Beer was hot and 7 bucks. Small sunshine theater basically but bands were good minus some feedback from the speakers.

Tickets were affordable. Staff was cool and helpful. My girl and I stood in the 21+ area and of course bought 2 drinks for a pricey $18 for 2 beers! Ouch! But was expected. The acoustics could be better as the concert sounded distorted. The lows are over powering! The show we went to had these annoying blinking lights kinda like if you were to stare into sun! I stopped watching and just listened. So if youre looking for a concert to watch a decent price try the El Rey! I just recommend pre-gaming to avoid over spending! Have fun, be safe and rock on!

First visit at the Historic El Rey Theater and it was a great day! Was there to watch Generation Axe and was lucky enough to get my guitar signed by Steve Vai! They host a wide variety of acts so there is akways something for any and every taste.There are plenty of places to eat, catch a cup of coffee, sushi and pizza within walking distance. There are parking meters around as well as paid parking lots around and near the venue.The venue has a historic feel, from the open location to its visual appeal. Attendees can expect a line to form early and be prepared for a wait as their personnel will card and pat down patrons (which was worth the extra time in line for safety). All staff I encountered were very nice and polite.Once inside you will enter a small lobby and then walk into the bar/viewing area. There is also an entryway to the floor area to the right of the bar. A lot of cool old touches such as large wall sconces and murals to decorate the walls. There is also a mezzanine level that looks down to the audience and the stage area.To compliment the historic touches were the very modern lights and sound system. The sound was very clean and LOUD. Great experience!Do yourself a favor and find a show to enjoy this beautiful venue!

Very historical. Not excessive crowd. Staff very polite and friendly. My first time there and enjoyed the evening immensely. Will be going back. Thanks guys and gals!!!

Best theater in town to see live music, I wish they would book & promote more liva acts here.. Easy access off the corner of 7th & Central paid parking lot across the street. Free parking on central after 6pm.. Sitting is limited with a few tables downstairs & limited sitting up in the balcony.. Sound & acoustics are really good with 3 bars downstairs, upstairs & next door..

We saw Anthrax here and it was a really great venue! The weirdest thing was not being able to bring drinks onto the floor, but it didnt deter us from having a good time. The sound was great and it was an amazing place to see such a big band like Anthrax. My biggest complaint was that they opened this vent halfway through the show and it made it really cold for a lot of it. If that could be more regulated, like turning it on and off at intervals, everyone would have been more comfortable.

I visited the El Rey Theatre for the first time in October of 2018 to see Danzig and was pleasantly surprised. The staff I interacted with was nice and the auditory quality was high. After hearing so much and reading up on the history of this venue it was great to be able to check this place off my list. My only complaint is that this venue would really benefit from a fresh coat of paint and a few cosmetic renovations. Otherwise, I had an awesome time and would like to see another show here again soon.

This has always been my favorite place to catch a show since back in the day. They have some of the best performers from mainstream to local artists. In my opinion, the smaller venue makes each performance a more personal one vs the huge overcrowded venues.

It’s a historic location and as such is a little bit run down and dirty but for a small concert venue it’s pretty decent.

I know there have been lots of complaints in the past but I went for a concert in New Years 2019 and it was pretty great. Facility was clean and warm enough, staff was super friendly. I had a VIP ticket so they actually would go and get food from the food truck outside upon ordering. My only complaint is that it was freezing and the doors didnt open until 30 minutes after posted time. The line was getting long and everyone was unhappy cuz the doors should have been open.

I had never been to a concert here until last night for Hirie! I loved how you could feel the music in your feet from the types of flooring in the venue. Good times!!

For the most part, I have been enjoying coming to the El Rey for many different shows. They have been booking a lot more artists for the genre of music I like (EDM) and its a great time. Lately, however, they security on the inside has been extremely rude and unjustified. I watched SEVERAL people literally fall flat on their face and hang over someone because they were way too intoxicated to be functioning. I also watched my friend go to the bar to get a water after ONE drink and she got kicked out because she tripped over herself. The security guard claimed she was stumbling. I guess next time anyone goes to El Rey, make sure that youre super glued to the ground. They might kick you out for taking one too many steps.

