As a huge R.E.M. fan since I was wee kid I've held 40 Watt Club in regard for many, many, years. In 2008 I was able to check it out for the first time during a visit when Athfest was going on and I was lucky enough to catch locals Elf Power perform on that hallowed stage. Several months back, when my husband and I saw that there would be two R.E.M. Murmur anniversary shows with special guests we knew we had to go (my husband is also a huge R.E.M. fan). I had my finger on the button for their eventbrite page the moment the tickets went on sale and I was lucky enough to snag a pair of only a few hundred tickets to this special night. To say we were excited is an understatement! But this isn't a review about the show (though it was incredible, you can see my photos for a play by play of the guests) but the venue. And the venue itself is also amazing. My memory from 2008 is hazy so I can't tell if much has been updated but it feels very new without being new, if that makes sense? Maybe a better word would be that it felt very well cared for. And because of that I can tell you it's one of the best small club venues I've ever been to. The stage isn't anything fancy but the sound is great and there isn't a bad view in the house, drinks are reasonably priced, and the staff was beyond nice. it was pouring rain while we were waiting to get in and they worked really hard to get us all in quickly when the doors opened. Merch staff was also really friendly. I'm proud to sport my 40 Watt t-shirt around town here in Ann Arbor. From one college town to another, Athens--you're lucky to have this gem! read more

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I've wanted to see a show here for a long time and finally got my chance when I attended the 2026 "heATHENS homecoming" concerts by the Drive By Truckers and special guests. I caught 3 of the 4 nights with my brother and they were a blast. Such a thrill to see a band I've been following for two decades in the place where it all started for them. The club itself is a gem-- easy entry process, clean restrooms, not a bad spot in the house, perfect size venue for an active but intimate show. Friendly staff who appreciate the fans and the music. To top it all off-- incredibly cheap drinks. I'm talking about $3-$5 beers (the latter for tallboys), $6 or less well drinks, and almost nothing for more than $10. Coming from Nashville where even the diviest of music venues are starting to charge 2-3x those prices during shows, it was a revelation. The club is steps away from great record stores, bars, and places to grab a bite. Highly, highly recommended. read more

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Came to see the Melvins and it's an awesome old-school venue. Great acoustics and fun mosh pit!

Cool iconic space, plenty of bars and servers. Bummer no on site food. Security kinda hysterical tho. Check it out.

The best venue there is. Enjoy the after party next door on the white couch at Flicker.

If you've been to the 40 Watt, you already know. If you haven't been, read on. The 40 Watt is an iconic venue that has hosted and continues to host bands that ordinarily play much larger rooms. Its capacity is about 500 which means you will have a good view of the stage pretty much no matter where you are standing, and the sound quality is likewise great no matter where you might be standing. With limited exceptions, it's standing room only. The 40 Watt is located in downtown Athens with lots of great places to eat nearby within easy walking distance, which is a definite plus. The entry drill goes like this: They check your name off their list a ticket buyers for the particular show. Then there is a very non-invasive security check, then you get a wrist band that allows you to go outside to smoke or whatever in the provided space for that with a lengthy bench for sitting, then you present ID to get or not get a hand-stamp that allows you drink if you or over 21, and you're in. Believe me when I tell you it's not a hassle at, which the above might make it sound like. Once inside, you will see two bars on either side of the room - one on the right side and one on the left side. It's full bar with a nice selection of beers. I tend to favor the beers put out by Creature Comforts, which is a local Athens brewery. One of the many nice things about this place is they do NOT gouge you on drink prices, which is unusual for a music venue of this caliber. If I'm not mistaken, the beers go for about $6.00 each. You can't beat that. The stage is raised to a pretty much perfect height for the room. There is no barricade, and from what I could tell the four nights I was there a barricade is not needed at this venue. The staff are great, and every staff member I encountered over four nights was unfailingly nice and friendly, which isn't always the case at many music venues. Another nice thing is they do not shoo you out when the show is over. They let you hang for bit and grab another drink or two so long as it's not past 2:00 a.m. I flew in to Atlanta from Southern California to see the Drive-by Truckers play their annual four-night homecoming series of shows. As expected, the 40 Watt and the Truckers did not disappoint. Without equivocation, the 40 Watt is one of the greatest places in the country to see a show. Cheers! p.s. My pics are better if you click on them. read more

