Alright, music lovers of Albuquerque, buckle up for a no-holds-barred review of the infamous Launchpad. As a musician who’s played at this joint more times than I can count, I’m going to give you the real deal, from the good to the bad to the ugly.
The Good
Let’s start with the good, because there’s definitely some good to be found at the Launchpad. First of all, this place has been a staple of the Albuquerque music scene for over 20 years, and it has played host to some of the most epic shows in the city’s history. If you’re a fan of punk, metal, or indie rock, you’re going to find a lot to love here.
Another thing I appreciate about the Launchpad is that it’s run by music lovers, for music lovers. The folks who work here are passionate about what they do, and they’re always looking for ways to make the venue better for everyone involved. They book a lot of local acts, which is great for up-and-coming bands who are trying to get their feet wet in the scene.
The Bad
Now, let’s talk about the bad. One of the biggest complaints I have about the Launchpad is that some nights, the sound is amazing, and you can hear every note crystal-clear. Other nights, it’s like the sound guy is half-asleep and everything just sounds muddy and garbled. The in-house sound equipment is state of the art and one of the best in the city for a venue this size. However, it seems that the sound guy on duty really can make or break this aspect. The monitor situation is either amazing, or non-existent.
The Ugly
But the real ugly side of the Launchpad is the bathroom situation. Look, I know it’s a rock club and all that, but can we please get some functioning bathrooms in here? It’s like they intentionally make the bathrooms as gross as possible to weed out the weak. I’m talking overflowing toilets, broken stall doors, and that weird smell that you can’t quite place but you know it’s not good.
All in all, a Wonderful place…
All that being said, the Launchpad is still one of my favorite places to play in Albuquerque. There’s just something about the energy of the place that keeps me coming back, despite the flaws. And hey, if you’re a true music lover, you’re willing to put up with a little bit of grime and discomfort in order to see your favorite bands in action.
So, there you have it, folks. The good, the bad, and the ugly of the Launchpad, from the perspective of a seasoned musician in Albuquerque. If you’re looking for an authentic rock club experience, this is definitely the place to be. Just don’t expect luxury accommodations, and make sure you bring some hand sanitizer
