El Mocambo Entertainment Inc. along with Michael Wekerle, owner of the belovedEl Mocambo announced today that the legendary venue will welcome the return of major live music events and officially reopen its doors on October 30, for an exclusive live concert experience headlined by award-winning, multi-platinum alt-rock band Our Lady Peace. Described as an “ultramodern broadcast studio with a liquor license” (Globe and Mail), the El Mocambo is set to revolutionize the live music business by blending cutting-edge technology with unparalleled access and an eclectic range of shows – offering audiences, fans, and music lovers the ultimate live experience across two separate venues all under the same roof.
Tickets for the grand reopening event presented by 102.1 The Edge and Heineken go on sale Thursday, October 14 at 10:00 AM ET at www.ticketmaster.ca with a limit of 2 tickets per person. Please note capacity is limited due to current Covid-19 restrictions.
To commemorate the grand reopening, with each ticket purchased fans will have a chance to not only see their favourite band in an intimate venue but will also receive an NFT high-quality audio copy of OLP’s forthcoming new album ‘Spiritual Machines II’ ahead of its official release.
In addition, the ticket bundle will include:
A limited edition OLP live from the El Mocambo vinyl release recorded on show night
A limited edition El Mocambo x Our Lady Peace t-shirt recreated and inspired by the venues 1977 co-branded t-shirt featuring the Rolling Stones (available for pick up at the venue day of show)
Collectible OLP generative cover artwork for Spiritual Machines II
High quality multi-tracks off the studio album
Limited edition autographed and numbered poster of the album cover
Personalized “thank you” greeting from the band
“We are thrilled to welcome OLP and their fans back home to The El Mocambo in what is sure to be a special evening,” said Michael Wekerle. “Music is the thread that unites us all and we have been working diligently to bring new and meaningful experiences to music lovers, while creating opportunities that work to support artists, fans, communities, and the entertainment industry at large. The El Mocambo is synonymous with connecting artists to their fans, and we are passionate about making the experience great for everyone involved. We can’t wait to see OLP on stage and fans in the audience at a concert – in a place where they can connect like no other experience.”
“Growing up in Toronto it was impossible not to know how legendary the El Mocambo was,” states Raine Maida, OLP. “I always loved hearing from another person claiming to be at that infamous U2, Police, or Rolling Stones gig when everyone knew there were only a handful of people actually there. Those famous neon palms are rock royalty and to be a part of the reopening, lighting up Toronto and playing under the palms again is an honour!”
The grand reopening event marks the resurgence of the iconic El Mocambo following the closure of the historic Toronto entertainment venue announced in October 2014. In 2015, the El Mocambo began extensive renovations to repair the aging building and create a fully modernized performance and event space. The intimate ground-floor stage and the second-floor mainstage remain in the same locations, but both now offer improved sightlines and exceptional lighting, video, and acoustics.
The iconic venue – wired to deliver music to fans and audiences globally, boasts three acoustically tuned performance areas, state of the art video, audio, lighting, and production capabilities in addition to the highest safety standards in terms of building construction. New additions include a third storey soaring mezzanine, and mobility friendly access, along with the largest studio floor on the eastern seaboard.
Recently, Our Lady Peace (OLP) announced their long-awaited sequel to their critically acclaimed 2000’s album ‘Spiritual Machines’, a record which has become a pillar of late 90s alt rock and a prime example of their band’s creative brilliance. ‘Spiritual Machines II’ will officially drop in January 2022 via BMG/Shelter Records and will serve as the answer to their 2000 LP which was influenced by inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil’s book “The Age Of The Spiritual Machines.” ‘Spiritual Machines II’ is the anti-rock record Our Lady Peace fans have been waiting for.
Last summer, OLP released the first track off the forthcoming album, “Stop Making Stupid People Famous” featuring Pussy Riot with a video to pair. The track is a reflection on celebrity influencer culture and how it has weakened the fibers of society. The choreography-ladened video uniquely contrasts the tongue-in-cheek nature of the song with carefree and colorful visuals, highlighting young activists and leaders that society should be making famous.
Watch HERE / Listen HERE.
ABOUT THE EL MOCAMBO:
One of North America’s longest running and most iconic music venues, the El Mocambo was founded as a fine dining and dancing establishment in 1948, but since then evolved into something of a rock ‘n’ roll mecca, hosting many of the biggest names in music including: The Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, Blondie, Ramones, Meatloaf, Stevie Ray Vaughan, U2 and many more. Following an extensive 5+ year renovation and rebuild, the El Mocambo officially reopened in the Summer of 2020 and placed itself in a position to revolutionize the live music and entertainment business by blending cutting-edge technology with unparalleled access – offering audiences, fans and music/entertainment lovers the ultimate live experience across three separate venues all under the same roof in addition to delivering supreme virtual content straight to the comfort of homes around the world. This dynamic venue is not only a state-of-the-art concert space but also plays host to a colourful array of distinctive private events and is available for hosting corporate events, product launches, fundraisers, private concerts, social gatherings and more.
