History

Nashville's Music Forum since 1971

Within Nashville's deep musical history, few venues have had as rich a legacy as Exit/In. Over its 50+ years, it has played host to a staggering array of talent, from rising local acts to international superstars. Some of the legendary musicians who have graced the stage at Exit/In include The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Etta James, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Muddy Waters, R.E.M. and many many more.

Hundreds of thousands of fans from across the world have experienced unforgettable nights between it's legendary walls. Help us write the next 50 years (and beyond) of stories: See Our Concert Calendar.

The Rock Block's Humble Beginnings

It all started when a young and relatively unknown Jimmy Buffett walked through the door and surprised the founders, Brugh Reynolds and Owsley Manier, with an audition that left them impressed. From there, Exit/In became a haven for what The Ledger called "lovable losers, no-account boozers, honky-tonk heroes", and even comedians like Steve Martin, who infamously took the Exit/In audience out for burgers one night.

Over the years, Exit/In has evolved from its humble beginnings as a "listening room" to a 500-capacity rock club, anchoring what will become the famous "Rock Block", a stretch of road on Elliston Place that is now home to a wide variety of bars, restaurants, music venues, tattoo shops and more.

Photo by Gomi Zhou

Welcome to Exit/In

Now recognized as an official Nashville Historical Landmark, Exit/In's legacy is preserved for the next generation of music lovers to come enjoy icons, troubadours, misfits and nearly everything in between.

See you soon!