Max’s Kansas City

Former Location –
A true New York icon, Max’s was a place where art and music seem to fuse together. They called themselves “The intersection of art/fashion/music”.  Andy Warhol and his entourage were regulars that frequently took over the back room.

Many great rock musicians either performed here or hung out here on a regular basis including: Frank Zappa, Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Alice Cooper, the New York Dolls, Jackson Browne, Aerosmith, Bob Marley & the Wailers , The Ramones and Iggy Pop.

“Live at Max’s Kansas City” was recorded by the Velvet Underground here on August 23, 1970, the front of the venue is used on the cover of the album. The Velvet Underground’s last shows with Lou Reed before he left the band in the summer of 1970 were played here.

The original location on Park Avenue closed in November 1981. On the final night, the Beastie Boys opened for Bad Brains. The building survives and now houses various businesses.

Other Noteworthy Concerts Held At Max’s Kansas City

5/18/1978 – Patti Smith Group
12/29-12/30/1978 – New York Dolls
12/29-12/30/1978 – The Cramps
3/10-11/1977 – Blondie
12/16-12/17/1977 – DEVO
5/22-5/28/1974 – Jimmy Buffett
2/23-2/28/1974 – Billy Joel
11/6-10/1973 – Bruce Springsteen
12/26-12/31/1973 – Patti Smith
6/24-8/28/1970 – The Velvet Underground

Max’s Kansas City
213 Park Avenue South
New York NY 10003