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Great location. Been coming for years for the DBT Homecoming shows. They've changed things up or should I say cleaned things up. Looks some new wood was added and the tiki downsized. The beer prices are amazing, even on the craft beers. You can't beat $4.50 for a 24 oz PBR. Got hassled last night by entry dude, for what reason...I have no idea...lost out on the prime spots Regardless, still had a great time. It can fill up fast. So you can plan your spot by your arrival time. No worries tonight, since we were on the rail last night. As long as we can get in, we're fine. The staff were very nice, but that is just because of the awesome leadership of Cole and Jim...thanks guys!! They added a coat check for $2.00. Merch is just inside the entrance. There are two bathrooms, one in the front corner and the other in the back corner. There are two bars as well both in the middle on the each side. Also a small seatng section with 6 seats between the bathrooms. read more

Checked out a show here last night, really liked the venue. They have cheap beers with tall boy pbrs at 4 bucks a can along with some good microbrews around 5 bucks. Air quality was good since there was no smoking and the place was comfortable as it didn't get sweltering hot in there like some concert venues. read more

Well I have been lucky enough to play on this stage a couple times, see the green rooms, go to a few shows, and see how the club works in off hours! There is a reason the 40 Watt was named one of Paste Magazines best 40 venues in the country! Hell I would put it in the top ten! Maybe top 5! Everyone has played there and when I did I was so excited just to know I was standing on the same stage where Pavement, REM, Neutral Milk Hotel and my all time fave band Olivia Tremor Control have all played! In 2004 I booked an entire solo tour from Iowa around seeing OTC's reunion show at the 40 Watt, lets just say I was in the front row and got a couple giant beers so I would not have to leave that front row! I have got a chance to play here a few times during the Athens Pop Fest with my band the Poison Control Center! The staff each time was incredible! Super nice nice bartenders, very pro sound engineers, and everything ran very smoothly! For shows I have attended here, I would say the same! The staff is great, the production was killer, and it's the perfect midsize club to see a band! There is not many places in the country that has this legacy and still packs the punch, maybe only First Ave in Minneapolis which I would compare the 40 Watt too! If you want to go to a show where all the legends have played, this is a landmark stop! Get to Athens and go here, It does not matter who is playing! read more

Love it. Especially the LIVE SHOWS! I did a belly dance performance last winter at 40 Watt, and it was so fun. I invited my friends to come watch show, and they enjoyed it and the bar. I'm gonna do another belly dancing performance at the end of this April. Everyone who's interested, please come and have fun with me !!!!! read more

40 Watt Club - Me and the girls performing! So much fun! - Bars Near Me - Athens, Georgia

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where do I begin. I saw municipal waste at the 40 watt club last night and my experience was unsatisfying. one guy who worked there who had buzzed bleached hair accused me of throwing punches in a moshpit, when I never did such a thing. there were people windmilling and kicking in that pit and you're making a big deal over someone getting hit in a mosh pit? it's a moshpit, you can't take a hit, stay away from the pit. plus, there were tons of people who were also dressed in denim vests and hats and I dont get why I get blamed for everything that happens when I barely was even moshing because i wasnt feeling it. not only that, but he also threatened me stating, i better not see you when I'm around. plus, the bald dude with the beard isn't better, as he did nothing to prevent his coworker from threatening me. I hope both get fired. I don't recommend 40 watt at all! Staff does not care for concert goers safety and well-being, they just start stuff over things that THEY don't like read more

