The Bomb Factory


The Bomb Factory is an American live music venue and event space located in the Deep Ellum district of downtown Dallas, Texas. Since its reopening in March 2015, the venue has hosted acts including Erykah Badu, Sturgill Simpson, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, Disclosure, Don Henley of The Eagles, Future, D'Angelo, Brand New, Hardwell, Chvrches., Kraftwerk, Hatsune Miku, and Ludacris.

History

1914–1970

In 1914, Henry Ford acquired this site for one of his first automobile assembly plants. The plant, along with the present day Adam Hats building, remained in the 2700 block of Williams Street until the 1930s.
At the turn of World War II, Ford was pushed to help the United States gear up for war. The manufacturing of automobiles ceased, as the production of jeeps, practice bombs, and ammunition for the war effort began under the new company name Mayhew Machine and Engineering Works. With an impending economic recession, the factory closed down in the 1970s.
In the early 1990s, Deep Ellum attracted industrial developments, commercial storefronts, and early musical cultures such as jazz and blues. The Bomb Factory resurfaced as one of the largest music venues in Deep Ellum. Towards the end of the decade, Deep Ellum took another downturn forcing many venues and businesses to shutter its doors.
In recent years, the Deep Ellum neighborhood has flourished economically and culturally and continues to thrive, dedicating the area primarily to local arts, music, and businesses. Under new ownership, the Bomb Factory reopened March 2015 as a turnkey venue hosting concerts, private parties, banquets, company meetings and more.

1993–1997

The Bomb Factory first opened its doors as a music venue in 1993 and hosted acts including Ramones, Sonic Youth, and Phish, whose "Tweezerfest" performance at The Bomb Factory in 1994 has since become a fan favorite, before its closure in 1997. Additionally, The Bomb Factory also saw acts including Megadeth, Korn, Fugees, Black Sabbath, Rage Against the Machine, Fugazi, INXS, Marilyn Manson, Tool, Motörhead, Nine Inch Nails, Slayer, and Dave Matthews Band during its initial run as a venue.
On Wednesday, August 9, 1995, the first ever run of the Warped Tour came through Dallas and took place in the parking lot of The Bomb Factory. L7, Sublime, and Quicksand headlined the concert, with support from No Use for a Name, Sick of It All, Fluf, Seaweed, and Tilt.

2015–present

In November 2013, Trees Dallas owner Clint Barlow announced that he would be resurrecting The Bomb Factory after 15 years. The multimillion dollar project detailed plans for a complete renovation of the space, including air conditioning, the installation of mezzanine seating, eight VIP suites, a centered stage with unobstructed views, a raised roof, and state of the art lights and sound systems. Additionally, the renovation plans for backstage featured four green rooms with laundry and shower facilities, as well as a gym for touring artists. On Thursday, March 26, 2015, The Bomb Factory opened its doors to the public with a sold-out grand opening concert, headlined by Erykah Badu with support from Dallas-based singer/songwriter, Sarah Jaffe.
Since its grand opening, the 48,000-square-foot venue has seen acts including The Lumineers, Sturgill Simpson, Robert Plant, Disclosure, Don Henley, Future, D'Angelo, Brand New, Hardwell, Chvrches, and Ms. Lauryn Hill, held events including the Elm Street Music and Tattoo Festival, and corporate events for companies including Jaguar, Raising Cane's, and Dallas Observer.
In addition to booking live music, festivals, conventions, and private events, The Bomb Factory frequently hosts boxing and mixed martial arts events. On Saturday, November 28, 2015, The Bomb Factory hosted the Premier Boxing Champions Super Welterweight World Championship, which was televised on NBC. Jermall Charlo and Wilky Campfort were the title fighters. On Saturday, January 9, 2016, Dominion Warrior presented an MMA Fight Night at The Bomb Factory. The event featured primarily local fighters. Top Rank presented Bomb Factory Fight Club at The Bomb Factory on Saturday, January 16, 2016. The event featured a lightweight match between Eric De Leon and Fidel Navarette and a middleweight fight between Matt Korobov and Jose Obando as the co-main events. The fights were televised on UniMás Network in the United States.
On 31 October 2017, Clint and Whitney Barlow reopened Deep Ellum Live as Canton Hall, an indoor music venue capable of holding up to 1100 people.

Notable events