SPILL NEWS: THE FINAL SPIN – AFTER OVER 33 YEARS AS ONE OF TORONTO’S MOST POPULAR LIVE MUSIC VENUES THE PHOENIX CONCERT THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE CLOSURE OF ITS 410 SHERBOURNE LOCATION

THE FINAL SPIN – AFTER OVER 33 YEARS AS ONE OF TORONTO’S MOST POPULAR LIVE MUSIC VENUES THE PHOENIX CONCERT THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE CLOSURE OF ITS 410 SHERBOURNE LOCATION

WORK UNDERWAY TO SECURE A NEW DOWNTOWN LOCATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CITY OF TORONTO

Effective January 15, 2025, after over 33 years as one of Canada’s top live music destinations, The Phoenix Concert Theatre will close its doors at 410 Sherbourne Street for the last time. Plans for development will proceed, transforming the location into residential housing, with work scheduled to begin in 2025.

Boasting an incredible concert run that has included legendary appearances by The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Ramones, Jimmy Cliff, Foo Fighters, Rage Against The Machine, The Roots, Robyn, Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Anderson .Paak, Davido and thousands more, The Phoenix has played a vital role in shaping the Toronto music scene. Developing homegrown talent has always been central to the venue’s mandate and since 1991, The Phoenix has hosted a long list of Canada’s most iconic artists, including Rush, The Tragically Hip, Alanis Morissette, Tegan & Sara and Alessia Cara.

The Phoenix has also nurtured and supported diversity through three decades of welcoming a wide range of events, artists, and audiences through the doors. Toronto’s 2SLGABATQI community,  Toronto Caribbean Carnival, and an incredible array of community events have found a home at 410 Sherbourne Street.

This fall, The Phoenix will feature programming celebrating many of the artists that have played the venue over the years, as well as the return of some of the biggest nights that have anchored long-running event series.

In the interim, The Phoenix’s owners are determining suitable options for a new downtown home for the venue, working with City Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre) and others at City Hall, as well as external partners. The City’s support is indicative of the importance of live music and cultural events in Toronto.

Quotes

“Being the custodians of The Phoenix for a decade has been an honour. She is the grand dame of venues in Toronto, and we’ve seen some of the world’s biggest and best artists grace this stage. We are sad to see her go, but are also excited to turn our focus to writing the next chapter in our new home.” ~Lisa Zbitnew, Co-Owner and President of The Phoenix Concert Theatre

“Addressing Toronto’s housing crisis remains a critical priority, but we must also preserve and nurture our city’s cultural spaces. Arts and entertainment are integral pieces of creating vibrant, livable, complete communities. The Phoenix is an integral part of an ecosystem for our local businesses and the closure will have profound impacts for our budding artists, night economy, and on our downtown recovery efforts. I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting The Phoenix find a new home.” ~Chris Moise, City Councillor, Ward 13 (Toronto Centre)

“As Chair of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee, I am constantly reminded of the need for venues of all sizes in this city.  We lost a number of spaces over the pandemic years, and one of our objectives is to build back our music scene. Live music generates over $850 million each year in Toronto – and Toronto is the 4rd largest touring market in North America. I’m working with city staff and industry partners so that we keep it that way.” ~Brad Bradford, City Councillor, Ward 19 (Beaches East York) and Chair of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee

“Venues are more than live music. A whole community is built around live performance, and the Phoenix is one of the most important examples of how the impact of live music venues extends beyond the artists and resulting employment opportunities. The Phoenix has always created space to bring an incredible range of diverse communities from across Toronto together, and in doing so has provided people with a sense of identity and belonging in their city. It will rise again.” ~Erin Benjamin, President & CEO, Canadian Live Music Association

“The Phoenix at 410 Sherbourne will look to end the year with some of incredible programming saluting the artists and events that have helped build this venue to its legendary status. We will close out our time here with a Celebrate the Phoenix series of concerts and events,  We have been very fortunate to develop fantastic relationships with artists, promoters and agents,  as well as media and community organizations, and we will do our best to bring together all of these worlds for a diverse and exciting grand finale.” ~Zeke Myers, Co-Owner, The Phoenix Concert Theatre

The Phoenix Concert Theatre Links

Background Photo Credit: Francesca Ludikar

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