Beautiful Downtown ,ABQ This venue is ran very well...Almost every staff member I came in contact with was a real pleasure to work.The event was very well promoted and filled up quick eager fans . The out door smoking area also served as the merchadise area.. I must thank the staff for helping us build our booths as space was limited .. Everything worked out well. The fans were passionate and the aftermath rolled out into the streets . Made for some great people watching ..one thing I will note : just like many other downtown areas across the USA . Please be aware of your surroundings at all times .. Don’t leave any valuables in your vehicles and travel in groups from parking lot to doors . Better safe then Sorry ja$ePlenty of great food options nearby .Plenty of parkingNearby hotels a short Uber ride away .Thanks for reading if you happen to visit the El Rey let me know how it went via a review and pics .Hope this helps . Have fun

Awesome Place A Lot Of Good Concerts.

Watched my favorite band of all time at the El Rey theater. I have no complaints. It was a great venue!

Gets packed but great service.

Went to see Cody Jinks perform here tonight. While it was a bit over crowded the show was phenomenal!

They need to check IDs better... Too many underage in the bar area which was supposed to be 21+...

The place is in good conditions, however they miss the one thing that its the most important, coordination. I went there for a Post Malone and it was an absolute mess, nobody knew what was going on and they sent out a guy in order to give us guidance but later on did the complete opposite.

What a blast! Saw black jacket symphonys Pink Floyd the wall. Heart thumping, mesmerizing experience.

Awesome place for a concert. Restrooms were clean and venue was nice.

Excellent venue! Outstanding sound quality I had a great time here

They book the best shows, and for the most part I’ve had an excellent time here. But last night was completely oversold and it was miserable. The music sounded great and the artists killed it, but it was so hot and there was no room to move. There were only 2 bartenders working downstairs in a sold out show. We stood at the bar for about 30 minutes to get drinks, but decided to try and get somewhere where we could see the stage because we couldn’t see anything at the bar and we didn’t want to miss the show. We tried to go around to the under age area to get to a spot to see, but it was so packed we couldn’t get through. We went back to the 21+ side, but they told us we couldn’t get through that way (we had just gone that way before) we had to go all the way around through the beer garden, which wasn’t selling beer or anything, and go down the the entrance by the bathrooms. It was so crowded people were just shoving their way through to get in, which he what we ended up doing. It was a mess, and I was just waiting for a fire or something to happen in that place. Getting out was just as bad, took us around 45 minutes just to get out of the venue. I’ve been to a lot of crowded concerts, but I’ve never not been able to get a drink or even be able to move because of how oversold it was. The El Rey has good shows, and I’ve been to several there, but the new owners suck and don’t know what they are doing.

Great place to see live music! Asking Alexandria kicked ass! 2-19-18!

Mc magic lil rob the bomb concert always the best

Tosin abasi or yngwie j. malmsteen, anyone? ?

Paradise of lasers... 2nd year going always a blast!!!! Beers need to be cheaper tho!

A great venue with lots of cool areas to hang out and still enjoy the events

Update one year later....In the past year weve come here about five more times and my opinion about the venue has dramatically gone down. Like other comments say, they are bringing in great acts, but they over sell so much its not enjoyable at all. On top of this their doors havent been opening on time and the general atmosphere is poor. Im at the point where I dont want to attend anything at the venue anymore because I know its going to be miserable. Their bathrooms have gotten really bad too. They are like Sunshine Theater bad. Its really unfortunate.Rating changed from 4 to 2.Original review:We are so happy another venue in Albuquerque is getting metal shows! This place is pretty cool. There is a mezzanine, but we have been here when its not open or when you have to have VIP tickets to access it. The view is good if its not packed and there are bathrooms and a bar up there. There is also a second, open air bar to the east that is usually accessible. They have a lot more beer there, but spirits are better downstairs inside. There are also tables and benches and heaters when its cold. This is where merch usually is, but the area is 21 and over. Those younger should tell door staff they want to see merch and you will be escorted. When this area isnt open, merch is on the floor next to the little food area.If you have will call tickets dont stand in line at the box office. They can scan them in the normal line. There are pat downs and bag searches, so be prepared.Four stars because sometimes the acoustics in the mezzanine arent great and the last time we went it was so packed it was impossible to see the stage. They werent even allowing people to get to the floor so people had to stay by the entrance/bar.

