Iconic El Mocambo to close in November
Posted September 17, 2014 10:32 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Two years after being revived, one of the city’s most iconic live music venues is about to close again.
El Mocambo’s co-owner Sam Grosso has confirmed that the Spadina Avenue staple has been conditionally sold.
“As of right now I have a show planned there for Nov. 6, which is a fundraiser for Parkinson’s, which is going to be set as the closing show,” he explained.
Grosso wouldn’t comment on who the buyer is or what may replace the El Mo but says that whatever the property becomes, it will not continue as a live music venue.
Two years ago Grosso, owner of the Cadillac Lounge and partner Marco Petrucci, owner of 99 Sudbury, took over the El Mo in the hopes of breathing new life into the venue which had once played host to rock legends including The Rolling Stones, Blondie, U2, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lou Reed and The Ramones.
But financial difficulties, as well as the changing music scene in Toronto, have seen that dream all but fade.
“At the El Mo, it is a concert venue where people are only going there right now to see live music or an event so they’re not going there just to hang out there and have a bite to eat – which is what needs to happen for that place to be successful,” Grosso explained.
He added that the venue’s large size seemed to deter some promoters.
“It’s a big room to fill. It’s two floors. There’s a lot of promoters who just kind of shied away from it,” Grosso said.
Grosso says he spent about $14,000 refurbishing the iconic palm tree sign and hopes it can find a good home.
“I hope there’s a place for it in Toronto with the city or someone could buy it.” He jokingly added, “I’d keep it myself, I’d put it in my backyard, but my hydro bill would go crazy.”
However, all may not be lost. Grosso said that should they be able to find a backer to finance the building as an investor or partner, the venue could be saved.
