Fire engulfs landmark theater in Athens, Ga.

Police say a major fire has erupted at the landmark Georgia Theatre in Athens that has been a venue for Georgia bands including R.E.M, Widespread Panic and the B-52s.Witnesses said the fire began around 7 a.m. Friday and was a major blaze. They said the converted movie theater would likely suffer major damage.Former Athens Mayor Doc Eldridge said he saw a huge plume of black smoke when he arrived

June 19, 2009, 4:15 PM UTC / Source: The Associated Press

Police say a major fire has erupted at the landmark Georgia Theatre in Athens that has been a venue for Georgia bands including R.E.M, Widespread Panic and the B-52s.

Witnesses said the fire began around 7 a.m. Friday and was a major blaze. They said the converted movie theater would likely suffer major damage.

Former Athens Mayor Doc Eldridge said he saw a huge plume of black smoke when he arrived at his nearby office in the downtown business district.

In 2008 national touring acts such as the North Mississippi All-Stars, Galactic, Robert Earl Keen, Sister Hazel and Ghostface Killah played at the Georgia Theatre.