Trees first opened its doors as a venue in May 1990. Named for its trunk-like support beams, Trees hosted bands including Nirvana, Radiohead, Mazzy Star, and The Afghan Whigs during its initial run as a venue before the club closed in May 2005. It was reopened on August 14, 2009, by Clint Barlow, former drummer for Vanilla Ice, and spouse Whitney Barlow. Since its resurrection, the venue has seen acts including Hiatus Kaiyote, Matt Corby, Charlie Puth, Robert DeLong, Charli XCX, and Jess Glynne.
Notable events
On Friday, May 4, 2010, Deftones played a secret album release show at Trees. The performance followed an early evening, intimate fan Q&A webcast hosted by 102.1 The Edge and moderated by Jessie Jessup, during which the band premiered their new album, Diamond Eyes, completely live. Their Trees performance was announced shortly before the show and sold out immediately. The band played a 21-song set.
On Saturday, May 30, 2015, Dallas-based rapper Post Malone played his first ever sold-out show at Trees. As he only had a few songs recorded at the time of the show, his set, which featured two performances of his hit single, "White Iverson", ran approximately 25 minutes.
Body Count, the rap-metal band co-founded by Ice-T in 1990, performed live at Trees on Saturday, August 22, 2015, for the Trees' 6th Anniversary show. Denver hardcore outfit The News Can Wait along with Dallas local bands Downlo and Mad Mexicans were the supporting acts. Trees co-owner Clint Barlow played drums with Downlo.
Nirvana Trees incident
On October 19, 1991, Nirvana played an infamous set at Trees to a completely sold out crowd. As the show was booked before the band released their breakout hit album, Nevermind, the venue was not large enough to accommodate the number of fans that came. Nirvana's tour manager demanded last minute that Trees hire heightened security, as there was no barrier between the stage and the crowd. Turner Van Blarcum was one of the security guards assigned to keep fans off of the stage, but once Nirvana's set began, fans began to bombard them. Kurt Cobain motioned for the fans to move toward the band as security tried to push the crowd away. Cobain then dove into the crowd, jumping off Van Blarcum's back. As Van Blarcum and other security tried to pull Cobain back onto the stage, Cobain struck Van Blarcum in the head with his guitar. Van Blarcum then punched Cobain in the jaw, and the other two bandmates confronted Blarcum. The audience erupted into madness, while Cobain stayed onstage, making noises with his guitar for a minute before throwing it into the band's drum set. Trees' staff approached drummer Dave Grohl and bassist Krist Novoselic backstage, asking them to return to the stage. They agreed but had to find Cobain, who was hiding in a broom closet. Trees' staff brought him to the stage to finish the show. Once the show was over and the band were in a cab, a heated Van Blarcum punched the cab's window, shattering the glass all over the band. Ultimately, the band paid for both Van Blarcum's medical bills and for damage done to the venue.
After its initial closure in 1999, The Bomb Factory was reopened by current Trees owners Clint and Whitney Barlow on Thursday, March 26, 2015. The 4300 capacity venue was renovated before its resurrection, with the introduction of eight VIP suites, air conditioning, a new roof, a mezzanine section, and brand new light and sound systems. The Bomb Factory is Trees' sister venue. Erykah Badu performed at the venue on opening day.
Canton Hall
On October 31, 2017, Clint and Whitney Barlow reopened Deep Ellum Live as Canton Hall, an indoor venue capable of holding up to 1100 people.
