Milwaukee has quite the music scene throughout our city's history. What some might not know is that this downtown venue has a haunted past... and maybe even present.
The Rave, originally known as the Eagles Club, is a music venue that was built in the 1920’s.
Its building has been a host to a multitude of things, including a homeless shelter. Today, it hosts some of the biggest names in music.
This historic venue has six different stages, so there’s always a show going on and it has the ability to have six performances going on at once.
However, The Rave / Eagles Club has quite an eerie history...
Iconic rock n’ roll figure, Buddy Holly, died in a tragic plane crash after playing his last show in the ballroom along with other musicians. Today, artists from all over the world play the venue and report unusual sightings during their visit.
The historic building has gone through many changes, and at one point was an athletic club that featured a gymnasium, basketball court, and 70-foot-long swimming pool.
That pool is now abandoned, but is known to hold eerie sightings.
The pool has a particularly dark past. Two children drowned in the swimming pool, leading to the athletic club’s closure.
A 17-year-old man also died in the pool after suffering a heart attack. Nowadays, staff members tell tales of a little girl who wanders the pool, and they often hear shuffling footsteps and smell the scent of bleach. Band members who are intrigued by the creepy history often go on tours of the venue, and many autograph the outside of the pool.
Most of the paranormal sightings happen after-hours.
Staff members report seeing lights go off in the building and hearing noises when no one is around.
Legends say that a former employee named Jack still inhabits the boiler room... and doesn't like when people interrupt his work.!
A group of ghost hunters captured a disembodied voice yell, "Get out!" They caught it on video! You can see it here.
The basement and other areas that aren't open to the public have had the most paranormal sightings... which is why they keep the doors locked.
The Eagles Ballroom is one of the most beautiful ballrooms in the city, but it also has its share of creepy occurrences.
One employee tells the tale of a man standing on the balcony in the ballroom, but once security was sent to remove him, the man vanished before their eyes. Many bands say they feel as though someone is watching them as they rehearse.
Even though this music venue has a sinister reputation, it's still a fantastic concert venue that offers an experience unlike any other. Just don't go alone!
Does the history give you goosebumps? Did you visit without knowing you were on haunted ground? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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