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Reverb - CLOSED
Category: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Music Venues [Edit]
651 Queen Street WToronto, ON M5V
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Niagara, Queen Street West, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
4 reviews for Reverb
4 reviews in English
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Review from Dale M.
Toronto, ON
11/23/2009
Finding my Inner Rocker:
I skipped out on the Elite Event at Chino Locos when things wound down and those still standing headed to the après-parti at Local 4. The Creepshow were headlining at the Reverb and a friend was in town to see them with me.
This was my first time here, and first impressions are important. Door staff were welcoming and the climb to the second floor where the Reverb resides felt like I was on my way into an exclusive attic party (which, of course, was not the case).
I arrived just as the first of three bands was starting, and was impressed with their calibre considering their spot in the lineup. Drinks were rock-bar priced (not cheap, but not ridiculous) and a good selection was available, including my go-to-brew Tankhouse (Mill St. Brewing).
Acoustics and layout are great. When I was at the bar, located at the rear of the audience, the music was muted enough by the surroundings and distance that I could articulate a beer order without tearing a vocal chord. On the other hand, sound was great from up front when I wanted to get right in there. There's room for a mosh pit if that's your thing; I'm a bit old for that these days but leaned against a post just to the edge of it and let the kids have their fun (this was an all-ages show). A wristband policy makes it convenient for grown-ups to get liquored up while the young'uns stay out of trouble - no need to bother with a "VIP area" that can sometimes seem more like a pig pen.
Notwithstanding the fact that the psychobilly scene (this really is the genre's name!) isn't normally my kind of thing, I didn't feel out of place or awkward at all. I expected more trouble at an all-ages show, but it didn't materialize and it quickly became apparent that this somewhat thgithly-knit punk-rock community was there for a good time and nothing else.
The bands were fantastic - The Dreadnoughts and Hypnophonica opened for the Creepshow, who put on a hell of a show. They're not only are they talented musicians, but also polished performers - every bit of their show was action-packed and adrenaline-charged.
Besides the Creepshow, I'd also encourage you to check out their lead singer's solo work (Sarah Blackwood). She's got an amazing voice and has been playing since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. It's kind of bluegrass meets chick-rock, and it's awesome.Listed in: Epic Birthday Bender
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Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
1/14/2009
There may or may not have been an incident in my past involving alcohol and the stairs leading up to the Reverb. Going down. Stairs. Maybe some bruises.
Regardless, I've had many a fun show at the Reverb. I've never gone for anything here besides bands -- some shows have been good, some not-so-good, but all of them interesting. I saw the once-punk, now geriatric Vibrators play "Baby, Baby", among countless numbers of friends' bands and other nights that were so good I can't remember them.
One interesting fact -- they sell Strongbow at the bar in bottle form. Yum.
Not the greatest venue in the world, but a fun one. Especially if you went there as a teenager. Ahhh, nostalgia. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
1/15/2009 1 photo
When this Reverb is packed, it's super fun. Not so much when you're watching your best friend's sister play an acoustic set with 20 people in the audience, all sitting on the far right and left of the venue. Awwwwkward.
I have fond memories of concerts at the Reverb, mainly because, years ago, the booked acts actually catered to my musical taste. I was there almost every week. Plus, it seems really easy to make new friends there (that, in fact, happened to me at two concerts in 2008 alone).
Anyway, since the bands I love now have gotten more popular and the rest of the scene has migrated to Sneaky Dee's and El Mocambo, I no longer have reason to go here.
However, it still feels like home and I would be excited to see some more of my favourites come back to this place again. Oh, nostalgia. -
Review from Stephanie J.
East York, ON
1/12/2009
As the middle venue of the Big Bop building the Reverb is an ok to see a concert if you find yourself considering it. It's not a place I think to go often, but I have had a good time every time I end up there.
Don't be thrown off by the long flight of stairs and short ceilings you need to climb to get there. Once up stairs the Reverb is big and open. No matter how full the Reverb is it still feels open. There are a lot of seats for a concert hall which is nice. If you are lucky you might even score the couches beside the stage. The stage is low and intimate. You can see from pretty much everywhere here. The bar in the back is nice because it's always open enough to be able to get a drink.
The building as a whole is screaming out for a facelift, but the whole room and bathrooms have gone so far down that it is a write off yet.
They do all types of concerts from hip-hop to punk.