Awesome place, best theatre Ive been to so far, many awesome memories, you guys keep doing good

Small venue with standing room only; made for a an intimate feeling with the band.

Im always going to concerts here. Theyre usually really good. This last time a fight broke out and security didnt do much about it. My girlfriend even got hit in the tussle. Well still be back, although I hope security gets better.

Rarely hold concerts but the performers the do host are amazing. Saw Chicano Batman, Slum God. Had a amazing time

Saw Gregory Alan Isakov here. Great venue, acoustics are better than Sunshine.

This place was so fun I went to see shoreline mafia the only down side is it was way to hot they could easily throw a fan down the hall

I always enjoy the atmosphere

Just watched Machine head play tonight and it was awesome!

I walked into a party that was awesome. I need to see what band was playing. I couldnt find any info for Friday night June 7.Great staff and atmosphere.

Ive been to several good concerts here. Nice space/venue. Sound was good. Lots of stalls in the bathrooms. It stays cooler by keeping the doors open to the back alley and to the side bar thats open air. The old painted artwork on the walls seriously need updating.

Went to a concert there it was fun but i would say it could be a bit bigger lol man it waa packed.

Saw a great show at El Rey. Queensryche and Fates Warning. Not the best venue ever.

This has been my favorite venue so far. Had an authentic punk feel to it and Bad Religion was epic.

Efn Awesome!

Wasnt happy for the most part. Security told us they saw people change the name plate on our table. My brother spent $300 for us to see a show. And for the better part of it all we saw were the backs of people in front of us. As for the music it was great. Just couldnt see 90% of the show.

Decent place. Depending on what’s going on the crowd can be ghetto and obnoxious. Not the places fault though. Only complaint I have is the people attending venues.

Relatively good acts going. However my fiance and I went 3 times and they have no idea whats going on at their own venue. All three times weve gone they have no idea how to manage VIP. They have you get in one line then maybe half an hour before it lets in they have you run to a different line. The last time we went I had a small bag that I then was told when trying to gain entry wasnt allowed so I had to run to the car. They could have said that while waiting in line before the event. Overall try to avoid this place if possible.

An awesome venue to see a show- Steel Pulse!

If youre employees knew how direct people it would have saved me a damn price for a ticket. The owner wasnt any better just telling me I cant go outside when their employee told me too... and then say Im trying to threaten one of there employees... the owner is trash and the venue is a waste of money for just to trying attend a concert.. worst venue out.of all ABQ

Looooved the Ministry show! Thx 4 the awesome booking!!

Usually has good acoustics for concerts, though it can be hit or miss. It can get really packed and sometimes it seems the cooling is not working that well for the number of people there, so some of the shows are insanely hot and crowded. They have a full bar and a beer garden with a good tap list, though last time I went, the beer garden was closed so not sure what the hours are. Ive had some really awesome times here, and some not-so-good times here, so its kind of unpredictable but they book a lot of great artists so Ill probably continue to go.

Great venue for the shows, unfortunately they have little to no ventilation. You will be hot there...

My personal favorite venue downtown. Has a nice little outside smoking patio and reasonable security. Good sound too.

For those who want an evening out. Old and historical, not far from Old Town, good location.

This place is always so much fun! Awesome list of bands, inexpensive, everyone cool

We got to the El Rey at 6:30 and waited for half an hour outside the theater till someone came and talked to us. They told us that because were under 21 weve been in the wrong line and have to walk around the block, annoyed since no one told us earlier we walk around the block with several other people and find out that the line, the childrens line is in a sketchy alley with poor lighting, needles in the alley, several homeless people, trash everywhere. Parents are expected to leave there children unattended in this line if they are over 21. Some parents put up a fight to this and they were very hesitant about this. This is absolutely ridiculous. They need to re-evaluate their decision. I have been to many concert venues and this by far the worst venue ever.

Great sound system someone knows what they are doing

Great venue for watching musical performances!