I love it. The sparkly lights hanging from the high ceiling, the memories of all the hundreds of hours of shows I've seen there, the tiki bar on the left and the long, PBR-stocked bar on the right, the bathroom graffiti that gets painted over every several months only to be written again, the floor slick with beer after a wild and crazy dance party, the floor clean and shiny and cool when chairs are set out for a quieter, more intimate show... Ah, 40 Watt. Best nights? Check out www.flagpole.com or 40watt.com to see who's playing. No visit to Athens is complete without a stop by. read more

40 Watt Club - from http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.com/nge/Multimedia.jsp?id=m-4451 - Bars Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Nice venue! We saw Mitski and Jay Som here. So intimate, great acoustics! It is worth noting that it's in a college town, so many of the people attending were students. Not necessarily a bad thing, but be aware! There was a cover charge for people under 21; not sure if this is always a thing or if t was just this show. read more

40 Watt Club - Bars Near Me - Athens, Georgia

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The 40 Watt, a gem of gems in the music venue world. With capacity around 500, it attracts some of the world's best mid-heavy weights on their way to stardom. The 40 Watt was instrumental in jump starting the new wave and American Punk Rock scene the late 70's and throughout the 1980's by offering acts a great place to play. This iconic venue is still rockin' 40 years later. R.E.M., Indigo Girls, Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell, B-52's, Sonic Youth, Run DMC, Kings Of Leon, Flaming Lips, My Morning Jacket, Nirvana, Pavement, John Mayer, Snoop Dogg, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, The Killers, Ween, The Melvins, Guided By Voices, and so many others have played at the 40 Watt. If you're a big music fan, it's a venue that you need to visit and catch a show, like Whiskey A Go Go in LA, Paradise in Boston, or the now defunct CBGB's in NYC. Buy a ticket and take the ride! read more

This place totally took my virginity! Ok, that's not true. I gave it away willingly because I couldn't resists 40 Watt's charming atmosphere, string lights and great sound. And you know what, five years later I'm still ok with 40 Watt being my first. Of course then I went through that whole slut phase and started checking out other venues (Caledonia, Georgia Theatre, etc.) but found that 40 Watt is the best in all of Athens. Memorable events: The dancing extravaganza that is Krush Girls. Hipsters and gays shaking it to Billy Idol? Yes please. Also I definitely told my life story to Michael Stipe during one of my more drunken nights. I like to think it's going to inspire a hit single someday. We'll see. Seeing M.I.A. before she was an "indie darling" on her first US tour with only a couple hundred people in the room. Love that bitch. Of Montreal halloween shows. I mean, really? Really! Hotness. 40 Watt, I miss you. If I come back will you teach me new tricks? read more

I've only been to the 40 Watt club once so far and my experience was good! The venue is small, but the important thing is that acoustically it's good (this is in comparison to some Atlanta venues). Though small, the club has been around for some time. Bands like REM have played at the venue. Inside the club there are 2 bars on opposite walls and some seating towards the back. On the left hand side of the stage there looks like there was a room with a pool table. I wasn't curious enough to check it out. As far as the crowd, for obvious reasons, expect it to be college age. I did notice that it cost an extra $2 for a ticket if you were under 21 for the show I attended. The only thing I'll fault them on was the bartenders attitude. The bartenders seemed a bit rude, but I think I would be too if were dealing with college students who just turned 21 all the time. Overall 4 stars for a good venue with little wrong. I'm looking forward to my next visit! read more

Optimus loves this place. Optimus hates this place. I've played this place. I've seen "everyone" play this place. I've slept backstage, I've seen all kinds of crazy nonsense backstage. I've seen Mr. T backstage getting it on with Cyndi Lauper backstage. At least, that's who they said they were. PBR Prom, my giant robotic ass. Oh, so much vomit here over the years. Ever seen a 30-foot tall drunk hunk of metal hurl? You have if you've been to the 40 Watt with me. So many memories. Too bad I can't remember them. Optimus Sighs. read more

