Picture Blog — The Legendary Fillmore in San Francisco

This weekend, I had the privilege of attending a concert at one of the most historic music venues in the country, the legendary Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco.

Dating back to the 50's, The Fillmore became synonymous with the counter culture movement of the late 60's, helping launch the careers of many San Francisco bands like the Grateful Dead, Santana, Steve Miller, Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin.  The list of bands that has played the venue includes The Doors, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and countless others.

The place is like a rock n roll museum. When you walk up the staircase into the lobby, you will be greeted by an old hippie saying "Welcome to the Fillmore".  Then, you will see pictures from thousands of concerts that have taken place over the years.  You can also grab a complimentary apple from the bucket, a tradition that dates back to the Flower Power era.

And no trip to the Fillmore is complete without a visit to the poster room upstairs.  The walls are covered with thousands of concert posters dating back to the 50's.

Of course, the sound and lighting are world class.  But really makes this intimate venue (capacity 1,199) so special is the history.  When you look up at the elaborate chandeliers above the dance floor, you can't help but traveling back to a time when music helped shaped the culture and define a generation.