Steele pulse at the historic El Rey theatre! What more needs to be said

The staff was friendly and helpful. The video presentations were well done and informative. I liked the variety of topics from different perspectives. Wishing long success to a great group of people who volunteer there.

Bad Place Dont go There Horrible Crowd Horrible Music...Horrible Parking places...and also They dont really have a great Variety of Artist that come by was hoping to see Artist that were doing really well in modern times not washed up people who were doing good 20 years ago..would not suggest you visit this low down cheap place it sucked.

One of my best memories here was seeing Prince (RIP) perform a late night jam session that didnt start until almost midnight and lasted well into the wee hours of the morning. Regardless of whos performing here, youll get ambience thats large and lively enough while preserving reasonable sight lines for most.

Smaller turnout than I expected, although the vibe sure was kickass. I always come to EL Rey when any show comes out

A bit small but overall a great place

So glad its back n inviting good bands to this turn pic from Black Veil Brides show

Alwas have a good time when I show up

Gave this establishment 1 star due to the fact I drove 4 hours to see a comedy show (Chris DElia) in the middle of summer. The chairs were seated too close together and on top of that NO A/C. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?! The combination of the summer heat, odor of people around you, and the lack of A/C left a bitter taste in my mouth. Will probably never stop by here again.

Great place. Positive exciting atmosphere in a historic theater. If you need a break from the show there is a outdoor bar area that sells all different kinds of micro brew.

Large music venue with bars. Good selection of beers.

The mezzanine is where its at! The restrooms could use some updating and the railing could probably use some reinforcing, but we had an awesome time!

It was loud, everyone was drunk, and the place reaked of pot. Five stars, will be back. #icp

I have been here twice, once to watch a Pink Floyd laser show and another time to see Generation Axe live. The laser show was pretty good. But the sound quality for the second one was pretty bad -- too much reverb and muddled sound. I could barely make out the vocals or the lead guitars. I am not sure if it is a problem with the venue or the act. Also, the layout is such that its basically impossible to see the band unless youre really up close. The stage is too low and the floor doesnt have an incline. Good security and friendly staff though.

Great place to catch a concert, it is a crowded but fun atmosphere and there is not a bad place to stand. The crowds can be a little intimidating at times but there is plenty of options for standing and watching.

The bartender was among the most pleasant Ive interacted with in this city. The drinks were affordable and the service was fast. Its a very spacious venue and not much going on as far as decore and atmosphere but given this venue is more directed at music with prominent light shows it makes sense. And the sound quality hasnt disappointed me yet so I definitely plan on returning.

Nice but a/c could be better.

Firstly, this is the worst venue I have ever been to. The seating we had for a comedy show was all folding chairs. All seating was on a first come, first serve basis; if seating is always like that then, why offer different seating prices for the show you are hosting. I feel bad for people that paid for a better seat up front and managed to get seats in the balcony. Inside the venue, they had very bad air conditioning with very poor air circulation. It got very hot, very fast. The staff was very disorganized, it seemed as if they had just gotten people off the street to run concession stand and security. They had no signs saying that the entrance to the show was in the back. The one thing that had sunk the nail in the coffin for me was when I entered the mens room upstairs, the toilet bowl cover was broken and repaired with duck tape. This just tells me that the owners dont care for the patrons, they just want their money.

Great place for smaller shows. It is also a great place for single band or multiple band shows. Great place for any type of show from music to comedy.

Pretty cool spot. They concert hall was cool and the temperature was well maintained even with all the people in there. Theres also like a patio area to smoke and a bar there. Its nice to step out of the show for a bit to get some room and have a drink. Only thing that was a bit of a downer is there were people sitting on the ground where its an all standing area. I tripped over someones feet when i was walking through.

Always too packed so it ruins the show. My friends and I consistently leave early. Waste of money

Great venue and I had the best experience meeting one of my favorite guitarists Nuno bettencourt with the Generation Axe tour.

The Historic El Rey Theater holds a special place in my heart. Originally from out-of-state, this venue has created friendships, memories, and aided in broadening my love for music and community activities. The Historic El Rey Theater isnt your typical venue, its a miraculous one from the different community activities are held here including film making, community outreach projects, to a wide variety of LIVE music! This place is highly recommended for your music and community needs!

