Madison Theater — Attraction in Covington

I can't say enough great things about this venue. I traveled here from Milwaukee for a SOLD OUT Ice Nine Kills (with Bad Omens, Hollow Front, & Spring Grove) concert on December 7th. Although the weather at the time was just like home for me, I'm so glad I went.

The staff did their best to handle the crowd once it came time for the two different tiers of VIP holders to enter (to be fair, it's almost always a cluster during this process, and was certainly no fault of the venue). One guy, who I've now come to know as Steven, made sure it was a fair entry for us peasants.. those of us who had formed the true GA line at 11am; others made a line stemming off of the VIP holders, and he'd recognized our very cold and basically frozen at that point, struggle.

Once inside, security throughout the venue did everything they could to make sure we all stayed safe. Being a metal concert, we CAN get a little rowdy sometimes. Security handed out ice cold water to us along the rail, and directing us to pass it back to those behind us they'd see were maybe struggling. Crowd surfers are almost always a battle at INK shows, but barrier security were attentive to them, pulling most everyone over safely.

I had to wait for an Uber for about 30-40 minutes after INK's set was over to bring me back to my hotel. Thanks to the snow that had been evidently coming down during the show, things were very slow moving outside. Venue staff didn't kick me out in the cold either, despite being the last attendee left in the lobby, all while band members were casually strolling around.. I'm so grateful to them for that! Since I was just lurking about, I'd asked one of the staff, what they did with the INK posters in the display cases once the show was over. He did his best to get me one that night, but wasn't able to. After chatting for a bit, he took down my address, said he'd mail me one since I came all the way from Milwaukee.. AND HE CAME THROUGH. Steven C.— You're the MVP of the Madison Theater! I can't thank you enough for doing this! I'm so happy their show that night reignited your passion for what you do, even as an "old metal head". Don't let the aholes get you down or burn you out.. you guys are the real essential workers in this...

Went to see Henry Cho on July 26th. HIS performance was amazing. First, while I understand this place is historic, it is in no was ADA compliant. No handicap parking (and parking is not free after 5PM on the street like they tell you) and no elevator to the balcony. If handicap seating was on the lower level, it came at a premium price.

He was outstanding but when your star performer has to ask about air conditioning, there’s an issue. The place was extremely warm. In the balcony, most of the seats were so close to the tables, people had trouble sitting comfortably. It was also difficult seeing the stairs as there was no lighting to show the steps. Another person and I used our cell phones to light up the steps so people could use the stairs while carrying beverages.

To make matters worse, the live music venue connected to the theatre almost drowned out Mr. Cho because the sound guy hadn’t turned the upper speakers on until half way through the show. Several of us turned around but nothing was done and there were no doors to close blocking out the music except glass doors on the mezzanine level to enter the live music event.

After the show, to add even more to the disappointment, several ladies and I, had to use the restrooms. The stalls were so small, sitting down resulted in you hitting your head on the door. We were in there less than five minutes and a total of less than 10 minutes after the end of the show, when, much to our surprise, we came our to the lights out on the Mezzanine level and stairs. Hard to see going down dark stairs that have dark carpets. We felt our way down, step by step.

What happened to taking pride in such a historical place? Mr. Cho deserved better! The small area they had set up for sales was a joke. With the extreme heat, no thought of opening doors early was given and several standing in line became ill, myself included. At least they sold bottled water - after this 62 year old woman with extremely bad knees had to climb 20 stairs.

I truly expected better. At least Mr. Cho did...

Had a great experience. Drive up form Lexington, KY whenever there is a band worth seeing. Staff have always been friendly and helpful. Security, never had a problem with security, then again, I never did anything to get their attention.

I grew up in Southern California and this place is nothing even close to a dive. You go to shows on the Sunset Strip in the 80's and 90's, then you will have some life experience to use to make an educated statement about a place.

The only people I have seen with any problems are the typical "me first" brats who think they are entitled to anything and everything.

All in all, great venue, good prices, good staff.

** Updated 1/2/14

Went and saw The Misfits play, and apparently every other band within 50 miles of Covington KY was on the bill also. It was ridiculous. The band that was actually touring with The Misfits had to speed through their set because every other band had to play. I think in total we had to wait through 6 or 7 locals to get to Attack and The Misfits. Why do I say 6 or 7? Because I quit counting after the third band. I am sure this was a pay to play event, after all what aspiring act wouldn't want on their resume that they were an opening act for The Misfits.

Also, the sound was awful when The Misfits took the stage. I grew up listening to the band since 82 and I couldn't even tell what half the songs were. Don't say I'm getting to old because the opening acts had better sound than...