The 40 Watt is probably the most show-friendly and best utilized venue in the alcohol soaked, fratboy villa of Athens. Athens has long had a reputation as being at the forefront of music (whatever that means). I think it got that reputation pretty much solely due to REM. Besides the Elephant Six bands (which are extremely hit or miss), there hasn't been much of anything that great coming out of Athens. They appreciate the hype, I'm sure, but let's stop blabbering and patting everybody on the back so much. Athens is a college town. If there's a show worth driving the hour from Atlanta for, the 40 Watt is probably the venue hosting the event. They do all the midsized indie acts here, and I've seen a lot of killer shows under their roof. The sound system is pretty decent and the stage is set at just the right height so that you feel close to the band, but not standing right next to them. Plus, with all the local bars and stores around, you don't have to stand and watch the 2 cruddy openers when you just want to see the last act. I've spent many nights off in la-la land before showing up at 40 Watt just before the headliner launches. Also plus, the hand-clappy backpack wearin' indie kids who have to go way overboard with their excitement to try to overrule the keg totin' Bulldog boys prowling their city don't usually show up here because it's not that indie. Thank ye god. Headliner. Giggin' out. Set list. Tune up. Music. read more

So much of the spirit of Athens is embodied by The 40 Watt Club. During my short time in Athens I've seen everyone from R.E.M. reunited to The Killers on the small, intimate stage. The decor in itself is a reason to purchase a ticket, but the show is also sure to be worth seeing since The 40 Watt is token club to play of Athens' numerous music venues. It's a great place to people watch and "celebrity" site. (At one concert I turned and realized I was standing right next to Michael Stipe and Chris Martin.) So much of the history of the Athens music scene is tied to The 40 Watt. The club carries on the great tradition with excellence. read more

I've seen two shows here: Frank Black in the late '90s and Frightened Rabbit two days ago. Both very memorable shows in a relatively intimate setting. I'm tempted to dock them a star because Wednesday's opening act, Augustines (who were great, by the way), had some sound issues that the in-house sound guy seemed flummoxed by. But that's rock-n-roll, folks. Athens is the only unqualified cool place in the state of Georgia, and the 40 Watt is at the heart of it. Keep getting great acts and I'll keep making the drive! read more

I have seen a lot of different types of shows here from Alela Diane to Cinemachanica to Okkervil River to the Black Lips to Vetiver. A lot of good times to be had here. A must in Athens life. There is a very, very special place in my heart for the 40watt. First Athens show I went to was here. Saw Of Montreal and MGMT on my birthday, Halloween of 07. All I can say, magic happens at the 40watt. A place that I'll frequent no matter what guy I'm with or not with, no matter if friends are too busy for a show, and no matter if I've only got $20 to my name for a $10 show. Long live the 40 watt! read more

Saw Butch Walker at the 40 Watt this weekend. Had a great time and found a perfect spot to watch the show by the raised bar on the left. Only gripe is with the lack of organization. You never know if they're going to have one line or two and the staff doesn't communicate. Everything's will-call list only with no physical tickets. So if I bought tickets for anyone else and those people can't show up until later, there's no way to accommodate that or split the order. Supposedly it's to cut down on scalping but I've never seen another venue do it this way. How about digital tickets? Also, the two lines were using different stamps and I was apparently given the wrong stamp so I couldn't order a drink until after they got their stuff together. read more

I've been to the old site many times back in the day but I finally ventured out to the newer location the other night to see Built To Spill. Two hours to get there and the struggling two hours to get back home ( that was rough for a 41 year old ). All in all, great venue. Enough space to move around. good sound, smoke free and the staff had an easy going attitude. Thumbs up. I haven't been back to Athens since 1990 and boy has it changed. I wish I was back in college - ha! read more

The 40 Watt is a great venue to catch a live show! They host a ton of smaller bands but also pull in the occasional headliner. A short list of bands/acts i've seen here (in random order): Patton Oswalt The Donnas The Cramps Keane The Sounds The Genitorturers Queens of the Stone Age Better Than Ezra They have two bars for big shows and the men's room urinals are stickered to death by bands who may or may not have graced the stage. read more

