The Legacy of the East Side Club

The East Side Club was a small, unassuming venue located at 12th and Chestnut Streets, a stone’s throw from the bustling heart of Center City. While its name might not ring a bell for everyone, for those in the know, it was a cultural hub that punched well above its weight. The East Side Club was a melting pot of punk, new wave, post-punk, and experimental music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This era marked a seismic shift in the music world, and the East Side Club became Philadelphia’s intimate answer to New York City’s iconic CBGB and The Mudd Club.