The Big Apple, El Paso's East Side Concert Venue That's Now Gone

El Paso has lost several live music venues over the years including the legendary Tricky Falls and, most recently, the Rockhouse. We lost The Big Apple decades ago ...

It was an entertainment complex on the east side, (back then, what was considered "far" east - today it's the "far" edge of "central"), near I - 10 and Yarborough. It was aimed at kids, catering mostly to teens with game rooms, and a "pond" with a couple of little paddle boats. It was ultimately transformed into a concert venue where I saw some pretty cool "up and comers".

The "up and comer" I saw there that up and came the farthest would be the mighty Metallica. They were on the "Ride The Lightning" tour back then.

Metallica In El Paso

It was not Metallica's first show in the area, (they played Las Cruces in 1983 on the NMSU campus), but it was their first in El Paso. It was also the only time I ever got to see Cliff Burton live.

I even got half a hand shake from him as they left the stage via a spiral staircase that led up stairs to where the dressing rooms were. There was also a balcony area but, luckily, we were on the floor that night, right by the stage.

It was a great night and we were so close to the stage. Years later, I'd get to go backstage and even side stage but, that night, it was the closest I'd ever been to a "big" band and I was loving it.

It didn't last long but we saw a lot of shows there including a local metal band showcase that my friend and I watched from on one of those little paddle boats in the middle of that mini - lake. Rumors that we had a joint with us have never been substantiated.

READ MORE: El Paso's Many Concert Venues

Saxon, Savatage, Megadeth, Lita Ford, Exciter, Ratt and quite a few others made their El Paso stops there. All in their "hungry days", giving 150% every night, hanging out with their fans when they could and just having a blast.

Another band I saw there was one I had never heard of, Rogue Male. They were new and nobody knew who they were. Their manager was handing out free copies of their album to everyone as they entered and their bassist blew me away.

I credit him, (Kevin Collier), Jeff Peters from Reacharound, (check them out here), and Lemmy with setting me on the path to the tone I finally found for my own bass playing.

The Big Apple was one of the coolest venues El Paso ever had - there will definitely never be another one like it.