The Axis Club Rebrands, Resuming Operations Under The Mod Club Name
TORONTO, MAY 28, 2025 – Yeah, baby yeah! That’s right, Toronto live music enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that following a brief chapter as The Axis Club, the legendary Toronto music venue will return to its roots as The Mod Club. Known for its storied past and important contributions to the city’s music scene, the venue, owned by Manuel Da Costa, founded by Platinum Blonde frontman Mark Holmes and partner, Bobbi Guy, aims to revive the energy it once fostered. Music lovers can expect a fresh slate of concerts and events while retaining the ultra-groovy spirit that made The Mod Club a staple in Toronto nightlife, baby!
History of The Mod Club, Toronto
Born in the city’s Little Italy neighbourhood, The Mod Club was founded by Platinum Blonde frontman Mark Holmes and partner, Bobbi Guy. What began as a series of wildly popular, 1960s UK-inspired rock and funk parties — known as “Mod Club” nights — quickly grew into a cultural movement. In 2002, they found a permanent home at 722 College Street with the opening of The Mod Club Theatre. Over the next two decades, it grew into a true Toronto institution – featuring local and international acts including The Weeknd, Muse, Amy Winehouse, John Mayer, Katy Perry and more.
The Axis Club
After closing its doors in 2020, the venue relaunched with a new name and vision as The Axis Club in 2021. Longstanding owner Manuel DaCosta has remained at the forefront through every phase of its evolution. In 2023, he partnered with Live Nation Canada to help elevate the venue experience, while expanding opportunities for more meaningful connections between artists and their fans.
Yeah baby yeah, The Mod Club is back, baby!
“We are excited to be a part of The Mod Club’s return to Toronto and solidifying its long-term future as a key part of Toronto’s music scene,” says DaCosta. “We look forward to welcoming fans as we usher in an exciting new era for the venue.”
Grand Re-opening performance by Daniel Caesar
To celebrate the iconic brand’s reintroduction to Toronto, multi-platinum GRAMMY Award-winning singer Daniel Caesar will return to The Mod Club stage on June 14 for an intimate, acoustic performance, presented by Billboard Canada x NXNE. Caesar made his concert debut in 2016 at the original Mod Club Theatre, marking the beginning of a meteoric rise to international acclaim. Today, he stands among the most critically and commercially successful artists in the world.
“I’m really glad to be coming back to The Mod Club to play after all these years,” says Caesar. “That place will always have a special place in my heart.”
With a new identity that embraces change while respecting its influential past, The Mod Club stands ready to help revitalize the future of live music in Toronto for years to come.
by Terry Lankstead with extensive notes provided by Live Nation
lead image from https://www.themodclub.com/
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