Toronto's Velvet Underground to Close

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Aug 25, 2015

Fans of Toronto's Velvet Underground are going to have to look elsewhere to hear their goth, punk and new wave favourites, as the long-running venue has announced that it's being turned a wine bar.

The Toronto NOW reports that the club, situated at 510 Queen West, will soon be closing its doors. The Velvet Underground has been running for 20 years, specializing in goth and new wave DJ nights, but has also been visited by countless live acts over the years. The club is notable for having hosted the CD release party for Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill in 1995.

A statement from the Liberty Group, which owns the club, thanks the staff for their work over the years, while noting that the building will be refurbished and relaunched as a wine bar.

Liberty Group director of marketing Stacey Hawkins said: "We wish to thank all of the hard working team at the Velvet for their role in our success, as well as our valued patrons and the countless artists and musicians who have performed at this iconic Queen Street West venue."

Judging by the Velvet Underground's Facebook page, the farewell party is being held September 5. The "Elegantly Wasted" party will feature DJ Shannon and Loriann spinning "Retro 80s/90s Alt & Rock." You can find out more about the event over here.

An old listing on the Liberty Group's website noted that the Velvet Underground catered to "alternative types, from nouveau goths to university preps." Presumably, the upgrade to the as-yet-undetailed new venue could drastically alter the current spot's "ultracool decor," which includes "sculptures of angels created from found metal."

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