Live music venues in Toronto

Toronto has a long history of live music venues. Most are gone, many replaced with condos, but some still exist today.

Alphabetical links: C F H J L M P R S T

List of all subjects. You can also see all the historic photos for a given neighbourhood. We also have a list of all the photos arranged by date.

Historic photos of Live music

1925
to
1993

The Concert Hall or The Masonic Temple

Opened in 1918 as the Masonic Temple, it has also been known as Club 888, the Rock Pile, and now The Concert Hall. As a live music venue it has hosted many great bands throughout the years, including Toronto's first Led Zeppelin concert in 1969, and was used as a rehersal space in September 1997 for the Rolling Stones Bridges To Babylon Tour.

The Concert Hall details:

Follow this link to our 18 entries, dated from 1925 to 1993 related to concert_hall

1950
to
1973

Le Coq D'Or and the Hawks' Nest

Yonge street had many live music venues in the late 1950's through the 1970s, and with Le Coq D'Or (Golden Rooster) just north of Dundas Street a popular example, complete with go-go dancers. Upstairs at 333 Yonge street was the Hawk's Nest - a teenage dance hall opened in 1965. ...more

Follow this link to our 11 entries, dated from 1950 to 1973 related to coq_dor_and_hawks_nest

1971
to
1982

The Edge or Egerton's

In an unassuming house at the corner of Gerrard and Church which still stands today, The Edge was an early punk rock venue near Ryerson Polytech from 1979 through 1981. Originally Egerton's Restaurant Tavern during the day, for three years it hosted acts like Joan Jett, Simple Minds, Sun Ra, The Psychedelic Furs, Ultravox, B-52s, XTC, Rough Trade, Nash the Slash... but started with Martha and the Muffins on December 31st, 1978. The last show was on June 6th, 1981 - the last of three nights of British singer-songwriter Kevin Coyne.

Follow this link to our 9 entries, dated from 1971 to 1982 related to The_Edge

200
to
2019

The El Mocambo

Still operating as a club today, with its distinctive palm tree sign, the El Mocambo was one of the first cocktail bars in Toronto after the passage of the Liquor Licence Act of 1946. It is most famous, though, for the 1977 Rolling Stones surprise show, complete with Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's wife, Margaret Trudeau.

The building at 464 Spadina Ave. was built in 1910 and as you can see from the photos below, has hosted many famous musicians over the years.

Follow this link to our 20 entries, dated from 200 to 2019 related to El_Mocambo

200
to
2019

The Horseshoe Tavern

Queen Street West isn't complete without the Horseshoe Tavern. From its opening in 1947 as a neighbourhood bar and restaurant, to a country and rockabilly club in the 1950's, and of course the famous 'last punk rock concert in Toronto' the Shoe has seen it all, including the Rolling Stones! ...more

Follow this link to our 16 entries, dated from 200 to 2019 related to The_Horseshoe_Tavern

200
to
1982

Larry's Hideaway

In the basement of the Prince Carlton Hotel on Carlton Street just east of Jarvis, Larry's Hideaway was one of the first punk and new wave venue's in Toronto. It was known for its good acoustics, resulting in several artists recording live albums there. Before that it was a jazz club from 1961.

The hotel upstairs, and building in general suffered decline over the years, with a fire on October 16, 1991 which ultimaely led to the building being torn down. It is now part of the off-leash dog area of Allan Gardens park.

Follow this link to our 9 entries, dated from 200 to 1982 related to Larrys_Hideaway

1893
to
1994

Massey Hall

Massey Hall, built in 1894, has long been the heart of Toronto music. It was designed by Canadian architect Sidney Badgley with a neoclassical facade at 178 Victoria St. and moorish arches that span the width of the interior. He took his inspiration from the Alhambra Place in Spain as well as Louis Sullivan's Chicago Auditorium and Opera house. The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir began singing there in 1895, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra played there from 1921 until moving to Roy Thompson hall after their Gala Farewell Concert at Massey Hall on June 4th, 1982.

For more historic information see their website

Follow this link to our 24 entries, dated from 1893 to 1994 related to Massey_Hall

1960
to
2006

O'Keefe Centre - now Meridian Hall

The performing arts venue now known as Meridian Hall was opened in 1960 as the O'Keefe Centre. The building was designed by Peter Dickinson (who also designed the Inn on the Park and many other famous buildings.) ...more

Follow this link to our 15 entries, dated from 1960 to 2006 related to Okeefe_Centre

1973
to
1992

Music at the Ontario Place Forum

The rotating stage of The Forum at Ontario Place was a Toronto summer concert favourite. Opened when the park opened in 1971, the outdoor amphitheatre had bench seating for 2,500 people, with room for another 8,000 people on the grass around the seats. It hosted countless music guests and genres until it was closed and torn down at the end of the 1994 season.

One of the more famous aspects of the Forum was added in 1976 - the revolving stage. And perhaps the most infamous date was June 2nd, 1980 when the Teenage Head fans started the 'Toronto Punk Rock Riot' trying to get to the concert there.

