Alternative & Punk Notable Shows

Please help us expand this list by suggesting a notable show or share a story about any of these shows if you were there.

We’re also seeking digital copies of photos, tickets, and posters & flyers to better illustrate this archive.

Please call us at 865-337-7723 or email contact@knoxhistoryproject.org. Thank you. 

 

 

Morrissey, Tennessee Theatre, Nov. 7, 2024: Morrissey’s first return to the Tennessee since his 2007 show here. Given his tendency to cancel shows at the last minute, some may have said that Knoxvillians were lucky he showed up again. But with no new album in sight (he was without a record label at the time), this was less a greatest hits tour, more of an opportunity for Morrissey to perform some of the songs from his last two (as of writing) unreleased albums with a few classic solo and Smiths songs thrown in. The Tennessee Theatre brought out the best in Morrissey again and he was in fine form. His 1992 B-side, “Jack the Ripper,” was as brooding as the finale was touching, rounding out the evening with the Smith’s crowd favorite, “Please, Please Please, Let Me Get What I Want.” (PJ.) See gallery for for images from this show.

 

Pixies, Tennessee Theatre, March 9, 2019. See gallery for gig ticket.

Peter Hook & the Light, Mill & Mine, May 26, 2018. As far as we know, this is the first time that a member of Joy Division or New Order has made it to Knoxville. Hook’s show here, with a close to 30-song setlist, was split fairly evenly between songs from both of his classic bands. (PJ)  See gallery for more images. 

 

St. Vincent, Tennessee Theatre, May 31, 2015. Annie Clark has played the Bijou Theatre a couple of times, once during the Big Ears Festival. During the encore of this may 2015 show she tried to climb one of the speaker stacks but she fell off and was hurt. St. Vincent returned to the Tennessee in 2017 for the Fear the Future tour. (PJ)

 

Jane’s Addiction, Tennessee Theatre, May 25, 2012

7/10/2007   Morrissey, Tennessee Theatre: Notable, if nothing else, for Morrissey even performing in Knoxville at all. Most UK acts of Morrissey’s stature and era (1980s-1990s) rarely play Knoxville. His version of “Life is a Pigsty,” featuring a section of The Smith’s classic, “How Soon is Now” while lying with his head practically in the bass drum was particularly memorable. Support act, Kristeen Young, was later kicked off the tour by Morrissey after she maid, to his mind at least, some provocative remarks about sitting on his shoulders! See gallery for more images. (PJ)

 

Lydia Lunch, Pilot Light, Oct. 23, 2003. Lunch performed a spoken-word event at this Old City Venue. See gallery for show poster.

Patti Smith, Bijou Theatre, July 27, 2000.

Ween, Moose’s Music Hall, July 20, 2000

Fiona Apple, Civic Coliseum, March 12, 1998

Jesus Lizard, Barley & Hoppes, Nov. 1, 1997

Superdrag, Mercury Theatre, Feb. 12, 1995

Buzzcocks, Electric Ballroom. Dec. 15, 1993

Pixies, UT Alumni Gym, Jan, 24, 1992

Social Distortion, Bijou Theatre, Aug. 13, 1992

Jesus and Mary Chain + Nine Inch Nails, Bijou Theatre, Feb. 24. 1990

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Knoxville Convention Exhibit Center, Dec. 15, 1989

R.E.M., Thompson Boling Arena, April, 11, 1989

R.E.M., Stokely Athletic Center, Oct. 1, 1987

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gabby’s Bar & Grill, Nov. 24, 1985

Black Flag, Vic & Bills (TBC), Nov. 12, 1984

The Clash, UT Alumni Gym, Mar. 28, 1984

R.E.M., Hobo’s, Nov. 10, 1982

Supported by Smokin’ Dave & the Premo Dopes + Peter Holsapple & the JBs

R.E.M., The Place, Apr. 3, 1982.