AUSTIN Austin has dedicated a commemorative marker for the Armadillo World Headquarters -- the famed 1970s hotspot known for performances by Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles, the Ramones and Van Morrison, to name just a few.

The waist-high plaque remembers a place where -- quote -- art, music and the spirit of Austin flourished.

The marker includes an old picture of the former live music stomping grounds, which is now the site of an office building and parking lot.

The Armadillo's run also featured shows by Count Basie, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddie King and Steely Dan.

The Armadillo closed in 1980, after a long battle with financial ruin.

___

Story from Austin American-Statesman: http://www.statesman.com

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.