First Avenue

40 photos · 2016–2026

40 photographs tagged First Avenue, 2016–2026.

Related: Downtown Minneapolis Minneapolis Minnesota Concert Venue Music Venue Defend Minnesota
Crowds fill the street outside First Avenue music venue in downtown Minneapolis on April 21, 2016.
Thousands of mourners gathered outside First Avenue, a renowned Minneapolis music venue, on the evening of April 21, 2016, following the death of the artist Prince.

Mourners Fill the Street Outside First Avenue After Prince’s Death

Crowd of mourners gathers outside First Avenue nightclub in downtown Minneapolis on April 22, 2016, following Prince's death.
A crowd gathers outside First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis after Prince's death on April 21, 2016. First Avenue, the nightclub associated with Prince and the film Purple Rain, became a public gathering place for fans that night.

Crowds Fill Seventh Street Near Target Center After Prince’s Death

Protesters with anti-Trump signs outside First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis
Protesters gathered outside First Avenue in Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, during a rally for then-President Donald Trump. The sign prominently displayed reads, "I didn't fight the NAZIs just so TRUMP could turn America fascist." First Avenue is a historic entertainment venue in downtown Minneapolis, known for hosting concerts and other live events. The protest reflects the political divisions and public discourse surrounding the 2020 presidential election cycle.

Minneapolis Protest Sign Outside First Avenue: “Stop Donald Trump!”

First Avenue concert venue displays large VOTE 2020 sign across its illuminated storefront in downtown Minneapolis.
First Avenue occupies a former Greyhound bus depot at 701 First Avenue North, built in 1937. The club opened in its current form in 1970 and has operated continuously except for a brief bankruptcy closure in 2004. Its exterior is covered in silver stars, each bearing the name of a musician who has performed there, a tradition that began in the 1980s. The venue gained international attention after Prince filmed key s of "Purple Rain" there in 1983, cementing its reputation as one of the country's best-known independent music clubs.

First Avenue’s “VOTE 2020” Marquee in Downtown Minneapolis

First Avenue music venue in downtown Minneapolis displays "VOTE 2020" on its marquee during COVID-19 shutdowns on April 2, 2020.
First Avenue, the nightclub at 701 First Avenue North, occupies a building that opened in 1937 as a Greyhound bus depot before its conversion to a music venue in 1970. Its Mainroom has hosted acts from Prince—who filmed key s of "Purple Rain" here—to touring bands across nearly every genre. The 7th Street Entry, the smaller adjoining room, opened in 1980 as a launching pad for punk and indie acts. The building's exterior stars, added over the years, each mark a musician who has performed there. On this night the marquee read "VOTE 2020" instead of a show listing, a message posted while the venue sat closed under Minnesota's statewide shutdown orders.

“VOTE 2020” Marquee at First Avenue During Empty Streets

Red star with "George Floyd" painted on First Avenue concert venue exterior wall in downtown Minneapolis.
The George Floyd memorial star is painted on the exterior wall of First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. Added in 2020 after Floyd’s killing, the memorial placed his name on one of Minneapolis’s most recognizable entertainment landmarks during a period of mourning and protest in the city.

George Floyd’s Star on First Avenue’s Wall of Fame

Colorful mural depicting Prince and figures in yellow clothing adorns a building adjacent to First Avenue music venue in downtown Minneapolis.
Prince mural at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. The mural is part of the First Avenue music venue complex, a landmark associated with Prince and Minneapolis music history.

Aerial View of Prince Mural Near First Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis

Fans queue outside The Depot Tavern on 7th Street in Minneapolis before a performance by The Snuts.
Fans gather outside the 7th St Entry in downtown Minneapolis on March 10, 2024, awaiting a performance by The Snuts.

Line Forms Outside 7th St Entry and First Avenue for The Snuts

Pedicab outside concert club in Minneapolis
A pedicab travels along N 7th Street in downtown Minneapolis, passing the prominent First Avenue concert venue and The Depot Tavern. First Avenue, known for its star-studded facade, opened in 1970 as a music club within a building that originally functioned as a Greyhound bus depot starting in 1937.

