10 Iconic Pop Culture Moments From El Paso History
El Paso’s known for its borderland charm, desert sunsets, and tight-knit communities, but the city has also hosted some of pop culture’s most unexpected moments. From music legends showing up unannounced to iconic artists kicking off career-defining tours here, these ten stories reveal a side of El Paso history you probably didn’t hear about in school.
1. Tom Waits Got the Key to the City at the Plaza Theatre
In 2008, cult music icon Tom Waits performed at the historic Plaza Theatre. Mid-show, he was handed the key to the city by a police officer, no less. The award visibly surprised him, and the moment marked one of the rare times the famously private artist received a civic honor onstage.
2. Beck and MGMT Played a Surprise Set at The Percolator
Beck’s 2008 show at the Abraham Chavez Theatre was already big news, but what came after became local legend. That night, Beck gave an unannounced acoustic set at The Percolator coffee shop—and brought MGMT with him. The psych-pop duo was touring with him at the time, and together, they turned a cozy coffee shop into one of the coolest venues in indie rock history for one unforgettable night.
3. Fleetwood Mac Launched a New Era in El Paso
The very first U.S. concert featuring the now-legendary Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham lineup of Fleetwood Mac happened right here in El Paso. On May 15, 1975, they took the stage at the County Coliseum, unknowingly launching one of the most iconic chapters in rock history.
EXTRA FUN FACT: Stevie Nicks actually lived in El Paso and went to Loretto Academy, Basset Middle School, and Crockett Elementary!
4. Marty Robbins Immortalized a Real El Paso Cantina
“Out in the West Texas town of El Paso…” begins the 1959 hit by Marty Robbins. Turns out, Rosa’s Cantina is real and still standing. Located off Doniphan Drive, the bar that inspired the country-western ballad continues to draw tourists chasing musical lore.
5. Elizabeth Taylor Slept Here in the Hilton Penthouse
Before marrying Conrad “Nicki” Hilton Jr., 17-year-old Elizabeth Taylor stayed in the penthouse of the Hotel Hilton in downtown El Paso, now its known as the Plaza Hotel. It was the first high-rise hotel built by Hilton himself in 1930 and for a time, it hosted Hollywood royalty.
6. Malena Cano Broke Barriers in Mariachi
Known as “La Perla,” Malena Cano began singing mariachi music at age 10, going on to become one of the genre’s earliest female headliners. A lifelong El Pasoan, she’s received honors from the Smithsonian and helped preserve local history through her performances.
7. Leona Ford Washington Wrote El Paso’s Official Song
Teacher, activist, and civic leader Leona Ford Washington didn’t just start the McCall Neighborhood Center. She also composed “The City of El Paso,” which was adopted as the city’s official song in the 1980s. Her work helped preserve Black history in the region.
8. Elvis Presley Rocked a Sold-Out Coliseum
Elvis hit El Paso on November 10, 1972, performing for over 9,000 screaming fans at the County Coliseum. It was part of his comeback era and one of the most iconic concerts in local music history.
9. Sun City Music Festival Turned Cohen Stadium Into a Rave
Before it closed down, Cohen Stadium transformed into an EDM hotspot during the 2011 debut of the Sun City Music Festival. Big names like Armin van Buuren and Paul van Dyk headlined, putting El Paso on the electronic music map for a moment in time.
10. Metallica Played a Dive Bar Called The Big Apple
Before they were the biggest metal band on Earth, Metallica played a humble El Paso bar called The Big Apple. Located near Fort Bliss, the now-defunct venue hosted them during their early touring days. Fans packed into the small space to hear what would later become one of the loudest bands in rock history. There are a few photos of the show floating around, KLAQs Dubba G even wrote an article about the whole experience! Unfortunately, the internet has no photos of the venue The Big Apple aside from pictures of this specific concert.
These moments are reminders that even in the farthest corner of West Texas, pop culture has a way of slipping in quietly and sometimes, leaving behind legends.
Meet the El Paso Talent Making Waves in Broadway and Hollywood
Gallery Credit: Getty Images
El Paso, TX Musician at The 2022 Grammys
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Roger Argenis