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Live Nation today unveiled The Truth, a 4,400 capacity indoor music venue set to open fall 2026 in Nashville’s Wedgewood Houston neighborhood. Built for live performance, The Truth celebrates Nashville’s creative culture, honoring the city’s rich legacy while providing a bold, modern stage for artists and fans alike.
“The legendary songwriter Harlan Howard said all you need for a good country song is three chords and the truth. The Truth is built on that same idea,” said Sally Williams, President of Nashville Music & Business Strategy, Live Nation. “Our goal is to create a space that could only exist here — where raw, honest music meets world-class production, and where fans and artists from across all genres can connect in a way that feels unmistakably Nashville.”
Designed by Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s in-house design and development group the venue will feature a flexible floor plan with three levels of fans close to the stage, accommodating both standing-room and fully seated shows. Every detail reflects Nashville’s creative DNA, from Harlan’s, a whiskey bar honoring the legendary Harlan Howard, to the Vinyl Room, an exclusive two-story listening lounge celebrating the neighborhood’s deep vinyl roots. Elevated food and beverage menus will highlight local favorites, including Nashville-made whiskeys and spirits.
As part of its launch, Live Nation is investing in Nashville’s creative community through multi-year commitments to two cornerstone organizations: the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the W.O. Smith Music School. Both partnerships reflect the spirit of The Truth: honoring the city’s foundation, while fostering the next generation of creators.
Just up the street from The Truth on 8th Avenue South, W.O. Smith Music School has been transforming lives through music since 1984. Founded to make music education accessible to children from low-income families, the school now serves hundreds of students annually, offering instruments, instruction, and performance opportunities. Through resources, mentorship and access, the collaboration underscores Live Nation’s belief that Nashville’s creative future depends on investing in its youngest musicians.
“NSAI is excited that Live Nation is recognizing Nashville songwriters as the backbone of our music community,” said Bart Harbison, Executive Director, NSAI. “From naming their amazing new venue, ‘The Truth,’ derived from legendary songwriter Harlan Howard’s famous saying, to lyric displays and other songwriter recognitions inside the remarkable facility, the space will highlight the important contribution of songwriters to the industry ecosystem. In addition, Live Nation’s generous financial support for NSAI will help us continue the work we do for the songwriting profession. We are very enthusiastic about the possibilities we can employ as we work together.”
The Truth represents a significant investment in Nashville. The venue is projected every year to generate $74 million in economic impact, support 430 jobs, and contribute $6 million in state and local tax revenue.
“The backbone of Music City is the songwriters that put words to our feelings, stories, and joys. I’m excited that The Truth will be a venue that is dedicated to cultivating and supporting great songwriting,” Mayor Freddie O’Connell said. “When I expressed interest in music at a young age, the W.O. Smith Music School helped cultivate my passion, and allowing more folks to have that opportunity is a great way we ensure all Nashvillians can follow their Music City dreams.”
