10 Concert Venues That Are ‘Haunted’
Do you believe in ghosts? For employees of these ten concert venues, the answer is a resounding yes. Each site has a chilling story tied to its history, whether based on actual events or steeped in urban legend, earning them a reputation for ghostly inhabitants.
Royal Albert Hall – London, UK
The Royal Albert Hall, one of London’s most celebrated venues, is rumored to be haunted. In 1930, the Spiritualist Association gathered there to attempt a séance to contact the ghost of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The event attracted 10,000 attendees, including Doyle’s wife, who witnessed a clairvoyant claim that five ghosts were present. Over the years, locals have reported sightings of two Victorian women laughing in the hallways, adding to the venue’s spooky lore.
Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
The Masquerade in Atlanta is home to several ghost stories, the most notable involving a tall black figure seen wandering the club and flicking on the amplifiers. Staff have also reported hearing disembodied footsteps and the chilling cries of a young woman. Many believe these screams belong to a lady who tragically died in a car accident near the venue, making her presence felt even after death.
Bobby Mackey’s – Wilder, KY
Bobby Mackey’s is notorious for its outrageous ghost stories. Some claim that the basement serves as a portal to Hell, a theory bolstered by the fact that a former custodian underwent an exorcism while working there. While Bobby Mackey himself dismisses paranormal beliefs, his wife recalls a terrifying incident where she was pushed down the basement stairs by an unseen force, hearing a voice urging her to “Get out!”
First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
Visitors are warned to avoid the women’s restroom at First Avenue, where a young woman reportedly took her own life when the venue was a Greyhound Bus station. According to local legend, she ended her life upon learning her lover would not return from war. Some claim to have seen her dancing without legs in the restroom, alongside the spirits of other souls lost at the bus stop.
The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
The Rave is believed to be haunted by a young girl who tragically drowned in a now-sealed swimming pool. Additionally, a former employee named Jack is said to roam the venue, having been captured on video telling ghost hunters to “get out.” The haunting stories surrounding The Rave add to its eerie atmosphere, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers.
Avalon – Hollywood, CA
The Avalon, nearly a century old, is steeped in Hollywood’s Golden Age charm and ghostly tales. Visitors report seeing a spirit in a tuxedo, female figures in high heels, and a ghostly piano player whose melodies can still be heard. Legend has it that one male spirit jumped to his death from the stage after being abandoned by his dancer girlfriend, his tragic fate leaving him tethered to the venue.
Roseland Theatre – Portland, OR
According to PortlandGhosts.com, the Roseland Theater is the city’s most haunted location. Once known as Starry Nights nightclub, it was a hub for illegal activities. The theater’s dark history includes the murder of staff member Tim Moreau by the club’s owner, with many believing that Moreau’s vengeful spirit now haunts the Roseland.
House of Blues – Chicago, IL
At the House of Blues, the spirit of a small girl is said to wander the venue. One account details a boy seeing her playing with toys and asking if he wanted to join her. When he screamed in fright, she vanished, leaving behind an unsettling mystery that continues to intrigue visitors.
The Chapel – San Francisco, CA
Once a mortuary, The Chapel in San Francisco is rumored to be haunted. The venue still has the winch that was used to lift corpses, and its basement, where the deceased were stored, is thought to be a hotbed for ghostly activity. A ghostly figure of a little girl in a white dress has even been captured on the venue’s surveillance cameras, adding to its chilling reputation.
The Orpheum Theatre – Vancouver, BC, Canada
The Orpheum Theatre, a historic site known for vaudeville performances, allegedly witnessed the death of an artist in the early 1900s. His ghost is said to still haunt the stage today. Additionally, some believe a former employee’s spirit lingers in the men’s restroom, prompting patrons to wait until they’re home to answer nature’s call.
These haunted venues offer more than just music; they provide a glimpse into the mysterious and eerie tales that enrich their histories. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, visiting these sites is sure to leave you with an unforgettable experience.