Pedicab Passes The Depot Tavern on N 7th Street

Crowds gather outside First Avenue concert hall in downtown Minneapolis beneath a "Let's Go Lynx" banner supporting the WNBA team.
A crowd gathers outside the First Avenue concert hall in downtown Minneapolis with a "Let's Go Lynx" banner hanging on the side, referring to the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx basketball team.

“Let’s Go Lynx” Banner at First Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis

Tom Morello performs with an acoustic guitar at First Avenue in Minneapolis during the Defend Minnesota benefit concert.
Tom Morello performs at the "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The event, announced on Wednesday, featured Bruce Springsteen as a special guest alongside Morello, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. The concert was organized to protest policies related to ICE and immigration.

Tom Morello Plays Guitar at First Avenue’s Defend Minnesota Show

Musician Tom Morello wears sunglasses and a red-brimmed cap against a blue background.
Musician Tom Morello performs at the "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The event, announced on Wednesday, featured a special guest appearance by Bruce Springsteen, who performed "Streets of Minneapolis." The concert also included performances by Al Di Meola and Ike Reilly, and was organized in response to immigration policies.

Tom Morello Close-Up During Defend Minnesota Benefit Show

Ike Reilly performs with an acoustic guitar at First Avenue in Minneapolis during a concert of solidarity and resistance.
Ike Reilly performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" was held to protest against ICE and immigration policies. The event featured Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. First Avenue is a historic music venue in downtown Minneapolis, known for hosting a wide range of musical acts and significant cultural events since its opening in 1970.

Ike Reilly Sings at First Avenue’s Defend Minnesota Concert

Tim McIlrath, lead singer of Rise Against, performs with an acoustic guitar at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
Tim McIlrath, lead singer of Rise Against, performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" was held to protest immigration policies. The event featured other musicians including Al Di Meola and Ike Reilly, and special guest Tom Morello. First Avenue is a historic music venue in downtown Minneapolis, known for hosting a wide range of musical acts since its opening in 1970.

Tim McIlrath Sings Acoustic Set at Defend Minnesota Benefit

Tim McIlrath performs with an acoustic guitar at First Avenue in Minneapolis during the Defend Minnesota benefit concert.
Tim McIlrath, lead singer of the band Rise Against, performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" was held to protest immigration policies. The event featured special guests including Al Di Meola and Ike Reilly, and was announced on Wednesday. First Avenue is a historic music venue in downtown Minneapolis, known for hosting a wide range of musical acts and cultural events since its opening in 1970.

Tim McIlrath Plays Acoustic Guitar at Defend Minnesota Benefit

Ike Reilly performs with an acoustic guitar at First Avenue in Minneapolis during a concert protesting immigration policies.
Ike Reilly performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" was held to protest immigration policies. The event featured Bruce Springsteen as a special guest, alongside musicians Tom Morello, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. First Avenue is a historic music venue in downtown Minneapolis, known for hosting a wide range of musical acts and cultural events since its opening in 1970.

Ike Reilly Performs With Harmonica and Guitar at First Avenue

Al Di Meola at Defend MN Benefit Show
Guitarist Al Di Meola performs at the "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" held at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The event, announced on Wednesday, featured a lineup including Tom Morello, members of Rise Against, and Ike Reilly, with Bruce Springsteen making a special guest appearance. The concert was organized to protest policies related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Al Di Meola at Defend MN Benefit Show, First Avenue, Minneapolis

Zach Blair Rise Against at Defend Minnesota show
Zach Blair performs at the "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The event, announced on Wednesday, featured special guests including Tom Morello, part of Rise Against, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. The concert was organized in protest against ICE and immigration policies. First Avenue, a historic music venue in downtown Minneapolis, has hosted countless notable performances since its opening in 1970.

