Rock Stop #7: Worcester Palladium

One of the best venues in Massachusetts to check out rock and metal acts has got to be the Worcester Palladium. Located in Worcester, they boast a continuous schedule of rockage (yeah, it’s a word!) from lesser known / local acts to mainstream radio rockers to death metalers. Whatever your poison, they are sure to have an antidote.

The venue itself is a decent size and it’s hard to find a terrible spot (unless you’re short and behind a tall dude). There’s a large floor area for all you head bangers and moshers while graduated “levels” work their way up to the back of the club. Additionally, there is upstairs balcony seating for those who want to sit, though it depends on the show. Sound wise, The Palladium is damn near deafening if you are bouncing around the floor. Even from the back, you’ll get a great sound experience. Only once, a couple years ago at a Sevendust show, was the sound quality subpar. Pretty good for a venue that has at least one show a week.

Another great thing about the Palladium is their dedication to all that rocks by hosting The New England Metal and Hardcore Festival every year! This past April marked the 12th year of the show! It is a fabulous event for any rocker with so many different bands to check out.

Drinker? They gotcha covered with a bar upstairs and several in the main downstairs area. Beers are fairly reasonable with most priced at about $5 and mixed drinks and shots are just a few dollars more. (Think the pricing is outrageous? HAH! This is damn near giving them away compared to other venues in the area.) For those of you with munchies, a small concession stand is typically available. In my experience, the hot dogs are pretty decent and they also offer pizza, chips, and various kinds of candy as well.

The Palladium is also a stone’s throw away from the DCU Center. Only negative of this arrangement? Parking will be far more scarce if there are shows going on at both locations. Speaking of parking, there are large lots located in the front and behind the venue so finding a space isn’t much of a hassle and neither is leaving after a show. Typically, the cost seems to vary from event to event but you count on around 10 to 20 bucks. But this is standard for most people by now, am I right?

This is one of my absolute favorite venues to see shows at. The location, the set-up, the events schedule – these can be hard to find elsewhere. And, best of all, this is the place where The Arbz reconnected at a Rob Zombie show after losing touch after graduation. The Palladium is a must stop and rock!

The Palladium is located at 261 Main St Worcester, MA 01608.