Top 7 performers to grace Iron City’s stage, including Mac Miller
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NOTICE: As of March 17, all Iron City events and shows have been suspended through 03/31.
Since they first opened in 2013, Iron City has become one of the most popular music venues in the country. As one of Birmingham’s premier music venues, Iron City has hosted their fair share of amazing acts. In honor of their seven year anniversary, we’ve put together a list of seven incredible acts at Iron City throughout the years.
1. Neutral Milk Hotel
- Date: 10/8/2013
After a 15-year hiatus, the indie band with a cult following began their reunion tour with a quick stop in Birmingham. As one of the first big shows at the venue, Neutral Milk Hotel really helped put Iron City on the map. Frontman Jeff Mangum brought back the original lineup from their 1998 cult classic album, “In the Aeroplane over the Sea.” As a huge NMH fan, I’m incredibly sad I missed it—especially because they didn’t allow any photographs or video!
2. Glass Animals
- Date: 6/7/2017
The iconic four-piece psychedelic band from England (no, not The Beatles) performed at Iron City in 2017 on their North American tour. They played songs from their recent smash-hit album, “How to Be a Human Being,” as well as hits from their 2014 debut album, “ZABA.”
3. Mac Miller
- Date: 10/18/2016
Rapper, singer and songwriter, Mac Miller took to the stage at Iron City less than two years before his tragic death in late 2018. While touring at Iron City, Miller surprised his sold-out audience with a guest appearance from then-girlfriend Ariana Grande—caught on film above.
4. Father John Misty
Dates: 10/01/2015, 10/3/2018
Father John Misty is a project by Joshua Tillman, a singer-songwriter, musician and producer. He’s written songs for Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Post Malone and more—plus, he was a previous member of Fleet Foxes. He took to the stage at Iron City in 2015 and 2018—promoting his new albums “I Love you, Honeybear” and “God’s Favorite Customer,” respectively.
5. The Flaming Lips
Dates: 2/18/2015, 3/7/2018
The Flaming Lips are more than a band—they’re an experience. Since they formed in 1983, The Lips have gathered a cult following. For instance, one of my high school friends follows their tours all around the southeast to see as many shows as he can. It’s easy to see why—with singers rolling around the audience in a big inflatable ball, each concert is a spectacle.
P.S. Their 1997 album “Zaireeka” comes on four separate CD’s, meant to be played on four synchronized sound systems. It’s truly an experience.
6. Gregg Allman
Dates: 1/15/2014, 1/5/2016, 1/6/2016
One of the last surviving members of the one-of-a-kind Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman brought his tours to Iron City multiple times throughout the years. As the writer of some of the Allman Brothers Band’s greatest hits, Gregg Allman performed classics like “Whipping Post,” “Midnight Rider” and “Melissa” as well as his own solo work.
Although Gregg had several more concerts lined up at Iron City, he unfortunately passed away in May of 2017.
7. DJ Snoopadelic
Date: 1/2/2020
Rapper Snoop Dogg first caught the attention of legendary producer Dr. Dre in the early 1990s. Since then, Snoop Dogg has become a household name. He hit the stage at Iron City as DJ Snoopadelic, choosing to spin records rather than rap lyrics. Still, he played some of his greatest hits—and you best believe he dropped ’em like they’re hot!
Honorable Mentions
Going through seven years of amazing concerts at Iron City and picking out the top seven acts was no easy task, believe me. And of course, I had my own personal biases. Here are the rest of the acts that stood out to me:
- Ke$ha — 9/26/2017
- St. Paul and the Broken Bones — 1/11/2018
- Chris Stapleton —6/7/2015, 1/1/2016
- Old Crow Medicine Show — 6/24/2016, 6/6/2019
- Cheap Trick — 10/5/2014
- The Pixies — 5/6/2015
- Portugal. The Man — 10/17/2017
Although concerts at Iron City are currently suspended due to Coronavirus, they’ll be up and running as soon as it’s safe to do so. In the meantime, check out their concert calendar and see which shows you’d love to see!
- Address: 513 22nd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Contact: 205.202.5483 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
What is the best show you’ve seen at Iron City? Tag us on social media @bhamnow and let us know!
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