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The Town Pump, Luv-A-Fair and More: Vancouver Clubs & Venues of the Past

This week Arsenal Pulp Press released Live at the Commodore - The Story of Vancouver's Historic Commodore Ballroom , which is an absolutely wonderful book that I'm recommending you get your hands on.
Bob Kronbauer
Bob Kronbauer
This week Arsenal Pulp Press released Live at the Commodore - The Story of Vancouver's Historic Commodore Ballroom, which is an absolutely wonderful book that I'm recommending you get your hands on. Written by Aaron Chapman (the author of Liquor, Lust and the Law about the history of The Penthouse) it's a look deep into the history of this venue which has somehow survived the test of time since it opened in 1930. I'll be sharing a more in-depth review of the book in the coming days but reading it got me to thinking about all of the clubs and venues which have come and gone over the years. Below are a few of the more memorable ones, let us know what YOUR favourite spots were in the comments of THIS POST on our Facebook Page!

Vancouver History: Clubs & Venues of the Past

By Vancouver Is Awesome

Vancouver possesses a rather colourful nightlife history, where various landmarks have played a huge role in the modern evening entertainment experience. Some are even pre-Internet—crazy we know.

  • Royal Unicorn Cabaret

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    Tucked away into the heart of Chinatown, the Royal Unicorn Cabaret was once a Chinese restaurant before it became a spacious live music venue.

  • Richard's on Richards

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    2009 marked the year in which Richard's on Richards staged its final show. The long-standing institution in Vancouver's club scene was subsequently demolished to make way for condo developments.

  • Stone Temple

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    The Stone Temple was one of the original nightclubs that set up shop in what is now known as the Granville Entertainment District, and had remained in business for more than a decade.

  • Starfish Room

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    Like Richard's on Richards, the Starfish Room was also demolished to make way for real estate developments. Nevertheless, this live music venue was integral to the '90s music scene in Vancouver. 

  • Graceland

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    Not only was Graceland both a nightclub as well as a live music venue (having hosted the likes of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers), it was also the pioneer of house music in the Vancouver club scene.

  • Luv-A-Fair

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    Originally a gay disco club, Luv-A-Fair later became the number one place to be for New Wave music, attracting an artistic clientele, along with anyone who was looking to have a good time.

  • The Town Pump

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    The Town Pump was one of Gastown's legendary rock music venues, having hosted the likes of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and No Doubt, just to name a few, during its near 15 year run from 1983 to 1997.

  • Gandy Dancer

    By Vancouver Is Awesome

    What is now known as Yaletown's Bar None was once the city's hottest gay club. Known for spinning some of the most eclectic beats of its time, the Gandy officially closed in the early '90s.