Toronto's famous Phoenix Concert Hall After 33 years, it finally closed.
The owners of the downtown venue, which has hosted Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and Billie Eilish, said Wednesday they have set Jan. 15, 2025, as the final show while plans are made to convert the space into residential housing.
In the coming months, they plan to unveil a packed farewell schedule of shows, including performances by artists who have played there over the years, in an effort to recreate the venue’s free-spirited party vibe.
“A lot of people, myself included, grew up at this venue and witnessed some of the best performances in the world,” co-owner Lisa Zbitnew said in an interview.
“There are aspects I don’t remember,” she added, laughing.
The closure is the latest in a string of small concert venues in Toronto that have been replaced by condos, including the Hoxton and the Silver Dollar Room.
The Phoenix Club has a long history. It was originally a club for German Canadians to hold community activities. It was renamed the Diamond Club in the early 1980s.
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In 1991, it was renamed Phoenix Music Hall and has since become a popular venue for both emerging local musical talent and established artists to perform in a small room.
When Bob Dylan came to Toronto for three shows in 2004, he chose the Phoenix Theatre as one of several venues of varying sizes to offer a rare experience to exclusive audiences.
A year later, the Rolling Stones charged $10 for a “normal ticket” at the venue.
Other artists to take the Phoenix stage include legendary Canadian band Rush, Tragically Hip and Alanis Morissette.
Zbitnew hopes to rekindle some of the past excitement before the venue closed.
“I'm going to call a few old friends and family at the record company and say 'Hey, do you guys want to come back? I know you're stage performers, but come on!'” she said.
She added that time is running out for the venue.
The Phoenix property's new owner, Sorbara Group, submitted an application to redevelop the land and reached an agreement in Ontario Land Court to extend the lease until the end of the year.
“The Phoenix Centre is an integral part of our local business ecosystem and its closure will have a profound impact on our emerging artists, nighttime economy, and downtown recovery efforts,” Toronto city councillor Chris Moise said in a statement.
“I will continue to be steadfast in my commitment to helping Phoenix find a new home.”
Zbitnew said the search has already begun. She expects the venue will be reborn in a new location downtown and retain its name.
There are several “promising possibilities” to consider, each of which could accommodate more than 1,000 people, but she said it's too early to announce.
“The best thing we can do for the music community, the artists and the venues is to have a big send-off,” she said.
“That way, wherever our new home is, we can start our new life in a positive way.”
