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Backstage is a renowned nightclub and live music venue located at Reitknechtstr. 6, 80639 Munich, Germany. Established in the early 1990s, Backstage originally gained prominence as a cultural hotspot by providing a platform for alternative music and subcultures during a period when such spaces were in short supply within Munich’s more conservative nightlife scene. Over the years, it has become much more than a typical nightclub, functioning as a central hub for concerts, club nights, open-air events, and political cultural engagement.

Its reputation as an inclusive and progressive venue is cemented by its diverse programming, which spans genres from punk, metal, and hip-hop to reggae, indie, and electronic music. Backstage is widely recognized within Munich and far beyond as a vital breeding ground for subcultural movements and an enduring symbol of countercultural expression in the city. Throughout its history, Backstage has undergone several changes in location and structure due to urban development and changing city regulations; it moved to its current location on Reitknechtstrasse after its original site was repurposed, yet the venue has managed to maintain its signature eclectic and independent spirit.

The current complex comprises multiple indoor halls of varying sizes, beer gardens, and an open-air area, allowing for simultaneous events and a festival-like atmosphere. This adaptability has helped Backstage outlast many other clubs and concert spaces in Munich, and it remains a cornerstone of the local music and nightlife community as well as a favorite destination for touring artists. Notable artists who have performed at Backstage over the years include international acts such as Bring Me The Horizon, Motörhead, Die Antwoord, Sepultura, The Offspring, and Bullet for My Valentine, alongside celebrated local and German artists like Die Ärzte, Sportfreunde Stiller, Frittenbude, LaBrassBanda, Beginner, and Blumentopf.