The poster pictured here advertises a show sponsored by local radio station KCMU (now KEXP) and featuring by two of Seattle's pioneering grunge bands, Skin Yard and Soundgarden. Soundgarden was formed in 1984 by singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Skin Yard was formed in January 1985 by Daniel House and Jack Endino, who were subsequently joined by Ben McMillan and Matt Cameron. Skin Yard played its first official concert in June 1985. In 1986, Matt Cameron left Skin Yard to become the drummer for Soundgarden.
According to a 2015 Soundgarden Twitter post, the concert cost $2 and the bands played "to an audience of five." The show was held at legendary Seattle nightclub, the Fabulous Rainbow Tavern, at 722 N.E. 45th Street in the University District. The Rainbow first opened at the same location as a beer parlor in 1936 by Frank Salvino (1902-1960). Throughout the 1960s-1980s the club was a hub for the local music scene, and hosted shows by Annie Rose and The Thrillers, The Young Fresh Fellows, Jr. Cadillac, Green River, and Robert Cray.
Caption information source: Soundgarden Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/soundgarden/status/626811687962836992
ID Number: 2018.86.46
Date: 1985
Physical Description: 1 poster ; 8.5 x 11 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv212358
Credit: MOHAI, Collection of Rock Music Ephemera, 2018.86.46