Follow this link to our 25 entries, dated from 1973 to 1992 related to Ontario_Place_Forum

200
to
1983

Roy Thompson Hall

The corner of King Street West and Simcoe has a long history in Toronto, and the Roy Thompson Hall at 60 Simcoe streets does an excellent job adding to that history. ...more

Follow this link to our 13 entries, dated from 200 to 1983 related to Roy_Thompson_Hall

Other photos

C (back to top)
1982		CNE Coliseum - Chrissie Hynde live in Toronto in 1982 43 years ago - CNE - Monday, February 8, 1982 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1968		CNE Coliseum - Jimi Hendrix live in Toronto in 1968 57 years ago - CNE - Saturday, February 24, 1968 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1968		CNE Coliseum - Jimi Hendrix performing live in Toronto - One of the most exciting performers, ever. 57 years ago - CNE - Monday, February 26, 1968 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1982		CNE Grandstand - Blondie live in 1982 (Duran Duran was the opening act) 43 years ago - CNE - Wednesday, August 18, 1982 Link to archive record - Map location
1968		Colonial Tavern - Charles Shavers playing his trumpet, In charge at the Colonial 57 years ago - Downtown - Monday, February 5, 1968 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1968		Colonial Tavern - Dizzy Gillespie with his band on stage in Toronto in 1968 57 years ago - Downtown - Wednesday, May 1, 1968 Link to archive record - Map location (From York University Archives)
1968		Colonial Tavern - Dizzy Gillespie with signature trumpet with 45-degree raised bell 57 years ago - Downtown - Wednesday, May 1, 1968 Link to archive record - Map location (From York University Archives)
1973		Colonial tavern - One of the most influential modern jazz artists, alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman 52 years ago - Downtown - Monday, May 28, 1973 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1977		Colonial Tavern - R&B singer Esther Phillips 48 years ago - Downtown - Tuesday, March 8, 1977 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1975		Colonial Tavern - singer Gino Vannelli - drew 7,000 fans during a two-week run 50 years ago - Downtown - Friday, July 4, 1975 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
F (back to top)
1965		Friar's tavern - David Clayton-Thomas and The Shays performing at Toronto's Friar's a Go Go, flanked on each side by a go go dancer 60 years ago - Downtown - Monday, July 19, 1965 Link to archive record - Map location (From York University Archives)
1968		Friar's tavern - Ladybirds-an all-girl orchestra 57 years ago - Downtown - Monday, February 12, 1968 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1967		Friar's Tavern - The Sugar Shoppe performing live at Friars Tavern in the late 1960s 58 years ago - Downtown - Thursday, September 21, 1967 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1970		Friars Tavern - Robbie Lane live on stage 55 years ago - Downtown - Monday, June 15, 1970 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
H (back to top)
1936		Hanlans Point stadium - Grand Opera Aida - early evening 89 years ago - Toronto Island - Wednesday, July 29, 1936 Max temp: 20.6°C - Min temp: 13.9°C (weather details) Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1936		Hanlans Point stadium - Grand Opera Aida - Night photo 89 years ago - Toronto Island - Saturday, August 8, 1936 Max temp: 30.6°C - Min temp: 13.9°C (weather details) Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
J (back to top)
1978		Jarvis House - Molly Oliver on stage in Toronto - eventually Club 101 and originally MacFarlanes Hotel 47 years ago - Old Town - 1978 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Library and Archives Canada)
L (back to top)
2002		Lee's Palace - Antibalas live in Toronto in 2002 (2:46 audio track) 23 years ago - The Annex - Thursday, December 5, 2002 Link to archive record - Map location
1993		Lee's Palace - Buzzcock's live in Toronto in 1993 (55:28 audio track) 32 years ago - The Annex - Saturday, November 13, 1993 Link to archive record - Map location
1990		Lee's Palace - Lemonheads live in Toronto in 1990 (57:42 audio track) 35 years ago - The Annex - Thursday, September 27, 1990 Link to archive record - Map location
1990		Lee's Palace - Nirvana live in Toronto in 1990 (57:42 audio track) 35 years ago - The Annex - Monday, April 16, 1990 Link to archive record - Map location
1990		Lee's Palace - Viletones live in Toronto in 1990 (57:42 audio track) 35 years ago - The Annex - Saturday, June 9, 1990 Link to archive record - Map location
1980		Lee's Palace - was Oriental Palace: Chinese cabaret dining lounge 45 years ago - - 1980 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1995		Lees Palace - mural by Alex Al Runt Currie and sign - Craig Morrison chief booker of acts 30 years ago - The Annex - Monday, September 11, 1995 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
M (back to top)
1978		Maple Leaf Gardens - David Bowie live in Toronto in 1978 on the Isolar II tour (21 audio tracks) 47 years ago - Church-Wellesley Village - Monday, May 1, 1978 Link to archive record - Map location
1966		Maple Leaf Gardens - The Beatles live in Toronto in 1966 (46 audio tracks) 59 years ago - Church-Wellesley Village - Wednesday, August 17, 1966 Link to archive record - Map location
