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Hammerjacks was a music venue in downtown Baltimore which operated from 1977 to 2006. It was founded by Louis J. Principio III. The club attracted many big-name national acts, but also showcased many rising stars in the music world. The bands ranged from punk, glam, thrash and heavy metal acts most commonly associated with the venue (e.g., Guns N' Roses, Kix, Ratt, Skid Row, Extreme or Wrathchild America) to pop (e.g., Badfinger) and alternative rock groups (e.g., Ramones and Goo Goo Dolls). The club was often frequented by hard-core patrons and musicians donning big hair, leather, lace, spandex, and heavy makeup, and was considered a "hard rock shrine." Hammerjacks, however, attracted audiences with other attire as well.

Hammerjacks initially operated from a converted rowhouse on 1000 S. Charles St, then moved to an old brewery building at 1101 S. Howard St in 1982. The building was torn down on June 12, 1997, to make way for an M&T Bank Stadium parking lot. Hammerjacks was billed as "The largest nightclub on the east coast."

In 2000, Hammerjacks reopened at 316-318 Guilford Ave, which had formerly been used as a car wash. It was put under new management in 2004, and closed in 2006.

In media

The club was featured in John Waters' 1994 film Serial Mom, with grunge band L7 playing the band Camel Lips. It was the location where Kathleen Turner's character Beverly Sutphin was arrested for murder. Interior and exterior views of the club have been featured in music videos, including the band Kix.

An image of a sign for the club appeared on the Iron Maiden album Somewhere In Time.

A new beginning

In the fall of 2021, a new Hammerjacks location opened at 1300 Russell Street. The new ownership group decided to construct the outdoor portion of the facility first due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The newly constructed facility hosts concerts, special events, private events and Baltimore Ravens tailgate events. Plans for an indoor facility are not yet announced.

References

1. Piccoli, S. (1997, May 18). "Just take those old rockers off the shelf upstart label specializes in second chances for recording artists eclipsed by pop trends." Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale), p. 1.D
2. ^ Considine, J. D. (November 10, 2000). "New Hammerjacks is not an 80s place. Nightclub: The music and bar venue, lost to the Ravens' parking lot, rises again. Hammerjacks' third incarnation." Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 21, 2010.
3. Case, Wesley. "Hammerjacks history: What to know about the past, present and future of the storied Baltimore music venue". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved 2021-01-09.
4. Morgan, Jon (April 01, 1997). "Moag sets deadline for Hammerjacks Stadium authority expects deal next week or takeover." Baltimore Sun.Retrieved December 21, 2010.
5. Mirabella, Lorraine, Hiaasen, Rob, & Sessa, Sam (May 24, 2006). "Baltimore nightclub is to close Saturday: Hammerjacks, heavy metal, rock icon, has been sold to developers." Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 21, 2010.
6. "L7 (Camel Lips) playing "Gas Chamber", SERIAL MOM [John Waters, 1994]". Serial Mom. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
7. "Somewhere In Time - Cover Details". The Iron Maiden Commentary. Maverick. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
8. Smith, Mark R. (6 March 2012). "Lightning Set to Strike Upon a Revived Hammerjacks". The Business Monthly. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
9. Maza, Erik (11 November 2011). "Hammerjacks Comeback Planned New Trademark Owner Wants Spot by Baltimore Casino". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 13 April 2013.

External links

• Hammerjacks.com

39°17′35″N 76°36′40″W / 39.29306°N 76.61111°W / 39.29306; -76.61111

• Music venues in Baltimore
• Downtown Baltimore
• Nightclubs in the United States
• Demolished buildings and structures in Baltimore
• Buildings and structures demolished in 1997