Zach Blair performs at Defend Minnesota concert, First Avenue, Minneapolis

Tom Morello at Defend Minnesota Benefit Concert
Tom Morello performs at the "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The event, held on Wednesday, featured a special appearance by Bruce Springsteen and also included musicians Al Di Meola and Ike Reilly. The concert was organized to protest policies related to Immigration and the actions of ICE.

Tom Morello at Defend Minnesota Benefit Concert, First Avenue, Minneapolis

Bruce Springsteen in Minneapolis at Defend Minnesota Benefit
Bruce Springsteen performed at First Avenue in Minneapolis on November 16, 2018, during a "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" The event featured a lineup including Tom Morello, Rise Against, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. The concert was organized in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and policies. First Avenue, a historic music venue in downtown Minneapolis, has been a significant site for live music and cultural events since its opening in 1970.

Bruce Springsteen at First Avenue, Minneapolis for Defend Minnesota

Ike Reilly and Bruce Springsteen in Minneapolis, 2026
Musicians Ike Reilly and Bruce Springsteen perform at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" was held to protest the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The event, announced on Wednesday, featured Springsteen as a special guest alongside artists including Tom Morello, Rise Against, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. First Avenue is a historic music venue in downtown Minneapolis, known for hosting a wide range of musical acts since its opening in 1970.

Ike Reilly and Bruce Springsteen at First Avenue, Minneapolis

Crowd at First Avenue during Defend Minnesota
Bruce Springsteen performed at First Avenue in Minneapolis as part of a "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" The event, announced on Wednesday, featured special guests including Tom Morello, members of Rise Against, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. The concert was organized in response to immigration policies and the presence of ICE in Minnesota.

Bruce Springsteen at First Avenue for Defend Minnesota Concert

Attendee at a Minneapolis concert wears a hat with "FUCK ICE" displayed, during protests against ICE.
A concert held at First Avenue in Minneapolis featured Bruce Springsteen as a special guest, alongside musicians Tom Morello, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. The event, announced as a "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!", took place amidst protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The hat worn by an attendee displays the message "FUCK ICE".

“FUCK ICE” Hat in the Crowd at First Avenue

Bruce Springsteen sings Streets of Minneapolis in Minneapolis
Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello perform at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" was announced on Wednesday and featured Springsteen as a special guest. The event also included performances by Al Di Meola and Ike Reilly, and was part of a broader effort related to ICE and immigration issues in Minnesota.

Bruce Springsteen sings Streets of Minneapolis in Minneapolis

Tom Morello performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis during a protest concert.
Tom Morello performs at the "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The event, held to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the city, featured a lineup including Bruce Springsteen, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly.

Tom Morello Performs at First Avenue’s “Defend Minnesota” Concert

Tom Morello performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis during a protest against immigration policies.
Tom Morello performs with Bruce Springsteen at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" was held to protest immigration policies. The event featured Springsteen as a special guest, alongside musicians like Tom Morello, Rise Against, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly.

Tom Morello Performs During Defend Minnesota Concert at First Avenue

Bruce Springsteen performs with acoustic guitar at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
Bruce Springsteen performed at First Avenue in Minneapolis as a special guest for the "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!". The event, announced on Wednesday, also featured Tom Morello, members of Rise Against, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. The concert was held in support of immigration rights and in opposition to ICE operations in Minnesota.

Bruce Springsteen Sings Solo at First Avenue’s Defend Minnesota Concert

Bruce Springsteen performs with electric guitar at First Avenue in Minneapolis during a benefit concert.
Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello perform at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" was announced on Wednesday and featured Springsteen as a special guest. The event also included performances by Al Di Meola and Ike Reilly, and was part of a broader effort related to ICE and immigration issues in Minnesota.

Bruce Springsteen Plays Telecaster Beside Tom Morello at First Avenue

Bruce Springsteen performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis during a solidarity concert.
Bruce Springsteen performed at First Avenue in Minneapolis as part of a "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!". The event, which also featured Tom Morello, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly, was announced on Wednesday. Springsteen performed "Streets of Minneapolis" during the show, which was organized in response to ICE operations in the city. The concert aimed to express solidarity with immigrant communities facing increased scrutiny and enforcement.

