Just this morning I was reminiscing about the last concert I went to, Lawrence at The Imperial, all the way back in FEBRUARY. If you knew me you’d know that’s a crazy amount of time since my last live music event. It made me miss the vibe, the excitement, the smells, the crowds, the overpriced beer. I could go on forever but I thought what better way to be sad about no concerts than to write about the venues I miss going to!
Rogers Arena
This place doesn’t exactly scream “local bands and music scene” but if we didn’t have a place like this we would miss out on big-ticket bands. Maybe I’m a little biased because I saw Weezer and The Black Keys, my two favourite bands, play there last year but even if I am, I still think it’s the best “arena” stage in the city. It may not have the best acoustics (it’s a hockey rink, not a concert hall) but it has comfy seats with decent legroom (I’m looking at you Pacific Coliseum) and you don’t have to spend a small fortune to be able to see (like floor seats at BC Place).
THE BLACK KEYS “LET’S ROCK” TOUR comes to Rogers Arena tonight 🤟 Here are your set times subject to change:
Doors – 6:00pm
Show – 7:00pm pic.twitter.com/6ISxgpfqVS— Rogers Arena (@RogersArena) November 24, 2019
Twitter/@RogersArena
The Commodore Ballroom
Probably the most popular general admission venue in Vancouver. Maybe because it’s smack in the middle of Granville Street’s entertainment district or maybe just because it’s freaking awesome. I think what I like best about this place is that one day you’ll see swanky rich people going in tux and gowns to a fancy ball and the next night there’s a rock concert. I saw two shows there last year, one of them being Hollerado’s final show in Vancouver.
I am excite for the show tonight! One last time with @hollerado https://t.co/wWNrk9YDE7
— Brandon Tweed (@brandon_on_air) November 2, 2019
The Imperial Theatre
As I said earlier, this place holds my last concert memories. Even though my vision might be tainted by that, The Imperial has a super cool vibe. It’s a renovated Chinese movie theatre and it doesn’t forget its roots. Terra Cotta soldiers line the walls and other Chinese-style decor covers the place. The sound quality was among the best I’ve heard from any venue on this list, from any venue I’ve ever been to actually. The only downside to this place might be its location. It’s on the corner of Main and East Hastings which can be a very interesting area if you’re not prepared for it.
Honourable Mention: The Biltmore Cabaret: Cool vibe, cool people, super dingey feeling but it suits the place. Also super easy to get to from my place! Not that that means anything to anyone but me…
I know there are so many awesome venues I haven’t been to yet and I can’t wait to go to more concerts when all of this is over! But now I’m even sadder that it’s been 8 months since I saw any live music…