I could write a hundred thousand words about the 40 Watt -- about how it was the launchpad to some of the most important bands & artists of the past few generations [R.E.M., the B-52s, Neutral Milk Hotel], & a handful of criminally underrated bands who the history books will (hopefully) show the restpect they deserve [Vic Chesnutt, the Olivia Tremor Control], . Otherwise, it's without a doubt among of my favorite places to ever see a show. I saw Belle & Sebastian there in 1998, on their first world tour (in support of "The Boy With The Arab Strap"), & The Flaming Lips there in 1999 on "The Soft Bulletin" tour, which may have been the most mindblowing concert experience I've ever had because you had no idea what to expect. It was the first lips tour to make the show a real experience -- multimedia (film playing on a screen behind the band), fake blood, confetti, bullhorns....the first time Wayne Coyne had really gotten into this stuff. Plus, it's in Athens, which for my money is THE QUINTESSENTIAL college town in America, Austin aside (but Austin is AUSTIN, & it really doesn't count because there's a lot more than just a college there). The 40 Watt is Unparalleled. read more

I've been to several venues in the states and abroad and few venues come close the 40 Watt. The staff is courteous, friendly, and enthusiastic, the bartenders are fantastic, the sound is outrageously fantastic, and the caliber of shows here are nothing short of phenomenal. Sure, I can refresh your memory or educate you on this venue's history, or tell you of all the talent this venue has showcased throughout the years, but you will never truly understand the magic of the 40 Watt unless you've been there and witnessed it in all of its glory. read more

The best venue in Athens. Possibly in the state of Georgia as well. I adore the 40 watt. I love the venue, the staff and bands that come here. You know who you are. read more

40 Watt Club - Conor Oberst and friends. June '15 - Bars Near Me - Athens, Georgia

I've come here many times, first for M.I.A. (before she got famous, when it was only $15!) and then for Krush Girls... I love the space.. It's intimate and fun, and easy to find your way around. It never got too crowded and I never had a problem with the staff or getting in. If I ever go to Athens for a concert, I always hope it's here! :) read more

Recently saw a show here for the first time in about 17 years, and thankfully, nothing has changed. The 40 Watt Club is proof that God exists, and of all the high falutin' places throughout the bible belt, he has chosen an unassuming little spot in the middle of Bulldog country. How else do you explain the vibe between the band, the crowd, and the venue, that rarely happens in most places, and yet, it seems to happen here regularly. Its GOT to be divine magic... It doesn't matter who is on stage, who's watching in the audience, or who's working the door or the bar. Always a good time, always friendly, and for a moment, we are reminded that Budweiser ads CAN come to life! That life is good, and things that we're nostalgic for can be found again. Am very grateful that this place still exists. Amen... read more

Great place to see a concert. The venue is relatively small compared to other music venues in Downtown Atlanta, but the size provides an intimate concert experience for the crowd in attendance. While it may not be the fanciest or most aesthetically pleasing music venue in Georgia, the 40 Watt has enough character to help any guest see past the badly furnished interior. Not to mention they are located in Downtown Athens, which has more than an enough nightlife hot-spots for all to enjoy. Even though it would might look like they are trying to float their own boat, I think the owners should change the name of this place to ' The Historic 40 Watt Club.' In case you are not familiar with why this place is historic, let me enlighten you. The 40 Watt Club's original location on College Avenue in Athens hosted the second ever public appearance of the Georgia favorite, Athens originated band known as R.E.M. The first location was actually shut down because of the massive crowd that gathered for the concert, among other reasons. Now the club caters to widely popular bands every weekend, giving visitors more of an intimate concert experience with their favorite artist performing on any particular night. read more

I love the 40 Watt! I've been to a good bit of shows here, and I've always had a good time. It's a great venue, just the right size. Intimate setting for a show. Bartenders were always friendly. Super cheap 24oz PBRs. read more

