Former Austin music venue revived with 'Armadillo Forever' pop-up on South Congress

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Armadillo World Headquarters closed its doors on Dec. 30, 1980. But Austin's legendary live music venue has a new life on South Congress.

"Armadillo Forever," a pop-up store benefiting local music organizations, recently opened to preserve the music venue's legacy and bridge the divide between "old Austin" and "new Austin." Visitors can buy merchandise from Austin musicians and experience live music or art inside.

Nick Shuley, the spokesperson for the new Armadillo venture, said he hopes Armadillo Forever can tell Austin's music story from a nostalgia perspective and also support today's artists.

"We want people to understand why Austin's great and what the history of the music scene is and where that came from," he said.

The group fueling the endeavor is giving 100% of gross proceeds back to Austin music organizations like Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, SIMS Foundation and Sonic Guild. Items for sale include clothing, posters, art and more.

The Armadillo World Headquarters was an early base for Austin’s music scene in the 1970s, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

During its short-lived history, traveling musicians made pitstops at the 1,500-seat venue on Barton Springs Road. They included Frank Zappa, the Pointer Sisters, Bruce Springsteen, some Grateful Dead members and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Most famously, the venue hosted Willie Nelson in 1972.

"It was just a place where it didn't matter who you were, didn't matter what you looked like, didn't matter what kind of music you liked, you just kind of went there and you knew it was going to be a good thing," Shuley said. "I think that that helped give birth to a lot of the vibe of Austin, in a sense."

The Armadillo’s last show was New Year's Eve 1980, as downtown Austin development increased, the TSHA said.

Eddie Wilson, one of the founders of Armadillo World Headquarters, said he is excited to see what they can do next "in this ever-changing city."

“The Armadillo was such a big part of my life and Austin’s history," Wilson said in a statement. "I’m proud of the legacy we built, and the impact we made still has value today by supporting our musicians and artists. The team behind this is incredible, and they’re keeping that original, free-spirited vibe alive." 

Armadillo Forever is located at the South Congress Hotel. The shop will be open through the end of 2024, but future plans are in the works, Shuley said.