More recently, The Warfield had an appeal as a rock concert venue because it has more intimacy and better sound quality than an arena, yet has an occupancy of over 2000 persons. Like many historic theaters, its main floor had the seats removed in the 1980s for general admission and dancing. Prior to the removal of the seats, Joe Strummer of The Clash once refused to play unless the first two rows of seats were removed to allow for dancing. It is a favorite venue for performance among many entertainers.
The Warfield served as a home for the Grateful Dead for many years. In 1980, the Dead played 15 sold-out shows there, featuring both an acoustic and two electric sets. The shows were a celebration of the band's fifteenth anniversary and done as a show of appreciation for their loyal fans. These, along with a sold-out 8 night run at New York's Radio City Music Hall were recorded for release as two double albums; one, all acoustic called Reckoning, the other, electric, called Dead Set. Jerry Garcia also made the Warfield a second home, performing a record 88 times there with his various side bands, when not touring with the Dead.
Bob Dylan played 14 shows at the start of his first Gospel Tour in November 1979, and again 12 shows in November 1980 during his "A Musical Retrospective Tour" at the Warfield.
In 2001, thrash metal band Slayer recorded a home video there and released it as, War at the Warfield, in 2003.
On November 12, 2003, hard rock band Korn performed during a small club tour, which is a rarity for the band.
The Killers played there on December 12, 2008, after previously canceling their show on November 21, due to an unknown injury.
In May 2008, The Warfield changed management.
The final show with Bill Graham Presents performance by Phil Lesh ran until 3:30 AM, May 19.
The venue was closed pending renovations by new lessee, Goldenvoice/AEG Live.
The venue was scheduled to reopen in September 2008, with George Lopez to give the first performance.
Category:Music venues in California Category:Culture of San Francisco, California Category:Buildings and structures in San Francisco, California Category:Landmarks in San Francisco, California
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