It's common at large venues. I don't know any large theaters, stadiums, even clubs, that allow photography without a pass. A photography pass is even required at places the size of San Francisco's Bimbo's 365 Club. Even after I had a pass there and had been told I could shoot with flash, the big guys with the t-shirts told me I couldn't use flash.(posted 8333 days ago)Usually you need the permission of both the venue and the performer (or spiritual leader, whatever) in order to shoot. It's a lot easier to get the performer to tell the venue that you will be shooting for them.
At the Sex Mob show, the club knows me, I have shot there regularly, and it's not a problem. However, I still asked the Leader of the Mob. If he had said no, I wouldn't have shot, but fortunately, he was into it.