Guitarist Holds “Arrest the President” Sign at First Avenue Concert

Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello perform together with electric guitar at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello performed at First Avenue in Minneapolis as part of a "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!". The event, announced on Wednesday, featured Springsteen as a special guest alongside Morello, Rise Against, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. The concert's purpose was to protest "Operation Metro Surge.”

Bruce Springsteen Embraces Tom Morello at First Avenue Concert

Guitarist Al Di Meola performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis during a concert of solidarity and resistance.
Guitarist Al Di Meola performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The venue hosted a "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" on Wednesday, which also featured Tom Morello, part of Rise Against, and Ike Reilly. The concert was announced in response to immigration policies and ICE activities.

Al Di Meola with Raised Fist, Defend MN Benefit at First Avenue

Guitarist Al Di Meola performs with acoustic guitar at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
Al Di Meola performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" was announced on Wednesday and featured a lineup including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello, and Ike Reilly. The event was organized in protest against ICE and immigration policies.

Al Di Meola on Acoustic Guitar, First Avenue Minneapolis

Guitarist Al Di Meola performs with an orange acoustic guitar at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
Al Di Meola performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The concert, titled "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!", was announced on Wednesday and featured a lineup including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello, and Ike Reilly. The event aimed to protest against ICE and immigration policies.

Al Di Meola on Guitar, First Avenue, Minneapolis

Bruce Springsteen performs with guitarist Tom Morello at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
Musicians Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello perform at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" was announced on Wednesday and featured Springsteen as a special guest. The event included performances by Tom Morello, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly, and was organized in response to actions by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

Bruce Springsteen & Tom Morello Share Mic, First Avenue Minneapolis

Bruce Springsteen performs with electric guitar at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
Bruce Springsteen performed at First Avenue in Minneapolis as a special guest for the "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!". The event, announced on Wednesday, featured artists such as Tom Morello, members of Rise Against, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. The concert was organized in response to issues surrounding ICE and immigration policies in Minnesota.

Bruce Springsteen on Fender Telecaster, First Avenue, Minneapolis

Bruce Springsteen performs with band members at First Avenue in Minneapolis during a concert of solidarity and resistance.
Bruce Springsteen performed at First Avenue in Minneapolis as part of the "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!". The event, announced on Wednesday, featured Springsteen as a special guest alongside musicians Tom Morello, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. The concert's purpose was to protest against ICE and immigration policies, reflecting a broader movement for immigrant rights.

Bruce Springsteen with Full Band, Defend MN Benefit at First Avenue

Merchandise for a "Defend Minnesota" event, including shirts and a hoodie, is displayed for sale at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
Merchandise at the "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The event, held to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the city, featured a lineup including Bruce Springsteen, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly.

“Arrest the President” Merch Table at First Avenue Benefit Show

Tom Morello and Bruce Springsteen on guitars at Minnesota benefit show
Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello performed at the "Concert of solidarity & resistance to defend MN!" at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The event, announced on Wednesday, featured Springsteen as a special guest alongside Morello, Al Di Meola, and Ike Reilly. The concert was organized in response to immigration policies, specifically targeting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. First Avenue is a historic music venue in Minneapolis, known for hosting a wide range of musical acts and cultural events since its opening in 1970.

Springsteen & Morello at Minneapolis Concert for Solidarity

Fans stand in line at First Avenue in Summer of 2026 in Minneapolis
Fans stand in line for a show at First Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis on April 16, 2026, the same venue hosted Bruce Springsteen in late January.

Fans stand in line at First Avenue in Summer of 2026

Prince Celebration and First Avenue, Minneapolis
Signage for the 2026 Prince Celebration in Downtown Minneapolis outside First Avenue concert venue.

Prince Celebration Banners on First Avenue’s Star Wall

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