Back Home to the Armadillo

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In August of 1970, a music venue opened on the corner of Barton Springs Road and South First in Austin, TX. The building was an old National Guard armory—no air conditioning, no seating, just a giant cavernous space that frankly, was not well suited for music. Yet this local eyesore would go on to change the identity of Austin, culturally, politically, artistically. And its reverberations would be felt far and wide, helping turn Austin into the Live Music Capital of the World. This is the story of how that happened. This is the story of the Armadillo World Headquarters. Join KUTX as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic music venue. Starting August 17, you can hear an hour-long oral history covering the Armadillo’s musical legacy, from blues and the birth of cosmic country to the punk rock explosion. You’ll learn why 50 years later, the Armadillo World Headquarters is still a beacon for Austin’s past, present, and future. Produced and hosted by Art Levy at KUT & KUTX Studios.

KUT & KUTX Studios


    • Aug 27, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 13m AVG DURATION
    • 6 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Back Home to the Armadillo

    Armadillo Bonus: Springsteen, Zappa, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 4:46


    Join KUTX as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Armadillo World Headquarters, the music venue that helped put Austin on the musical map. In this bonus episode, hear first-hand stories of some of the most memorable Armadillo shows: An unknown kid from Jersey named Bruce Springsteen plays for hours–and the show cost one […]

    Armadillo Bonus: Punk Rock and New Wave

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2020 5:08


    Join KUTX as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Armadillo World Headquarters, the music venue that helped put Austin on the musical map. In this bonus episode, hear how the Armadillo became the unlikely home for punk rock and new wave in Austin: Joe Ely blows away the Clash. The Ramones put their […]

    Back Home To The Armadillo

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2020 57:55


    In August of 1970, a music venue opened on the corner of Barton Springs Road and South First in Austin, Texas. The building was an old National Guard armory—no air conditioning, no seating, just a giant cavernous space that frankly, was not well suited for music. Yet this local eyesore would go on to change […]

    Armadillo Bonus: Blues, Jazz, and Funk

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2020 3:19


    Join KUTX as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Armadillo World Headquarters, the music venue that helped put Austin on the musical map. In this bonus episode, hear first-hand stories about the blues, jazz, and funk greats that made the Armadillo such a live music destination: the supernatural abilities of Freddie King and […]

    Armadillo Bonus: Cosmic Country, Artwork, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2020 6:11


    Join KUTX as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Armadillo World Headquarters, the music venue that helped put Austin on the musical map. In this bonus episode, hear how Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings turned the Armadillo into a cosmic country destination. Plus, first-hand stories about the iconic artwork, Leon Russell’s home base, […]

    Trailer: Back Home To The Armadillo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2020 2:46


    Join KUTX as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Armadillo World Headquarters music venue. Starting August 17th, you can hear an hour-long oral history covering the Armadillo's musical legacy, from blues and the birth of cosmic country to the punk rock explosion. You'll learn why 50 years later, the Armadillo World Headquarters is […]

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