Satyricon

Satyricon was a music club located in Portland's Old Town district, housed in a converted former horse stable. Graffiti-covered walls, sticker-adorned surfaces, and a central stage filled the interior, while a food window called Eat or Die served hungry visitors during performances.

Satyricon opened in 1984 and became the longest-running punk venue on the West Coast, rivaling New York's CBGB in cultural impact. Over 26 years, it shaped Portland's music scene before closing in 2010.

The venue served as a gathering place for local artists and performers, hosting poetry readings, art exhibitions, and live music shows that shaped the neighborhood's nightlife. Bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam took the stage here regularly, building their following among Portland's emerging music community.

The club was cramped and loud, with standing room only, so arriving early helped secure a good spot. The small stage positioned close to the crowd created an intimate concert experience for everyone attending.

Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love first met at Satyricon, making the club the birthplace of one of the most influential music stories of the 1990s. This backstage encounter went on to shape both their personal lives and the direction of rock music worldwide.

Location: Oregon

Inception: March 1984

GPS coordinates: 45.52420,-122.67700

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:00