Roseland Ballroom

Maybe I’m just a granny with aging ears, but I am surprised to read all of the positive reviews Roseland was given for their sound system. Honestly, it was horrendous. The bass was turned up way too loud and the acoustics weren’t even there.
The Hoodie Allen concert that I attended back in 2013 was probably the worst concert that I’d been to because of the sound system. I could hardly distinguish one song from another, even though I knew plenty of his songs by heart. What a shame.
Definitely not sad to see this venue go! I’m hoping something much better will take its place.

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to experience Roseland Ballroom before its final adieu. In fact, I had both Roseland and Lady Gaga cherries popped in the same evening. And it was good.
It’s a shame this venue is going the way of the dodo. It reminded me quite a bit of DC’s 930 Club: a comfortably sizable general admissions standing room-​only pit area with a balcony running around the perimeter of the space. Shockingly, I never felt cramped or crowded by the throngs of other monsters in the audience.
Rumor has it that Roseland Ballroom will shortly be replaced by yet more luxury condos, so the following statement is a bit irrelevant. I’ll still state it for what it’s worth. If I were to see a future concert where general admission is preferable to assigned seating, this would be toward the top of my list of venues.

It kind of sucks to lose a sizable general admission venue in Manhattan, but let’s look at the down sides of Roseland to soften the blow: for energetic shows, 3,000 people in GA gets you nearly crushed to death; if you want to avoid the crowd, you need to stand waaaayy in the back or behind the pillars… there’s obstructed views everywhere; the sound was awful; the drinks were expensive. Really, the only thing going for this venue was that it was a place for the inbetweeners — the acts who are not quite mega stars, but can still sell a lot of tickets to to heir shows, but Best Buy Theater kind of fills that void, and that place is far superior.
One cool thing that happened here though was that I was coming to see a metal show and the guy accepting tickets behind the counter had a Childish Gambino shirt on, to which I rapped him one of his verses because I was a tad shloshed and he said «no way!» and gave me a free drink ticket. I then bought an LI Iced Tea (might as well make the most of my free drink), and blacked out. What a night that was. I also got to see AFI from the VIP section in 2009 thanks to some temporary connection, so I did have some cool things happen to me here, for which I can reminisce. Peace out, Roseland Ballroom.

Sad to see it go, I went to so many shows there, but my 20’s are fuzzy so I cannot recall exactly which ones .
I will say this, the place smells like a hockey rink– ugh! It must be that stinky rug!
Just saw GAGA there and the show was awesome, wondering what will be the fate of this place?

There is something about this place that just isn’t right. Maybe the old smelly carpet, or the smell of vomit at every garbage can in sight. I’ve been here 3 different times, and every time is the same experience. You can’t buy liquor here, stick to beer. At 11 dollars for a tiny cup and poorly mixed drinks. I rather drink beer for less. I have to say, one positive. They can keep the room cool so you don’t sweat.

I think Roseland is a distant relative of Irving Plaza or something, it sure as heck reminded me of that place. It has a similar layout, one huge room, stage in the front, bar in the back, and an upstairs VIP area for those who happen to be so fortunate.
I like this layout, it’s conducive to listening to music, having a drink, and hanging out. It’s chill, for lack of a better description.
Even though I was surrounded by teenagers who were taller than me, I still had a great time because a small place like this means that you can hear everything really, really well.

