Located at 3138 Fillmore Street in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood, The Matrix remains one of the most culturally significant addresses in rock history. Founded in 1965 by Marty Balin (lead singer of Jefferson Airplane), it served as the "ground zero" for the San Francisco Sound and the rise of psychedelic rock.A Legacy of Icons
- The House Band: The newly formed Jefferson Airplane was the club's original house band, performing their first public set there on opening night.
- Historic Acts: The venue hosted early performances from the Grateful Dead, The Doors, Janis Joplin (with Big Brother and the Holding Company), and The Velvet Underground.
- Famous Haunts: It was a favorite spot for gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson and served as the site where the cover photo for the Airplane’s iconic album Surrealistic Pillow was taken.
Evolution Through the DecadesThe space has undergone several high-profile transformations since the original club closed in 1972:
- Pierce Street Annex (1970s–1990s): A popular singles bar and disco hotspot.
- MatrixFillmore (2000–2017): Reimagined by the PlumpJack Group (founded by Gavin Newsom) as one of the city's first high-end "ultra lounges."
- White Rabbit (2018–Present): After a brief return to the name "Matrix" in 2017, the venue was remodeled and renamed White Rabbit, a direct nod to the Jefferson Airplane classic.
Today, the location remains a neighborhood fixture that balances its deep-rooted counterculture history with a modern San Francisco nightlife aesthetic.Would you like more details on the live recordings made at the venue or its influence on 1960s counterculture?
