5 Historic Nights at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center

The Mid-Hudson Civic Center, now known as Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center , made its grand debut in 1976, a year that marked a significant milestone in the region's cultural history. This iconic venue, which has since welcomed some of the biggest names in show business, holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Here is a look back at the arena's glory days.

THE HEADBANGERS BALL TOUR - May 12, 1989

The 30-city Headbangers Ball Tour, a significant event in the music industry, kicked off in Seattle and concluded its raucous journey right here in Poughkeepsie. This tour, which was a promotional platform for MTV’s famed HEADBANGERS BALL ( back when music was on MTV), featured a lineup that included Helloween, Exodus (in what would be their last tour with drummer Tom Hunting until his return in 1997), and headliners ANTHRAX (known for Scott Ian's iconic goatee and his marriage to MEATLOAF’s Daughter Pearl Aday).

The hair was long, the music was loud and the floor was sticky. The Headbangers Ball Tour also returned in 1992 with Headliners MEGADETH.

KISS – Animalize World Tour – November 28, 1984

The KISS-Animalize World Tour made its mark in Poughkeepsie on November 28, 1984, with a performance that was unique to only two other cities. Lead guitarist Mark St. John played throughout the entire show, a tenure that would encompass only three shows, two of which were complete shows and one partial show, before he was permanently replaced by Bruce Kulick.

In 2023 an Unauthorized Double LP of this Historic performance was released in honor of Record Store Day

WWF MONDAY NIGHT RAW – March 13, 1993

Although The World Wrestling Federation has taped numerous events at the famed Mid-Hudson Civic Center over the years, This March 1993 night saw the very first time the WWF took its flagship show on the road. Monday Night Raw, the longest-running weekly episodic show of all time, now in its 31st year, had only been taped at that point in New York City’s Manhattan Center, one block north from the site of the inaugural WrestleMania, Madison Square Garden.

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RUSH – All The Worlds a Stage- April 21, 1977

The first of Rush’s 4 MHCC shows saw opening acts Max Webster and Angel who toured with RUSH all Spring long, Rush would also return to The Mid-Hudson Civic Center in November of 1977 as the Opening act for AC/DC

THE SNOCORE TOUR- February 18, 2000

The new Millennium kicked off in the most JNCO jeans way imaginable on 2/18/2000. System of a Down & Incubus were the driving force behind this heavy metal tour that warmed up the blistering cold of the Hudson Valley. The Snocore Tour ran for 20 years from 1995 – 2015 but made its only MHCC stop in 2000.

Over the years, the name and face of this iconic venue may have changed, but its enduring legacy as a cornerstone of the region's entertainment scene remains. It's a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the area and a source of pride for all who have been part of its journey.