THE CATACOMBS:
HOUSTON'S ROCK AND ROLL
NIGHTCLUB
Copyright 2006-2007. All Rights Reserved.
This website is for historical purposes only. All images
and source material used on this web site are in the
care and custody of Dr. Dennis Hickey and may
not be copied, rewritten, or redistributed without written permission.

The Catacombs was one of Houston's most important rock and roll clubs.  The "grand opening" of the club was held on April 29-30, 1966.  Like many similar venues around America during this era, the Catacombs was designed for the entertainment of teenagers (the rules initially required "school clothing") and only those between the ages of 15-20 were allowed into the establishment.  At first, it was located at 3003 South Post Oak Road.  Like other clubs of the era, it featured bands like The McCoys ("Hang on Sloopy") and The Cyrkle ("Red Rubber Ball"), The Five Americans, The Gentrys, The Outsiders and The Shadows of Knight.  At the same time, however, an amazing variety of local Texas bands (described today as "garage" or "punk" bands) also performed at the Catacombs. These were often the backup bands for the national acts.  Around late 1968 or early 1969, the Catacombs moved to a new location at the intersection of University and Kirby.  The club was no longer a "teeny bopper" hangout (initially there was an age limit stating that those admitted to the club must be between 15 and 20 years old!).  In fact, shortly before making the move, the Catacombs hosted what it described as "Houston's first pop festival" featuring the Mothers of Invention, Country Joe & the Fish, Canned Heat and a number of local acts.  After moving to the new location, bands performing included Ten Years After, Jethro Tull and B.B. King (see below).  The club also promoted some shows at the Sam Houston Coliseum and the Music Hall (click on these links to view some posters from that venue), but its chief rival was The Love Street Light Circus and Feelgood Machine. Eventually, the Catacombs closed and was replaced by "Of Our Own" which operated at the University and Kirby location from 1970 through 1971. If you have any posters, handbills or other items from the Catacombs or other 1960s era Texas clubs, please contact me at dennishickey@missouristate.edu as I pay the highest dollar for such materials! Thanks!!!

This Catacombs poster dates from January 1967 and promotes a performance by the Cyrkle. More interesting, however, are the Texas acts on the bill.  The "Sparkles" and the incredible "Baby Cakes" also performed at this show!  The one on the right side of your screen is autographed by members of the band.

This Catacombs poster also dates  from December 1966 and promotes a performance by the Five Americans (originally from Oklahoma, but most often associated with Dallas). More interesting, however, are the Texas acts on the bill.  The "Heard" and the "Basis Things" also performed at this show!

Look at the back-up bands on this Catacombs poster promoting a 1967 show by the McCoys! It's none other than the fantastic "Fugitives" from San Antonio! The McCoys ("Hang on Sloopy) autographed the poster on the right side of your screen

This is yet another autographed concert poster from
the Catacombs. This 1966 show features the Gentrys ("Keep on Dancing")
with the Flyze as a back-up band!  More research is required to learn
something about the Flyze!

The Moving Sidewalks gets a small billing on this 1966 Catacombs poster
promoting a show by the Outsiders ("Time Won't Let Me") and
Houston's Neal Ford and the Fanatics

The "King" of America's garage bands, the Shadows of Knight,
made a stop at the Catacombs.  The band was from Chicago and
had a smash hit with "Gloria."  This poster was probably displayed in
the club and dates from 1966.


This Catacombs poster dates from August 1968--the last days of the club on South Post Oak and promotes Houston's first pop festival.  Note that the Moving Sidewalks also performed at this concert!

This is an incredible alternative version to "boxing style" Catacombs pop festival poster above.
It was distributed before the show and available for sale at the concert!

This is a close-up of the Pop Festival Poster.  Notice that the event is
promoted as a Trip Festival!
 

In this instance, we see that the Catacombs is promoting a 1969 "pop festival" at Houston's Music Hall.  The band, Spirit, was extraordinarily popular in Houston and visited the city many times.
 

After moving from the location on South Post Oak to its new home at the intersection of
University and Kirby, Jethro Tull appeared at the Catacombs. This 1969 handbill promotes that show.

B.B. King and other blues acts also performed at the Catacombs. This handbill dates from 1969.

Ten Years After performed at the Catacombs on August 30, 1969.
The concert was immediately after their appearance at Woodstock
and right before their appearance at the Texas International Pop Festival.
 

ONWARD TO THE VULCAN GAS COMPANY POSTER SITE
OR THE LOVE STREET LIGHT CIRCUS POSTER SITE
OR VISIT THE Sam Houston Coliseum POSTER SITE!
OR CHECK OUT THE HOUSTON MUSIC HALL POSTER SITE
 

CA$H FOR CONCERT POSTERS!
PLEASE CONTACT DR. DENNIS HICKEY AT
Dennishickey@missouristate.edu