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 G H I J P 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

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 8 entries, dated from 1971 to 1982 related to The_Edge

1919
to
1985

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 15 entries, dated from 1919 to 1985 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 13 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 21 entries, dated from 1893 to 1994 related to Massey_Hall

1960
to
1997

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 11 entries, dated from 1960 to 1997 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 21 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 11 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
G (back to top)
1993		Green Day live on stage in Toronto at the Concert Hall on October 6th, 1993 32 years ago - Yorkville - Wednesday, October 6, 1993 Link to archive record - Map location
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)
I (back to top)
1981		Iron Maiden live on stage in Toronto at the Concert Hall on June 21, 1981 44 years ago - Yorkville - Sunday, June 21, 1981 Link to archive record - Map location
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)
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)
S (back to top)
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)
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)
1982		The Spoons live on stage in Toronto at the Concert Hall on October 29th, 1982 43 years ago - Yorkville - Friday, October 29, 1982 Link to archive record - Map location