The name „Grosse Freiheit“ has a long history in the center of Hamburg’s clubbing and party district St.Pauli. The street became famous for it’s large number of night clubs, strip clubs and brothels. At the same time the street became equally famous for it’s music scene. The Beatles began their career at the Star-Club just across the street from the replacement club bearing arguably the most famous house number in St. Pauli: Grosse Freiheit 36.
Große Freiheit opened its rustic doors in September of 1985. The concert was Rory Gallagher, the audience over 2000 people squeezed in to over capacity while still others were outside. This set the stage for popular live music venue it is today.
The pictures and names adorning the offices of Große Freiheit are astonishing both in scope and diversity. Everyone has played here from all genres of music. As PRETENDERS singer Chrissie Hydne once called „the best club in the world“, the Freiheit has maintained a program of top acts in a variety of styles ranging from pop, rock, metal, hip hop, funk and salsa making the club a Hamburg institution. The club has a capacity of 1500 guests and has been sold out time and time again when the big names come to town.
The large venue has three parts, the famous Kaiserkeller in the basement where the Beatles once played, Galeria which holds weekly Latin parties and shows, and the main hall where both world famous, local, and Indi acts command the stage. The club attracts people from all walks of life and interests, the love for music being the glue. Not only is the Grosse Freiheit 36 known for it’s great live concerts, but also as a party temple with popular events such as the „Galeria del Latino“, an all night Latin Carribian dance party with a dance instructor giving a free latin dance class in styles including samba, salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata! Perhaps the „Return to the 80s“ dance party is more up your alley, or perhaps a gothic dance party in Grosse Freiheit 36’s equally famous basement: Kaiserkeller. For over 20 years the Schwarze Nacht (black night) has been the biggest and most popular gothic party with wave, gothic, industrial, and ebm music every Wednesday, entrance free. For those of you who like it hard and heavy, metal fans meet in the Kaiserkeller for the „Eat This“ party on the first Friday every month.
The Grosse Freiheit 36 opens it’s stage for creative musicians in the Galeria Live Unplugged series. If you can sing or play an instrument, you are welcome to come and sit in with the band. This is perfect opportunity to gain some experience and present your song in public.
Whether you want to dance or just sit back and listen, the Grosse Freiheit 36 offers a program for fans of a wide variety of music. Check out the program on the website and get ready for a good time!
Grosse Freiheit 36
Hamburg 20359
