The Vulcan, Texas Music's
First Psychedelic Rock Club

1967 -- 1970

Roky Erickson still performs. Photo/stringbot

When the Vulcan was open, my husband, RD, was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He says he was there once or twice a week for the better part of three years.

He tells me about how the psychedelic lighting was completely lame by today's standards, but way cool back in the day. I guess the sound was representative of the sound back then… functional.

RD says it was new. Live music in 1967 was only three years removed from the Beatles first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. It was new to everyone.

When you hear about the artists RD saw there and the impact their music had on his life, it's amazing.

He saw Roky Erikson and the 13th Floor Elevators, Conqueroo, Hub City Movers several times. He also reminisces about making a pass at Mo Tucker, the female drummer of the Velvet Underground. It was unsuccessful I was told.

Canned Heat, Mississippi Fred McDowell and a host of other great national and local talent graced the stage.

Sparse compared to the later, big barn, carpet on the floor and sofas of the Armadillo World Headquarters.

Also the first rock club on the Austin music scene.

The Vulcan actually begat the Armadillo World Headquarters. Which begat most every other club on the Austin music scene with the exception of the east side chitlin circuit clubs, Broken Spoke to the south and Threadgill's to the north.

An argument could be made that this was really the very first in the family tree of Austin clubs that is now known as the Live Music Capital of the World.

An authentic Texas Music Legend. As it deserves to be.

SIXTH STREET CLUBS
Maggie Mae’s :: Momo’s :: The Parish

WAREHOUSE & DOWNTOWN CLUBS
Antone’s :: La Zona Rosa :: Austin Music Hall :: Elephant Room :: Paramount Theatre

RED RIVER CLUBS
Stubb’s Waller Creek Ampitheatre :: Emo’s :: Beerland

UNIVERSITY CLUBS
Cactus Cafe :: Hole In The Wall

SOUTH AUSTIN CLUBS
Continental Club :: Threadgill’s :: Jovita’s :: Broken Spoke :: Saxon Pub :: Evangeline Cafe :: Artz Rib House :: Hill’s Cafe

EAST SIDE CLUBS
Victory Grill

AUSTIN ANGELS & HALLOWED GROUND
Stevie Ray Vaughan :: Townes Van Zandt :: Jesse Taylor :: Doug Sahm :: Keith Ferguson :: Don Walser :: Clifford Antone :: Soap Creek Saloon :: Liberty Lunch :: The Vulcan Gas Co. :: Armadillo World Headquarters :: Raul’s :: Austin Opera House

MORE
Austin City Limits :: Austin Record Stores :: Music Stores :: Austin Chronicle

Go to AUSTIN CLUBS page.