bob #2’s 3D glasses somewhere.

  2. Denver Todd says:

    Does anyone have a picture of the building?

  3. Kim Allen says:

    Hi Todd,

    I do have a photo to share with you, modest, yet pertinent of the Rainbow Music Hall.
    The Rainbow Music Hall had some of the best rock and roll musicians in the world and
    the best sound system to display them. Please check out my blog of Aug.2009 to celebrate
    some wondeful experiences that you and others will share. Rock on!

    Kim Allen wwww.DenverPhotoArchives.com

  4. BruceQ says:

    Donovan, 1981(?), front row center, got one of his broken guitar strings!

    But the thing I remember most about the Rainbow is the two support columns that obstructed the view of the stage for some seats. No matter how late you were for the show, there were always a couple empty seats down near the front. Only, when you sat down you realize you can’t see the stage!

  5. Bruce says:

    Donovan, 1981(?), front row center, got one of his broken guitar strings!

    But the thing I remember most about the Rainbow is the two support columns that obstructed the view of the stage for some seats. No matter how late you were for the show, there were always a couple empty seats down near the front. Only, when you sat down you realize you can’t see the stage!

  6. tyee says:

    I took pictures of them tearing it down- it was a very sad sad day. They were supposed to leave the sign- but i don’t know what happened to it.

  7. Patrick Curtis says:

    I saw Bobby Bare there with some friends for $1.50 per ticket. Miss-priced, they were supposed to be $11.50; he said he’d do the show anyways. One of the best concerts I ever went to…although I missed .38 Special. I’ve seen videos from the MTV concert and still kick myself for not going…

  8. Frank McBride says:

    An amazing venue–except for the pillars. I know I saw Eddie Money there. I think I also saw the Fabulous Poodles (also with 3D Glasses) but then again it was the late 70’s early 80’s and well…

  9. Richard Perry says:

    The Rainbow closed for awhile in early 1988, but then it re-opened. I do not remember the details of this, but I do remember when it re-opened they had pulled a number of rows of seats out from in front of the stage. This was great as now you could have mosh pits! Anthrax, Testament, Megadeth, King Diamond, Slayer, MOD all played during this time. Best venue I ever went to. I just wish I would have seen more shows earlier on. I missed quite a few, as I was only 9 years old in 1979. That site has a lot of history. The entire plot of land was originally the “Valley drive in”. This was torn down to build the King soopers in 1977. The year the Broncos went to the super bowl.

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