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How One Small Southern Town Became a Modern Music Epicenter

Laura Scholz Laura Scholz |
Courtesy of Georgia Theatre

Where to experience the music history of “the Liverpool of the South.”

What do R.E.M., the B-52’s, and Widespread Panic have in common?

These bands all got their start in the sleepy college town of Athens, Georgia, an incubator for some of the greatest musical talent of the 20th century, earning the city its moniker of “the Liverpool of the South.”

Home to the University of Georgia (UGA), the country’s first land-grant university, and spared the Civil War destruction that decimated nearby Atlanta, Athens has long been a thriving Southeastern cultural hub. In the early 20th century, its famed Morton Theatre drew legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington to the city. This rich musical heritage and university environment—combined with influential clubs like 40 Watt and the Georgia Theatre and independent record stores like Wuxtry where eventual R.E.M. bandmates Pete Buck and Michael Stipe would meet—created the perfect conditions for birthing some of the best bands of the 1970s and 1980s.

Here’s where to experience the history of this modern music mecca today.

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University of Georgia

As a musician (Bar-B-Q Killers, Drive-by-Truckers), engineer, and Director of UGA’s Music Business Program David Barbe explains, “like many college towns, Athens has an annual influx of smart, creative young people who enroll in the University of Georgia looking for a way to fly their flag.” Among those in the late 1980s and early 1980s? R.E.M.’s Bill Berry, Michael Stipe, and Mike Mills as well as Pylon founder and drummer Curtis Crowe. Those bands, along with the B-52’s, performed at local house parties and in the basement of Memorial Hall, which was then the student center and once home to the student-run WUOG, the first radio station to broadcast an R.E.M. song.

INSIDER TIPWhen Georgia’s Music Hall of Fame closed in Macon in 2011, its exhibits were transferred to a vault in the UGA’s Special Collections Libraries. The collection includes a few of the B-52’s Cindy Wilson’s signature beehive wigs as well as John Bell of Widespread Panic’s boat shoes, and any member of the public can check out an item for viewing inside the library.

 

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Morton Theatre

WHERE: 195 W. Washington Street

Built in 1910 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this historic African-American vaudeville theater hosted acts like Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong in the early 20th century, solidifying Athens as a cultural and touring hub. During the 1970s and 1980s, local bands like the B-52’s and R.E.M. rehearsed and filmed music videos here. Now, the venue serves as a performing arts space for local community groups.

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Wuxtry Records

WHERE: 197 E. Clayton Street

Founded in 1976, Wuxtry is the state of Georgia’s longest continually operating record store. While you won’t find former clerks Danger Mouse, Peter Buck, or Kate Pierson behind the counter these days, you can find a large selection of rare and popular vinyl in genres ranging from world to jazz to garage rock and soul.

INSIDER TIPRecord bins are sorted by employee recommendations, so don’t be shy about asking a staffer for assistance.

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40 Watt

WHERE: 285 West Washington Street

The original 40 Watt Club was located above 171 College Avenue and served as Pylon’s rehearsal space. Through the years and various locations, Athens-based acts like Neutral Milk Hotel, Drive-By Truckers, of Montreal, R.E.M. and the B-52’s have played at the historic club, which helped cultivate the city’s new wave and alt-rock scene. Now located in its fifth and permanent location downtown, the venue still hosts live music, with touring bands ranging from Band of Horses to The Strokes gracing its stage.

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Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods

WHERE: 1016 E Broad Street

R.E.M. used this soul food spot’s sign and slogan, “Automatic for the People,” for the cover of its 1992 studio album. The James Beard Foundation “American Classic” winner has been serving up collard greens, macaroni and cheese, fried pork chops, peach cobbler, and other Southern staples from a non-descript lime green building in the city’s warehouse district since 1986.

INSIDER TIPThe menu varies daily, so check the restaurant’s Facebook page for specials and offerings.

 

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Georgia Theatre

WHERE: 215 N. Lumpkin Street

John Mayer fans may recognize the interior of this downtown Art Deco-style theatre. It’s where the former Georgian filmed the video for his hit “No Such Thing.” Other musicians who’ve made stops here? The Police, Widespread Panic, Beck, and the Dave Matthews Band. While the theatre was badly damaged in a fire in 2009, it’s since been fully restored and hosts touring musicians of all genres.

INSIDER TIPCome early and grab drinks and dinner on the theatre’s rooftop restaurant, which offers stunning views of downtown Athens.

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Oconee Hill Cemetery

WHERE: 297 Cemetery Street

The remains of many notable Georgians, including Widespread Panic’s Vic Chesnut and the B-52’s Ricky Wilson, can be found in this picturesque, 100 acre Victoria-era cemetery nestled in the hills adjacent to the UGA campus. Bike or walk the scenic paths or pack a picnic to enjoy along the banks of the Oconee River.

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Dudley Park

WHERE: 100 Dudley Park Drive

R.E.M. incorporated many Athens landmarks into its album covers, including the ruins of a former railroad trestle on its 1983 debut LP, Murmur. Saved from demolition and purchased by the town in the early 2000s, the trestle is now part of the Oconee River Greenway multi-use trail in the 32-acre Dudley Park near downtown.

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The Caledonia Lounge

WHERE: 256 W. Clayton Street

During its time as the 40 Watt Club, this venue was where R.E.M. filmed its “Turn You Inside Out” video and the Drive-By Truckers recorded much of its 2000 live album. Under its new moniker, the lounge hosts local and touring alternative music acts.

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Hendershot’s

WHERE: 237 Prince Avenue

Want to hear the next big Athens band? Head to this coffee shop and bar founded by local musician Seth Hendershot. The intimate 150 seat venue’s regular Monday evening open mic nights are an incubator for local talent. The shop also hosts performances by local and touring artists and comedy acts as well as pop-up restaurants and more.