Consider this a eulogy for the place that was a second home during my concert-​going youth.
My parents didn’t let me go to concerts as a kid, I had been going to shows on the sneak since 1997 but my first experience with Roseland came in 2002 as a college kid trying to get tickets for an unheard of Rolling Stones show at a «small» venue!
It was mayhem! I didn’t get into the venue but I stood outside begging anyone who would listen for a spare ticket. It was my first experience with a crowd on a line that wrapped around the block!
The first time I would get into Roseland for a show was about a month later in 2002 for a Goo Goo Dolls concert. I was a huge fan and bought the tickets in advance this time.
It was the first time in a «larger» standing room only venue, a bit larger than Hammerstein, much bigger than Bowery and Irving Plaza with perfect sight lines!
I loved every second of the show! The place split across the block: the line and entrance were on one side but the «back stage» area was on the opposite block, and it was the first time I stood after the a show to try and get an autograph! What a rush it was seeing a rock band up close! I didn’t get anything from GGD but it was fun anyway!
From that point on I went to a ton of shows here, learning the ins and outs of where to stand and when to gently push in order to get closer to the stage!
From 2002 on I was lucky enough to see bands just coming up like Brand New, The All American Rejects, Sleater-​Kinney, Evanescence and more.
My first time getting hosed by a scalper came here too!
In 2004 my buddy was obsessed with Velvet Revolver and had to get into a sold out show here, we met up at Roseland and tried to put together a plan, tickets were long gone but he was so desperate that he approached a shady scalper on the corner, my other friend and I knew this was bad news but he was so insistent that he was legit he gave him $ 40 bucks each for 3 tickets… and the guy ran off faster than a fat kid going after a cake!
The tickets were so pathetic and fake, the words Velvet Revolver and the date were clearly printed over an outdated ticket to the opera! It’s something we will never forget and laugh about now!
The years went by and we went to more shows at Roseland, always looking for our favorite bands playing this specific venue because we everything about this place was just right.
We saw Staind, The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, AFI, Rise Against, 30 Seconds to Mars (a bunch of times!), Matisyahu, Third Eye Blind and Counting Crows a couple of times.
Little did I know that the Counting Crows show I saw in October of 2012 would be the last show I would ever see at Roseland. I went to this show by myself on a whim because I hadn’t seen them in a couple of years. The last song they sang that night was fitting, called «Holiday in Spain.»
I hadn’t seen as many shows with my crew over recent years because we were all busy getting married and having kids and making excuses that we couldn’t do GA shows anymore because of bad backs or knees!
I got in a solid decade of shows at Roseland that I will never forget.
I never understood why we couldn’t bring in cameras back in the day because we were documenting history, and when this place is torn down after the final Lady Gaga show April 7^th all we will have are those memories to share with others who will never get the privilege of seeing a show here.
It was never a state of the art venue, they sold skunky beer, the bathrooms were gross and the paint was starting to come off the walls at the end, but the sound was great and the memories are priceless.

I came for Benny Benassi after then 5^th annual and last ever Electric Zoo Festival.
And to be honest, there wasn’t one thing I liked about the venue. From walking in I felt as of I was walking into a high school auditorium and I look down and see carpet on the floor near the entrance area. You basically walk into a huge room with a stage in it. The music was so loud and there was so much bass It literally made my ears hurt. It didn’t help that I came here for an EZoo after party and there were people there that clearly didn’t goto EZoo and were dressed in suites and as if they were going or coming from an uppity event. I just didn’t care for this venue and I am glad it is closing next year, hopefully to be replaced with a nicer venue.

Roseland is apparently getting torn down soon, and I only just found out about it! It definitely reminds me of the larger playhouses and opera halls of Chicago, where I saw a lot of punk shows as a youngun. The security team is fairly extensive (pat down at the door) and aggressive about enforcing no camera policies when the show calls for it. The space is simply massive, so don’t bother going to the $ 4 coat check — they’re all stingy and will charge you for every coat even if they’re layered up together– you can find somewhere to stash your stuff. There’s some seating all along the sides for you wallflowers and for coat overflow, and there’s a VIP seated area on the opposite side. When we went it was absolutely sub-​zero temperatures, so checking our coats felt like even more of a dumb idea. Huge bathrooms downstairs help to avoid the post-​concert ladies room lines, and that powder room is a nice added bonus.
A last important point, we went to see Danzig, and the sound was absolutely terrible. It was actually so bad that it interfered with enjoying the show. Those sound engineers should be demolished with the building.

