Fire engulfs landmark theater in Athens, Ga.

Major damage expected at venue that played host to R.E.M. among others

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updated 12:15 p.m. ET June 19, 2009

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 at his nearby office in the downtown business district.

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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.