Back Home to the Armadillo

In August of 1970, a music venue opened on the corner of Barton Springs Road and South First in Austin, TX. The building was an old National Guard armory—no air conditioning, no seating, just a giant cavernous space that frankly, was not well suited for music. Yet this local eyesore would go on to change the identity of Austin, culturally, politically, artistically. And its reverberations would be felt far and wide, helping turn Austin into the Live Music Capital of the World. This is the story of how that happened. This is the story of the Armadillo World Headquarters. Join KUTX as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic music venue. Starting August 17, you can hear an hour-long oral history covering the Armadillo’s musical legacy, from blues and the birth of cosmic country to the punk rock explosion. You’ll learn why 50 years later, the Armadillo World Headquarters is still a beacon for Austin’s past, present, and future. Produced and hosted by Art Levy at KUT & KUTX Studios.