Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The El Mocambo


Located on Spadina Ave near the U of Toronto, the "El Mo" opened as a music venue in 1850 and has been an entertainment centre and bar since. With stages on the 1st & 2nd floors it has hosted many major acts such as U2, Elvis Costello, and Jimi Hendrix but its most famous claim to fame was the weekend of March 4,5 1977 when the Rolling Stones booked themselves in as "The Cockroaches" and played their 1st club date in 14 years. These surprise sessions were recorded and were released on the "Love You Live" album. I still remember where I was that weekend and unfortunately it wasn't there!
This sign was erected in 1948 and the El Mo is still going strong.
Taking part in Signs, Signs - for more signs click here.
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18 comments:

  1. VioletSkyMay 25, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    I have never actually been inside The El Mo, yet it seems so much a part of my life. Interesting.

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  2. LúciaMay 25, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    It was so fun to read about this place, except for the part you were not there, of course.
    By the way, hope you enjoyed your time too... ;-)

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  3. Paul in Powell RiverMay 25, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    They just don't make signs like that any more! Nice catch.

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  4. PostcardyMay 25, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    A great sign for a building with an interesting history.

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  5. Sallie (FullTime-Life)May 25, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Whoa! For a moment there I thought you were here in Florida! Interesting building history.

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  6. Yogi♪♪♪May 25, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Great sign and a wonderful story behind the sign.

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  7. JoyMay 25, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    A sign that promises a good time. Sounds a great venue.

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  8. LesleyMay 25, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    I wasn't there, either! This a very cool sign.

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  9. Gemma @ GreyscaleMay 25, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    A sign that has aged beautifully through time!

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  10. AnonymousMay 25, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    Even without the story, I love this sign. It says "party" in capital letters!

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  11. Regina KMay 25, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    Fun sign, sure don't see many like that still around

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  12. VirginiaMay 25, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Who knew Toronto was so "tropical"! HA
    V

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  13. Kim, USAMay 25, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    Looks like this is a fun place. Thanks for sharing!

    Signs

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  14. AnonymousMay 25, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Neat sign, I like tropical feel.

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  15. ClytieMay 25, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    They definitely don't make wonderful signs like that anymore ... I wonder if it is lit up at night!

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  16. RandyMay 25, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    Love that sign. Bet it's cool when it's let up.

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  17. EG CameraGirlMay 26, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    Hmmm! More than a century and a half. That's a LONG time for our part of the world!

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  18. genieMay 28, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    What a neat spot with so much cool history. Love the sign. It really does have a lot of personality. Sorry be so late commenting, but better late than never. Hope you are having a great weekend. Genie

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