The Mason Jar

The Mason Jar was a nightclub and music venue in Phoenix, Arizona. It was known for rock music, alternative rock, punk rock, hip hop, and heavy metal in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Many famous bands such as Nirvana, Rob Zombie, The Ramones, Joan Jett, Stone Temple Pilots, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Tool, The Black Crowes, Los Lobos and many others took the stage during its heyday.

The Mason Jar was founded in 1979. Early Arizona acts of note included "The Spiffs" "Blue Shoes" "Llory McDonald" and "The Schoolboys" (later to become Capitol Records recording act "Icon"). Founded by Clyde Shields and sold to Franco Gagliano after a couple years in business. Franko is credited with growing the club and making the small venue a success with national touring bands. Franco, originally from Sicily, who was a legend in his own right, managed the club from inception until the year 2000. Gagliano was known for his pizazz, personality and his love–hate relationships with the bands that played at the Mason Jar. He certainly made the place all the more lively with his dry sense of humor and thick Sicilian accent. He often wore his famous clog shoes, or “klags.” Many patrons had just as much fun engaging with Franco on numerous conversations over seventy-five cent Kamikaze (cocktail) shots.

Many bands came to the “world famous” Mason Jar on their way to Sunset Strip in Hollywood, California. Some simply ran out of money, never making it to Los Angeles, and others simply liked Phoenix and decided to stay and made it their permanent home. Whatever the reason for passing through Phoenix, all bands somehow made their way to the Mason Jar and the club became world-renowned in the process. Scores of bands played at the Mason Jar before they made it big, such as Tool, Green Day, Kid Rock, Rage Against the Machine, Jane's Addiction and Guns N' Roses. Local bands such as Surgical Steel, Flotsam and Jetsam The Results and Sacred Reich also played there. Jason Newsted of Flotsam and Jetsam, who later became the bass player for Metallica, was a regular at the Mason Jar.

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