THE METROPLEX/688 REUNION - SATURDAY OCT 4th, 2008
I’m sure many of you have seen the missives going back and forth about this “Metroplex/688 Reunion Party and Show†and many may have wondered what it was all about, so well, here goes.
The METROPLEX was at one time, in the early to mid 80’s, the biggest, baddest, hardcore club in the South East and beyond, not only just in size, but in popularity and reputation.
It was discovered, owned and built by a man named Paul Cornwell, and with the help of people like his right hand men, Andrew (The MUG) Adler, Angry John Dego, Tony A, and Big Tom. With an ever evolving pack of punks from the road the club was established in it’s First Incarnation at 300 Luckie Street. Students of punk as we were, came to settle in Atlanta from all over, my crowd being from Charleston, SC.
This club hosted the likes of local legends such as DDT and Neon Christ, Nihilist, Hallow’s Eve, and acts from the world over, such as The UK Subs, Circle Jerks, DRI. Later, Faith No More, Dead Kennedy’s, The Meatmen, Suicidal Tendencies, Bad Brains, Red Hot Chile Peppers, Motorhead, Sonic Youth, (and so many others), as well as notorious speakers like Abby Hoffman, Tim Leary, Ron Paul and such. It was many things to many people and offered a wide variety of music. From skinhead to metal head, from pop to reggae fan, all had their moments.
388 Marietta Street – The Second Incarnation
She was not only a club, she was home for many of us who lived in the lofts on the top floor and a home away from home for many a stranded traveling band, resting there to get their strength back, maybe make a little road cash, and some friends out the wazzoo.
The place was built from the visions of one Paul Cornwell. In the joining of an old 1920s garage and the old hotel which was once a cathouse, once holding the “longest bar in Atlantaâ€, and an old porno warehouse with the old Atlanta Police Department’s livery stable, connected all together via tunneled doorways through mortar, he created the most unique music/life complexes I have ever seen in my life. The Plex even had a recording studio in its later days. In the basement, as well as a fan constructed loft and living quarters upstairs for her main vein staff (and touring bands). A family I was happy enough to be a part of.
So, this OCTOBER 4th, a reunion party will be thrown by Paul Cornwell, Steve May (688), and co-hosting with his old right hand man, Andrew the Mug !...and everyone everywhere is invited!
The event is a benefit fundraiser for the new “ATLANTA MUSIC MUSEUMâ€, a non-profit organized to collect and preserve the history of music in Atlanta. Please help by contributing your pictures, videos, or personal stories.
Any bands that wish to be considered for this unbelievable event, get me your info ASAP!! Time is running out!
This isn’t just a chance for old friends to get together, its a chance for anyone who was connected with our scene to relive that moment, as well as a chance for others who were building a life for themselves at the time, and missed it, to come out and catch a bit of what they missed, and talk to the people they had wanted to meet all those years ago. And to help build a historical record and museum of the last 50 years of Atlanta’s musical history!
www.atlantamusicmuseum.com
The guest list hosts some pretty well known names, and surprise appearances by past artists are sure to be on the bill as well.
Don’t feel bad because you weren’t there, now is your chance to catch a little of what you may have missed. I’ll see you there!
Swampfox Spider
The METROPLEX/688 REUNION will be held at the Masquerade Music Park and Club,695 North Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia. Ph 404-577-8178 Show starts @ 3pm – Ends late! $25 adv - $30 door ALL AGES! All ticket profits go to the “Atlanta Music Museum, Inc.â€
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