1967		Mynah Bird coffeehouse - topless Wyche and The Remnants - her guitar was considered clothing 58 years ago - Yorkville - Monday, December 18, 1967 Link to archive record - Map location (From York University Archives)
1971		Mynah Bird coffeehouse in Yorkville - daytime picket 54 years ago - Yorkville - Friday, March 26, 1971 Link to archive record - Map location (From York University Archives)
P (back to top)
1926		Palace Theatre stage (opened Feb 19, 1921 - 1987) - set up for the Ben Hokeas Orchestra - Hawaiian 99 years ago - The Danforth - Friday, April 2, 1926 Link to archive record - Map location (From Archives of Ontario)
R (back to top)
1985		R.E.M live on stage at the Concert Hall in Toronto in 1985 (28 live audio tracks) 40 years ago - Yorkville - Friday, August 16, 1985 Link to archive record - Map location
2001		R.E.M. free 2001 concert - 20,000 fans down Yonge Street outside the Eaton Centre 24 years ago - Downtown - Thursday, May 17, 2001 Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
2001		R.E.M. free 2001 concert - Peter Buck, Michael Stipe on stage in the rain 24 years ago - Downtown - Thursday, May 17, 2001 Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
2001		R.E.M. free 2001 concert - Stage from above 24 years ago - Downtown - Thursday, May 17, 2001 Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
2001		R.E.M. free 2001 concert - stage in middle of Yonge Street facing south from Dundas 24 years ago - Downtown - Thursday, May 17, 2001 Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
2001		R.E.M. free 2001 concert - video of free outdoor show at Toronto's Yonge Dundas Square 24 years ago - Downtown - Thursday, May 17, 2001 Link to archive record - Map location
1965		Riverboat coffee house - Harry Belafonte in front of distinctive porthole window 60 years ago - Yorkville - Wednesday, June 2, 1965 Link to archive record - Map location (From York University Archives)
1965		Riverboat coffee house - The Dirty Shames in performance in Yorkville - Carol Robinson singing with washboard 60 years ago - Yorkville - Tuesday, December 21, 1965 Link to archive record - Map location (From York University Archives)
1965		Riverboat entrance downstairs in Yorkville in 1965 - Gord Lightfoot coming next 60 years ago - Yorkville - Saturday, May 29, 1965 Link to archive record - Map location (From York University Archives)
S (back to top)
1994		Sneaky Dee's - Starkweather live on stage in Toronto in 1994 (video of 3 songs) 31 years ago - Kensington Market - Friday, November 11, 1994 Link to archive record - Map location
1994		Sneaky Dee's - The Sadies live on stage in Toronto NYE 1994 with Dallas Good (18 minute video) 31 years ago - Kensington Market - Saturday, December 31, 1994 Link to archive record - Map location
1984		Spadina Hotel Cabana room and other Toronto venues - poster for Gwen Swick live in 1984 41 years ago - Downtown - 1984 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
2000		Speakers Corner - Barenaked Ladies playing Be My Yoko Ono 25 years ago - Queen West - 2000 Link to archive record - Map location
1982		Streets of Toronto - Busking at Yonge and Dundas - acoustic guitar and sunglasses 43 years ago - Downtown - 1982 Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1983		Streets of Toronto - Busking at Yonge and Dundas - cowboy hat and harmonica - cheapest jean store in Canada sign behind 42 years ago - Downtown - 1983 Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1986		Streets of Toronto - Pursuit of Happiness TPOH - I'm an Adult Now (Queen West parking lot, City Hall, Yonge and Dundas, etc.) 39 years ago - Queen West - 1986 Link to archive record - Map location
1984		Streets of Toronto - The Shuffle Demons busking at Yonge and Bloor - Stich Wynston, Mike Murley, Dave Parker and Richard Underhill 41 years ago - Yorkville - 1984 Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
T (back to top)
1968		The Hook and Ladder Club - Billy Daniels performing at the Beverly Hills Seaway Motor Hotel 57 years ago - Downsview - 1968 Link to archive record - Map location (From the City of Toronto Archives)
1971		The Hook and Ladder club - Mel Torme two-week engagement 54 years ago - Downsview - Monday, November 22, 1971 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1976		The Hook and Ladder Club Toronto - Fats Domino performing live there in 1976 49 years ago - Downsview - Tuesday, May 4, 1976 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1966		Town Tavern - Roy Kral singing live in Toronto in 1966 - part of Jackie and Roy 59 years ago - Downtown - Thursday, August 11, 1966 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1969		Town Tavern on Queen - Eddie Barefield and his saxaphone live in Toronto in 1969 56 years ago - Downtown - Tuesday, April 15, 1969 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1971		Town Tavern on Queen Street East - Oscar Peterson live in Toronto in 1971 at the piano 54 years ago - Downtown - Monday, January 11, 1971 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)
1964		Town Tavern sign on the corner of Queen and Victoria Sts with Old City Hall in the distance 61 years ago - Downtown - Wednesday, January 1, 1964 Link to archive record - Map location (From the Toronto Public Library)