40 Watt Club - Of Montreal - Bars Near Me - Athens, Georgia

I bet if I had gone to UGA, I would have spent more than my fair share of saturday nights here. I went to see a Daft Punk Cover band, threw back a handful of tall boy PBRs, for about 3 bucks each. Could that be any better? I think not. Great sound, fast staff, and an all around cool place. read more

40 Watt! You haven't changed! Or rather, you have changed, but not since 2001, so you felt warm and welcoming and comfortable for me. I'm glad I came to visit. I'm even more glad I could snag a seat in the back (even though I couldn't really see). I'm glad I showed my husband a slice of classic Athens. I'm glad that you had cheap nonalcoholic beer for me to drink (even if it was O'Douls). I'm even glad that your toilet seats don't have pee all over them, but that's more of a generalized sign of southern politeness rather than anything specific to you as a venue. Thanks for sticking around, 40 Watt. There's a reason why you're a classic. read more

I went to high school about 15 miles from the fabulous 40 Watt Club. When you live in northeast Georgia as I did during my formative years that is just a hop-skip-&-jump away. Now it has to be a must see to drive that 70 absolutely boring miles from ATL to visit. Upon arrival it does not disappoint. After 30+ years the Athens staple has seen it all. I wish the walls could talk. It is basically the CBGB's of the South for lack of better term and using the parlance of our times. I have seen everyone from Melvins, Motorhead, Melt Banana, Low, Heiroglyphics, and even puppet shows here. The staff is very friendly and fortunately does not let the Little 5 Points attitude only an hour and a half away invade their own realm. Go see some live music in a truly live venue! read more

There is not a better place on the planet to see loud bands play to a packed house. Everyone should see the Drive By Truckers at the 40 Watt at least once in their life! read more

So, I have only been here 3 times, for 3 very different shows (Old Crow Medicine Show, The Melvins, and Athfest 2010 for the Holy Liars), but I am definitely anticipating my next show there! The $3 24oz PBRs and $4 24oz Coors Lights are a deal! And since there is no ventilation/circulation in the place, it helps to stay hydrated =) For all shows I was able to stand fairly close to the stage so I could see (I am short) but had I been farther back in the crowd, I would not have been able to see anything. I understand that this is to be expected though, considering this is a bar venue. However, I have been to some bar venues in St Louis where the places are tiered, so that even if you are in the back of the bar, it is higher than the stage. But, I won't hold this against the 40 watt. The bartenders and nice, and the bathrooms are actually pretty clean (which is important for a girl). There are couches and chairs to sit on if you get tired and an ATM on site since some vendors don't accept cards for merchandise. The sound is awesome in the place and the lighting is good. read more

Grungy-chic, respectable venue with a show or two nearly every night. I would not bring kids here, but otherwise, anyone is welcome at the 40 Watt. So much of Athens' rich musical history traces back here, even if only to the previous location that burned down many years ago. Top-billed acts (Judah and the Lion, Modest Mouse) usually end up at the Georgia Theatre up the road, but the 40 Watt is always the best place to catch alternative or up-and-coming talent. read more

Was in school in Athens 84-88 and can't remember how many times we were there-honestly cannot remember!! Saw REM perform there before going mainstream. And Laura Carter and the BBQ Killers were always insane! RIP Laura... Loved this place!!! read more

Athens is one of my favorite places in this great state of Georgia. Add in live music performances from your favorite bands + the beautiful faces of UGA - even better! 40 Watt Club is a quirky place and is totally a great venue for concerts. Intimate, cozy, totally kickass. Can't wait to go back again. read more

The 40 Watt is a classic that just keeps getting better. The best thing about this music venue is the variety of acts they book. In the past few months I have seen Henry Rollins, The Heartless Bastards, and the Mountain Goats. There is a full bar and the drinks are both reasonably priced and good. The staff are friendly even to an old fossil like me. Even packed the venue is comfortable and once the music starts you really become part of the show. The sound system is great. read more