Marshall, the company behind the iconic amps used by Jimi Hendrix, Mick Ronson, Mick Jones, Jimmy Page, Slash and Pete Townsend, is aiming to highlight the importance of independent live music with a major content series which sees young bands play at sites where legendary venues once stood.
The Dead Venue Sessions has been created in collaboration with agency partner Anomaly and is brought to life through three gigs at iconic US venues in New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, each captured as a short film by acclaimed documentary filmmaker and photographer Cheryl Dunn.
The limited content series is the latest expression of Marshall’s commitment to grassroots music, a commitment dating back to its origins in 1962, when the company first began supporting independent artists and venues.
The first episode of the series, released today, takes us to a place known to generations of downtown club kids: China Chalet in New York City, where Bronx-based Dominican punk band Planta Industrial takes over the current space, now a food court and arcade, to debut a brand-new single, MIA.
Next, we land in Philly, at the legendary DIY punk space Stalag 13. The venue, now a bodybuilding gym, comes alive once again through the sounds of Sweet Pill. The ascendant emo band takes over the space for a guerilla style performance of No Control from their album released earlier this year.
Finally, we head to iconic Los Angeles Rock Club London Fog. Known for launching The Doors, the club is now a barber shop. But for a few hours the space comes alive once again as The Linda Lindas take the stage to perform Burning Out, a new song from their recently released album.
Marshall Group vice-president of brand marketing Christine Kennedy said: “Hundreds of artists got their start on stages across the country that have since gone dark. While this series features three venues, it represents thousands. We wanted to capture a snapshot of that experience for our fans, venue supporters, and the bands’ audiences.
“We chose three bands with deep ties to these cities who represent a new generation of independent music. Our hope is that the series raises awareness and support for small venues and helps keep their lights on.”
The brand’s commitment extends beyond this series, reaching directly into venues’ pockets. Through its Amplify program, unveiled earlier this year, Marshall directs 1% of online purchases straight to grassroots venues – supporting with backline equipment, live events and longer-term partnerships that keep emerging artists playing, already reaching US rooms like Baby’s All Right in New York, Zebulon in LA and Mohawk in Austin.
Alongside the first video in this series, Marshall is also launching a limited edition Keep Live Music Alive T-shirt, available exclusively for Amplify members, with 100% of every purchase going directly to independent venues.
Through this new series and continued support for venues and artists, Marshall shines a light on the importance of live music, and the spaces and bands that keep that spirit alive.
The series will roll out with six-minute episodes running through to October 2, 2026. All videos will be viewable through the Keep Live Music alive page and YouTube Channel.
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