Yeah the workers are cool but the venue absolutely sucks. They need A/C and maybe not sell so many damn tickets!! I saw Papa Roach and i felt like a sardine in a can!!! Too manny drunk people to even enjoy the show... Wish it was better.

Great place to catch a show.

Saw Queensryche and Fates Warning. Staff was great, paid more for mezzanine since I dont like crowds. Worth it imo, acustics are better from floor though.

Good venue and getting better with better management.

This venue brings in some really good artists. Some of the best artists that visit Albuquerque will stop at El Rey. Be advised though, the staff can be needlessly harsh and abusive. I have many stories of friends of mine getting kicked out for the smallest of reasons, but my favorite is of a friend who was thrown out for washing his hands too long. There is no other place like in in Albuquerque, but if there was I would go there instead.

I like the small venue, but the sound quality of the bands was not the best. Also, the stage is small, so it seemed like there was not much room for the band members to maove around.

This joint has great accoustics and the concert was a blast. It was like an oven inside but i still got my dance on! Looking forward to the next concert in line. Staff was courteous and very helpful. Thanks!

It was super cold no heat it seems

Audio manager harassed my friend, she declined. We were guests of the artist and followed where we were going to tell the entrance people we had to go in the back of the line - he was not messing with anyone else.The tour manager escorted us up and the audio manager told him the tour manager could come in but we had to wait. Thankfully, the tour manager explained to him we were guests of the artist and considered a part of their group. He finally let us come in but was rude to my friend when she walked by. He needs to be corrected by the owner.El ray never has proper air conditioning either. I will never recommend this place.

Great venue to wat h great music, lo e the open air atmosphere!

Very cool place. The bar next door has a good selection of local beers and they make great drinks.

El rey is one of my favorite venues.

Great all ages venue for concerts catering to all with great security!

I have attended various events here, but all have been during cold months and decent. However, they don’t seem to have air conditioning, which makes warm weather events unpleasant. It was over 90 degrees outside and that was cooler than indoors. Additionally, they need a better entrance system. Security/searches were inefficient and it took over an hour to get in from the middle of the line. Lastly, the bar planned poorly for the crowd size, running out of water before the main band was on. No water or air conditioning with over 90 degree temperatures is outrageous. Two starts were given instead of one because winter events have been much better.

Super small for the Bone Thug, Twista, Do or Die concert we went to on Dec 15th 2018. Great concert of course. But venue should have been bigger and after standing in cold for 3 hours the staff came yelling that if you had actual paper ticket you could pass the line and get straight in. I paid just like the rest did same amount as the people behind us that had actual tickets and got there at 7:30pm which was our choice but they passed us and went in 1 hour before us. We didnt get in until 10:30pm and had to stand in the way back at entrance which was still cold due to doors being left opened. That made me so mad that we will never go no matter who is there. Never agian and bathroom had no toilet paper in any stales and staff was the rudest I had ever encountered in 20 yrs of clubs and concerts.

Always a great time every time I see a show here! Worth going early to every event though, because if youre not in the front row holding the rails, then youre basically in the back if you arent the tallest like I am!

It was great drink was good too

Been going to the venue quite a few times lately, due to them booking some pretty good up and coming acts in rap and heavy music. I feel its a hassle to get in around when the doors open, took us like 25 mins to get in while waiting in line. The sound isnt really that good for the opening acts, headliners however the sound is topnotch.

The best LIVE music venue in Albuquerque, hands down. The experience was amazing, the service was fantastic, and the acoustics were top notch. Cannot wait to return for more performances and amazing drink specials. Stereo bar was a really cool addition as well, I felt like I was in New York again!!

Went to see the Zapp concert. Emailed the venue a week bedore the concert becauae when you called ot said aorry we cant get to you email us for a faster response. Never got a eeply. At the show their website said show at 7. They didnt even open the doors until after 7 and the concert was already on. Very unorganized and unproferssional. The doors should have at least been open half an hour before the show so that everybody could get warm use the restroom and get their drinks