The Basement East (Nashville)

The Basement East, colloquially known as "The Beast," is a popular music venue located in Nashville, Tennessee. It was first opened in 2015 by co-owners Mike Grimes and Dave Brown, who also own another Nashville institution, Grimey’s New & Preloved Music record shop. The venue has a capacity of 575, making it roughly four times as large as its sister venue, The Basement.

The Basement East has a rich history of hosting a wide range of artists and genres, from country acts to underground bands to big-name rockers. Some of the artists who have graced its stage include The Record Company, Elizabeth Cook, Paul McDonald, midwxst, Pinkshift, and Caitlin Rose. The venue also hosts regular compilation shows, such as tributes to well-known bands.

In 2020, the venue was destroyed but was quickly rebuilt, symbolizing the resilience of the Nashville music scene. The venue also served as a Covid rapid-testing site during the pandemic.

The Basement East is not just a music venue, but also a part of the local culture. It's known for its "I Believe in Nashville" mural and its role in the music industry. The venue is also known for its surprise appearances by famous artists, with Alice Cooper being one of the rockers who've made multiple cameos in recent years.