The Current Rewind is the podcast putting music's unsung stories on the map. In season two, we examined the 50-year history of Minneapolis club First Avenue, using 10 pivotal dates to explore how a city, a scene, and popular music have evolved since the dawn of the '70s.

You can listen to the complete nine-episode series using the audio player above. You can also find it on your favorite podcasting platform.

Episode 1 – April 3, 1970: The day it all began

The Current Rewind's First Avenue season kicks off with the story of opening night. Grab a carnation and travel back to the dawn of the '70s, when Joe Cocker and his "Mad Dogs & Englishmen" packed the former bus depot that would later become First Avenue. The club's rookie owners had a lot to learn, but thanks to this show, they earned the attention of Minnesotan music fans and media. | See the complete episode transcript

Episode 2 – Nov. 28-29, 1979: The days that told the future

Disco was the ticket at Uncle Sam's in the late '70s. But the club's destiny changed course in November 1979, when the Ramones and Pat Benatar rocked the Mainroom on back-to-back nights. In this episode of 'The Current Rewind', former GM Steve McClellan and his fellow First Ave vets explain how First Avenue became a rock 'n' roll sanctuary. | See the complete episode transcript

Episode 3 – Sept. 27, 1982: Bad Brains/Sweet Taste of Afrika/Husker Du

Almost 40 years ago, D.C. rockers Bad Brains played First Avenue with two Minnesotan openers: Sweet Taste of Afrika and Husker Du. While Husker Du are relatively well-known today, Sweet Taste of Afrika are all but forgotten. Meanwhile, Bad Brains are world-famous, but their hurtful behavior has flown under the radar. In this episode, we tease out the complicated relationship between the three bands on the bill, their genres, and their identities. | See the complete episode transcript

Episode 4 – Aug. 3, 1983: The birth of "Purple Rain"

Most casual Prince fans know Purple Rain was partially filmed at First Avenue. But did you know the title song is a live recording, taped at First Ave a few months before filming started? In this episode, we meet Prince and the Revolution at a benefit show for Minnesota Dance Theatre, where they debuted "Purple Rain" in support of dance and community. | See the complete episode transcript

Episode 5 – Oct. 22, 1990: Sonic Youth/Cows/Babes in Toyland

Alternative rock stayed underground throughout the '80s, but in the early '90s, that distorted, furious sound burst into the mainstream. In this episode, members of Cows and Babes in Toyland talk about sharing a bill with Sonic Youth at First Avenue. | See the complete episode transcript

Episode 6 – March 4, 1991: Ice Cube/WC and the Maad Circle

One day after the LAPD beat up Rodney King, an Ice Cube concert went down in history as one of the most violent shows ever held at First Avenue. Hosted by Jay Smooth, we ask rap experts and former First Ave staffers about gangsta rap, security, and the uneasy relationship between the Minnesota music industry and Black hip-hop artists. | See the complete episode transcript

Episode 7 – Nov. 2, 2004: The day the doors closed

When First Avenue entered bankruptcy on Election Day 2004, some saw it as the end of an era. But others – including devoted employees, local music fans, and a certain stage-diving ally in City Hall – would not rest until they'd saved the club. | See the complete episode transcript

Episode 8 – Aug. 15, 2015: The day the sky fell

A piece of First Avenue's ceiling fell to the ground during a concert in August 2015. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. But throughout the music industry, concert safety has been a huge issue during the last decade. How can we keep each other safe? | See the complete episode transcript

Episode 9 – April 21, 2016: The day the streets turned purple

The day Prince passed away, thousands of Minnesotans congregated outside First Avenue to dance and cry. Although the street party might've seemed like magic, of course real people made it happen – and we talked to a few of them for this episode. It's the last full installment of our season, and it celebrates Prince, parties, and Minnesota music. | See the complete episode transcript

Bonus episode: Mark Wheat talks DJ career, love for music

Mark Wheat left The Current in May 2020, but not before recording an interview with Cecilia Johnson for The Current Rewind. In this conversation, Mark talks about how he got a star on First Avenue's wall, how music intertwines with his spirituality, and what he sees as his greatest impact on Minnesota music. | See the complete episode transcript

Bonus episode: First Avenue's stars

Before we wrap up our First Avenue season, we must pay homage to the stars. | See the complete episode transcript

Related

• Prince: The Story of Sign O' The Times, the complete series