Fuck been here 4 times now? Probably because in my opinion it is the best place to catch an indoor show in nyc. I have seen Kaskade, A&B, W&W, and Eric Prydz here. All some of my favorite DeeJays and all who climbed up my ranking list due to an awesome show at roseland. Dope soundsystem, ample side seating, and unreal light shows just make for an epic electronic experience. Do not wear anything heavy inside here, it gets so fucking hott. If you do, chances are you will be naked by the end of the show. As a chick if you come in high heels, you are a retard. Wear comfortable stuff with support, you will be doing a lot of standing and dancing and jumping and thrusting your body in ways that shouldn’t be possible.
Tickets sold out? No biggie. You can most likely buy fro some bloke on the street, definitely barter with a few guys before buying.
Lastly, the line can be miserable. I am pretty sure I have always paid someone to take me close to the front. You know how that New York hustle is. If you want to wait patiently in line and save 10 – 20 bucks expect waits in excess of 2 hours for a sold out show.
Seriously though, best indoor music venue… for rave in NYC.

Horrible experience.

Pros:
(+) Vintage feel of the place, including the famous sign!
(+) Perfect size to accomodate a huge crowd for concerts and events
(+) Sound System and Lighting was on point
(+) No matter where you stood, you have a good view of the stage
Cons:
(-) HOT! Place needs some air circulation.
(-) Standing venue. No chairs, so wear comfortable shoes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Came here for Broadway Bares 23, a once a year charity show for Broadway Cares/​Equity Fights AIDS.
An amazinggggg show!!! I’m so happy that I went. The sound system was great, clear quality sound. Make sure you do wear comfortable shoes if you are watching a show here because it’s a standing venue! I came here during the summer and this place was very hot and muggy with lack of air circulation.

This is a nice venue.
I’ve been here only once and it wasn’t for a concert, performance or loitering on the steps.
The space is HUGE.
The main space which I would assume that also serves as a waiting area where we (a bunch of BG) was cooped up in was very open and for the most part comfy.
I’m not sure if the smell of rice was intentional or just the people who I happened to be with (ALL ASIANS, yes pun intended).
I think they need to clean the carpet.
And then clean it AGAIN.
The cushioned benches towards the mirrors served as a nice place for people to sleep.
I, myself did not partake in that but I most certainly will if I am cooped up there again for another gig.
The bathrooms could use a hard bristle scrub down.
For such a nice venue your toiletries must be clean.
Thank God I pee standing up.

My friend two weeks ago managed to get free tickets to Vampire Weekend and of course I was in. I’ve never been to Roseland. I usually don’t go to shows either mostly because I’m frugal and spend money on alcohol, shoes, and unnecessary bills. So, this was a grand treat! Almost as soon as we got there we were ushered into the VIP section. Balling. It was nice and spacious and enough room to actually be able to move up to the banister and view down on the mob of kiddies. Also, apparently Jude Law was lurking somewhere around up there. Extra bonuses. There’s a long bar with what I imagine as being fairly expensive cocktails and beer. Bathrooms are conveniently also upstairs and clean. The sound emitted from way back on the stage is pretty phenomenal and I think one of the better venues for making the most of a concert. I definitely can’t wait to come back here in the near future!

I’ve been here a few times for concerts, and despite my annoyance at a General Admission seating chart (I’m old and I don’t want to stand for 4 hours!), I’ve always had an enjoyable time. For this type of venue, the sound system is top notch — we’ve been all genres of shows here, and have always been impressed by the quality of sound.
The staff (door staff, security and bartenders) have always been friendly and welcoming.
Now, I just need to figure out how to get a chair at this place!

I’ve absolutely lost track of how many times I’ve been here for shows, parties, media upfronts, etc.
Roseland is an great concert venue/​event space with lots of history in New York City, I mean did you know that this place used to be a ice skating rink? Well now you do!
They have a pretty fantastic sound system (I’m looking at you Terminal 5… which doesn’t), small enough stage to feel intimate no matter who’s performing and really nice bouncers who have always been friendly, respectful and professional to me… especially since I don’t do anything to give them trouble.
I always have a good time here when there’s a show or media party. Acts I’ve seen here include: Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, We Are Scientists, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Kills, Bloc Party, Hot Chip, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Jack White, Guns & Roses (yeah, I’m laughing too at this — believe it or not Axl Rose sounded pretty great and he did an acoustic November Rain on piano, twas’ moving), Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers (!!!), Pitbull (don’t judge me, it was an open bar/​free food media party and he was the musical guest), The Bravery, Radio4, Alabama Shakes, The Summerland Tour (Lit, Gin Blossoms, Everclear, Sugar Ray, Marcy Playground), Franz Ferdinand, Born Ruffians, Tanlines and most recently, Vampire Weekend — plus TONS more because I’m a huge live music person.
Needless to say at this point, I really enjoy shows here — whether or not I’m in the balcony or down below right by the front & center of the stage, Roseland is easily one of my favorite (larger) concert venues, all they need is a happy hour or more reasonably priced beers/cocktails…Roseland is also close to my train to go home, good stuff all around here :).

