Lee’s Palace

Opened in 1985, Lee’s Palace wasn’t always a haven for rock music. This building has worn many hats. It began its life in the early 1900s. It even served as a bank at one point. Imagine that, a bank transformed into a mosh pit. Lee’s Palace started as the Allen’s Bloor Theatre in 1919, a luxurious silent movie house. Designed by C. Howard Crane, the architect behind Detroit’s iconic Fox Theatre, it showcased films like Cecil B. De Mille’s “Don’t Change Your Husband.” Famous Players took over in 1923 and added an orchestra pit. The silver screen flickered here until 1957. Then, the building stood silent for nearly a decade. In 1967, it reemerged as The Blue Orchid, a cabaret inspired by New York City drag shows, featuring burlesque and all-male cast plays. Its tucked-away upstairs bar foreshadowed the future Dance Cave. By the mid-1980s, Mr. Lee, a Korean Canadian entrepreneur, bought the building. He was inspired by the Queen West music scene, particularly The Cameron House. Lee’s Palace opened its doors on September 5, 1985. The first act to grace its stage? Handsome Ned, followed two weeks later by Blue Rodeo. From its beginnings, Lee’s Palace has nurtured local talent while showcasing international indie acts. The Tragically Hip played here in 1986, years before their rise to fame. Red Hot Chili Peppers, then a young band from LA, rocked the stage on December 3, 1986. Their performance, complete with their infamous “socks-on-cocks” encore, marked the first appearance of a future global icon at Lee’s Palace. Today, Lee’s Palace continues its legacy. The main floor hosts live music, while the upstairs Dance Cave pulses with alternative rock, retro, mod, Britpop, and indie tunes. The spirit of Mr. Lee, and countless iconic performances, echoes within these walls.