The Commodore Ballroom isn’t just a music venue. It’s a full-blown Vancouver institution, dripping with charm, sweat, and packed full of rock and roll history. The Commodore Ballroom has made its home on Granville Street since 1930. This iconic venue has seen countless amazing acts and been host to innumerable unforgettable nights. It has the scuffed dance floor to prove it. It’s a springy, horsehair-filled dance floor, no less. And yes, it actually bounces.
In the beginning, the Commodore was all about glitz and swing. For a while, it was the spot to see and be seen until musical tastes changed, the big bands faded, and the ballroom fell into a bit of a slump.
(Photo courtesy of Vancouver Archives)
Luckily, the Commodore is nothing if not resilient. By the ’60s and ’70s, it had welcomed the era of rock, punk, and new wave. Suddenly, the tuxedos were replaced with torn jeans, and the Commodore was back in business.
Under the ownership of Drew Burns, who took over in 1969, the Commodore transformed into a premier destination for both emerging and established acts. Burns was instrumental in bringing groundbreaking performances to Vancouver, including the first North American appearances of The Clash in 1979 and U2 in 1981. Other notable acts from this era include Patti Smith, Blondie, Devo, Tom Petty, The Police, Tina Turner, KISS, David Bowie, and The Village People.
The venue’s influence continued into the 1990s, with performances by Nirvana, the Pixies, and Hole, among others. After a brief closure in the late ’90s, the Commodore reopened in 1999 and has since hosted artists like Lady Gaga, The Killers, Arcade Fire, and The Black Keys.
In 1999, it got a makeover courtesy of the House of Blues, which managed to modernize things without losing the venue’s vintage feel. It still feels like a place where you could time travel if you squint just right. Today, the Commodore is as lively as ever. It’s host to concerts, comedy nights, and sweaty dance parties. It’s the kind of place where unforgettable nights happen, hangovers are earned, and history keeps being made.
With a capacity of just over 900, the Commodore offers an intimate setting that has attracted major artists seeking a close connection with their audience. Its rich history and continued relevance make it a cherished landmark in Vancouver’s music scene.
For more information on upcoming events and the venue’s history, you can visit the official Commodore Ballroom website.
https://www.commodoreballroom.com/
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca