Toronto’s Velvet Underground to Close After Nearly 30 Years

The Velvet Underground, a prominent venue on Queen Street West, will close its doors at the end of October 2023, marking the end of an era for Toronto’s music scene. The announcement, made via the venue’s social media channels, confirmed the decision not to renew its lease, with plans for the property to be “returned to the owner for a new chapter.” This closure adds to a troubling trend of live music venues shutting down across the city, which many locals feel is eroding the cultural landscape.

The Velvet Underground has been a significant part of Toronto’s alternative music community since its inception in the mid-1990s. Initially opened as a nightclub focused on goth and industrial music, it underwent substantial renovations and re-emerged in February 2016 as a dedicated live music venue. Over the years, it has hosted performances by well-known artists such as Alanis Morissette and various local talent, earning a reputation for its electric atmosphere and dedicated fan base.

Impact on Toronto’s Music Scene

Local residents voiced their disappointment at the news. “It’s sad. Toronto doesn’t have that many good music venues anymore, I feel like,” said one Torontonian outside the venue. The Velvet Underground’s closure follows the recent shutdowns of other beloved venues, including the Dakota Tavern, the Matador, Cold Tea Bar, the Hoxton, and the Orbit Room. Industry advocates are increasingly concerned that this trend threatens the grassroots music infrastructure in Toronto, making it more challenging for emerging artists to find performance opportunities and for fans to enjoy live music in intimate settings.

According to various reports, the loss of these venues has created a void in the local music scene. Councillor Brad Bradford (Beaches–East York), who chairs the Toronto Music Advisory Committee, acknowledged the challenges in preserving live music venues. In response to the increasing number of closures, City Hall established the committee to strengthen the live music industry. Bradford noted that some progress has been made, including easing zoning restrictions, collaborating with bylaw officers on noise exemptions, and expanding opportunities for live music at patios and restaurants. “We’ve improved some of the zoning conditions to make it easier to operate and plan for a live music venue here in the city,” he stated. “We’ve also worked with bylaw on some noise exemptions… but it’s clearly not enough.”

Despite these measures, Bradford emphasized that meaningful change requires higher levels of municipal leadership. “City Hall, the mayor, and the administration need to focus on reducing the cost, reducing the bureaucracy, and reducing some of the frustrations that small business owners encounter,” he said. This sentiment reflects a growing urgency among advocates to protect Toronto’s cultural venues.

A Final Chance to Celebrate

As the Velvet Underground prepares to close, it still has a slate of shows scheduled throughout October, providing one last opportunity for fans to experience the venue before it shuts down permanently. The closure of such a significant establishment has left many wondering how the city will adapt and support its remaining music venues in the face of these ongoing challenges.

The Velvet Underground’s legacy as a cherished part of Toronto’s live music scene will undoubtedly be felt long after its doors close. As the city grapples with the loss of such iconic venues, the future of live music in Toronto remains uncertain, yet the community’s passion for music continues to thrive.