Get to the Chase:
(WENT HERE FOR ABOVE & BEYOND… i’ve been mind-​blown with the sheer amazing-​ness of the concert)
Pros:
1) With such limited choices for grand venues to hold concerts within Manhattan this is one of the better ones
2) large enough space
3) good organization/​management
4) relatively polite bouncers and bartenders
5) not ridiculously overpriced tickets
6) great sound
7) Puts to shame Pacha and Webster… don’t ever go to those two places no matter who the concert is for or how cheap it is… there’s a reason why everyone goes to Roseland and not those cheap, run-​down, ghetto venues
Cons:
1) Can be too packed if they oversell the number of tickets… which makes the concert feel a bit more like a mosh-​pit of sweaty grinders
2) An unfortunate necessity? They sell water bottles without the caps… so prepare to get spilled on, soaked or sprayed
3) Coat check can be a nightmare if you wait till the end of the concert… I’d say go 5 – 10 min early or you’ll spend another hour in line after the concerts over

*Anjunabeat Vol. 10 Above & Beyond Review*
–Tickets were sold out online but were available at the ticket booth for $ 75 cash. Avoid Stubhub!
–Checking in the coat ($ 4) was smooth and fast but checking out is a nightmare. I had two blues and one green ticket. I was told to get in line for the other color even when I tried to tip her $ 5.
–The restrooms are located downstairs
–Great sound system, I could feel my body engulfed in soundwaves
–Fills about 2500 on the main dance floor. We were almost packed like sardines.
–The half carpet half wood flooring was great since dancing on carpet didn’t wear out my knees tonight.

I came here last night for the Summerland Tour, to see some of my favorite bands from the 90s. Sugar Ray, LIT and Everclear… with Gin Blossoms and Marcy Playground (who I didn’t really care for).
I never thought I’d see those bands again… ever, especially in the same night, on the same stage… singing my favorite songs! I loved the crowd and I had a great time. Probably the best concert I’ve been to so far. (I don’t really go to live music events in the first place.)
I’ve always wanted to go to a concert that involved standing only. It was a great experience but I don’t think I could ever do it again. It hurt to walk down stairs and/​or sit down after standing for 4.5 hours!
The only thing I was skeeved out about was that carpet. Duuudddeeee. Why not just get hardwood floors? Absolutely disgusting. I was holding onto my bag and phone for dear life. Closer to the end of the night, the floor started smelling like feet and Whoppers (not the chocolate, the BK burger). It was almost unbearable.
I was going to avoid buying drinks at the venue cause I couldn’t justify paying $ 4 for a bottle of water. Just my luck… I got extremely thirsty at one point, and had to purchase one. My only regret of the night.
Not sure I’d ever come back to Roseland though. I’ve had enough of that carpet.

the venue is huge — with multiple bars all around — my advice is to head behind the stage to the left and hit up that bar (it often closes soon after the headliner comes on) but is virtually empty when all others are dealing with massive long lines.
i have seen cypress hill here (back in the day) death cab, franz ferdinand and most recently edward sharpe and the magnetic zeros.
you have to take a kinda long walk to get to the bathroom (it’s downstairs) but this is not unlike places like webster hall where it’s the same deal.
i thought the sound was great for the most recent show, however the death cab/​franz show i had a different opinion. it was loud and sometimes distorted. i don’t think its about the venue itself though, i think its more about the soundcheck guys.
has no one mentioned this yet??? the carpet in rose land totally skeeves me out.