El Mocambo

Venue info

El Mocambo is a 500 person capacity music venue on Spadina Avenue in Toronto. Originally a nightclub in 1940, it wasn't until 1946 it gained its name and famous sign. The venue is now owned by Abbas Jahangiri, who books a mixture of artists from rap and hip hop to indie and folk. Many major acts have played at El Mocambo, from U2 to Elvis Costello. The el Mocambo Tavern (aka "The el Mo") is a live music and entertainment venue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Located on Spadina Avenue, just south of College Street, the bar played an important role in the development of popular music in Toronto since the 19th century. It is perhaps best known for hosting two Rolling Stones shows on March 4 and 5, 1977 that were recorded for release on the band's Love You Live album. The name and famous el Mocambo palm tree sign were erected in 1946. It was one of the first establishments in Toronto to obtain a liquor license. Musical acts appeared on separate stages located on the main and second floor of the building. Over the years other major music acts appeared at the venue, including Marilyn Monroe, internationally famous jazz performers, including Grover Washington, Jr., Charles Mingus, and Al Di Meola, and rock acts such as U2, Moxy, The Police, Elvis Costello, The Ramones, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Blondie, Meatloaf, Jimi Hendrix and Queens of the Stone Age. On March 4, 1977, looking for an unprepossessing venue to record in, The Rolling Stones played the first of two performances at the club, billing themselves pseudonymously as "The Cockroaches". It was their first live club date in 14 years. Their opening act was Canadian rockers April Wine of Nova Scotia. On May 9, 2008 the acclaimed American hard-rock band Queens of the Stone Age had a surprise concert at the el Mocambo as part of their Canadian tour.