Toronto’s iconic music venue, The Velvet Underground, situated on Queen Street West, will be shutting its doors by the end of October, marking the end of an era for devoted alternative music enthusiasts.
The official announcement of the closure was conveyed via the venue’s social media platforms, disclosing that the lease is not being renewed and the property will transition to a new phase under the ownership. This development places The Velvet alongside a string of other esteemed Toronto clubs that have ceased operations in recent times, leaving a void in the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
For many locals, The Velvet Underground holds a special place in their hearts, with one Torontonian lamenting, “It’s an integral part of the scene here, and it sucks to see it go.”
Originally launched in the mid-1990s as a nightclub with a focus on goth and industrial music, The Velvet Underground went through a significant overhaul before relaunching in February 2016 as a live music haven.
Expressing disappointment at the closure, another resident remarked, “It’s sad. Toronto doesn’t have that many good music venues anymore, I feel like.”
The closure of The Velvet follows the shuttering of other cherished Toronto venues like The Dakota Tavern, the Matador, Cold Tea Bar, the Hoxton, and the Orbit Room. This trend has raised concerns among industry advocates who fear the diminishing grassroots music landscape in the city, posing challenges for emerging artists to secure performance opportunities and for music enthusiasts to relish live shows in intimate settings.
Over the years, The Velvet Underground has welcomed diverse artists, from Alanis Morissette to emerging local bands, cultivating a reputation for its vibrant ambiance and devoted fan base.
In response to the escalating venue closures, Toronto City Hall established the Toronto Music Advisory Committee to fortify the live music sector and preserve existing clubs. Councillor Brad Bradford (Beaches–East York), who heads the committee, highlighted some progress made to support the music scene, such as relaxing zoning regulations, collaborating with bylaw officers on noise-related issues, and expanding live music options at outdoor venues like patios and restaurants.
Despite these efforts, Bradford emphasized that more substantial changes must originate from higher levels of municipal governance to alleviate the challenges faced by small business owners in the music industry.
As The Velvet Underground prepares for its final shows until October, fans are encouraged to seize this last opportunity to relish the venue’s unique charm before the curtains close for good.