The El Mocambo in Toronto is one of those places that appears humble (if not a little run down) to the unknowing passerby, but is wildly rich with history, legend and rock n roll tales to tell.

If the El Mo was a person, it would be a ragged old man, wrinkled from whiskey and years, shouting his stories at you though you’re only a foot away. And you, you’d just smile ’cause the stories are great and you know damn well he can’t help it. Those ears were blown at least some 30 years ago.

The El Mo opened in ‘41, the palm tree neon rose up in ‘46, and it’s been rocking (mostly) ever since. If you want to hear it in action, pick up Love You Live, the 1977 hit double record by the Rolling Stones… all recorded here.

Years later, in 2001, a city that seemed to have forgotten about the El Mo, suddenly awoke in panic when news hit that the legendary bar had been sold. Panic ensued, but it changed nothing and the doors closed soon after as it was turned into a dance studio. (Better than a Pottery Barn or something equally painful, but still…)

Plans were to move the spirit and the palm tree to a new location. A year later though, money stepped in and El Mo was revamped and restored at the same Spadina Ave spot.

The vintage neon was restored later on as well, and now, in 2007, it shines brightly over the loud-mouthed but appreciative crowd hanging around outside.

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My own memories of the El Mo are all a blur of noise and silhouetted figured dancing (or bobbing) in the darkness. Thinking way back, I remember being 16 years old and there for a punk + ska showcase a friend Sam had organized. Less Than Jake, Tuesday, and other bands whose names I’ve since forgotten filled the dirty little bar with sound, as another less-awkward teenager taught me how to dance — or ’skank’, as it was — to the music.

Photo taken March 2007.

Read more on the history, closure, and subsequent re-opening of the El Mocambo here.

Filed under: Toronto on March 24th, 2007