‍

X-Ray had an office at the H-Shoe in the basement forever known as the ‘dungeon’ - It was next to Blue’s Rodeo’s record company ‘Risque Disque’ - To get a booking at the venues you had to request a private meting with him there, bring along a cassette tape of your music, lol, and pitch - As Michael was a larger-than-life large man, at first he seemed intimidating to many but once you got to know him there wasn’t anyone in the country who loved live music and live music artists and musicians more than he did.

He was a talent buyer in an era of no advance ticketing, no contracts, no offers, and no artist rider, it was his word and handshake and yet at the same time his old school ‘trust me’ approach became legendary in Toronto - He was loved and adored by Canadian musicians.    

X-Ray was also a curator of all things indie, artist do it yourself, alternative, rootsy music in his venues. He didn’t care much for the ‘industry’ at large as he was artist and musician focused. His partnership with Kenny Sprackman, (which was created by H-Shoe original owner Jack Starr) paved the way for the venue’s glory years (post Gary’s) as the country’s foremost Canadian artist development venue.

He helped develop young artists like Blue Rodeo, The Tragically Hip, the Watchmen, and Amanda Marshall. X-Ray also had a musical love affair with all things Austin, Texas - He attended the very first SxSW and visited Texas often, continually bringing Austin and Texas artists like Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Kelly Willis, Bill Kirchen, & Alejandro Escovedo to Toronto. When I was hired to be the ’Shoe’s talent buyer (Aug 1995) X-Ray directed me to attend my first SxSW the following year (Mar 1996) - He told me ‘just buy a plane ticket, get a hotel, and we’ll hang’ - Thus I remember standing on the curbside of the Austin airport then, with Laskey and Jordan in tow, looking for a cab, when lo and behold Xray pulled up with his enormous souped up pick up truck and a motorcycle in the rear cab!

‘Jump in' he said, ‘You’re in Texas now, so you need to eat BBQ b4 you do anything else, so we’re going to the patio at the Green Mesquite’

Yup the same folksy organic ‘Green Mesquite patio’ years later the H-Shoe (as an honour to X-Ray) would throw it’s annual pre SxSW Wed parties and where a caravan of Toronto councillors (including then Mayor Ford and soon to be premier Ford, Colle, Crawford, Tanner, Hollett, Henderson, & Terrill) and us soon to be Toronto Music Office volunteers (eventually TMAC) would munch down at (that was a surreal happening!)

In later years X-Ray retired from the venues and instead worked for his close friend actor Dan Akroyd - I recall a 6-8 week period where X-Ray held court at the ’Shoe during the filming of Blues Brothers 2000 film in Toronto - You had the likes of MG’s Steve Cropper sitting in our office every night - Michael was in his his music glory listening to all the Stax stories  

He will be dearly missed!

Horseshoe Tavern Presents

Death From Above 1979

Thursday April 27, Friday April 28, Saturday April 29
Horseshoe Tavern
Toronto, ON
Doors 8:30/19+

Tickets on sale Feb 3 at 10AM
Horseshoe Presale Feb 1 at 10AM
PW: horseshoe

April 27 Tickets: https://www.showclix.com/event/death-from-above-1979
April 28 Tickets: https://www.showclix.com/event/death-from-above-1979jh
April 29 Tickets: https://www.showclix.com/event/death-from-above-1979nk

Part of the Horseshoe Tavern's 75th Birthday Series

‍

The Horseshoe 75th Birthday Series Presents

‍

The Sadies

‍

December 30th & 31st

Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

‍

Tickets on sale now: 

Dec 30th - Tickets for The Sadies w/ Sally Tims & John Langford in Toronto from ShowClix

Dec 31st - Tickets for The Sadies in Toronto from ShowClix

‍

The Horseshoe Tavern 75th Birthday Series Presents

David Wilcox

Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28
The Horseshoe Tavern
Toronto, ON
Doors 8:30/19+

Tickets on sale Oct 5 at 10am

Friday Tickets: https://www.showclix.com/event/david-wilcox

Saturday Tickets:
https://www.showclix.com/event/david-wilcox-2

‍

‍

The Horseshoe Tavern's 75th Birthday Series Presents:

Rheostatics

Thurs, Nov 24th: Guest Vocalist Night - Tickets for Rheostatics in Toronto from ShowClix
Fri, Nov 25th: Melville Night - Tickets for Rheostatics in Toronto from ShowClix
Sat, Nov 26th: Whale Music Night - Tickets for Rheostatics in Toronto from ShowClix

Horseshoe Tavern
Toronto, ON
Doors 8:30PM/19+

Tickets on sale NOW

‍

‍

Horseshoe Tavern 75th Birthday Series Presents

54.40

Thurs, December 8
Fri, December 9
Sat, December 10

Horseshoe Tavern
Toronto, ON
Doors 8:30PM/19+

Tickets on sale Sept 28 at 10am
Thursday: https://www.showclix.com/event/54-40-
Friday: https://www.showclix.com/event/54-40-VHFUmbz
Saturday:
https://www.showclix.com/event/54-40-ny3g

‍

Horseshoe Tavern Presents

An Evening With Skydiggers

July 1 - 2, 2022
Horseshoe Tavern
Toronto, ON
Doors 8:30PM / 19+

Tickets on sale now!

July 1st: https://www.showclix.com/event/skydiggers-j27s/listing
July 2nd: https://www.showclix.com/event/skydiggers-j27sHiOKp4p/listing

‍

‍

Horseshoe Tavern Presents

The Hold Steady

May 4 - 7, 2022
Horseshoe Tavern
Toronto, ON
Doors 8:30pm / 19+

May 4 - https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../the-hold-steady-tickets...
May 5 - https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../the-hold-steady-tickets...
May 6 - SOLD OUT
May 7 - SOLD OUT

------

The Hold Steady at the Horseshoe Tavern has been rescheduled to May 4th-7th, 2022. All original tickets will be honoured for the new dates.

‍
Sept 16, 2020 or Sept 15, 2021: May 4, 2022
Sept 17, 2020 or Sept 16, 2021: May 5, 2022
Sept 18, 2020 or Sept 17, 2021: May 6, 2022
Sept 19, 2020 or Sept 18, 2021: May 7, 2022

Four day passes, merch bundles, and soundcheck party tickets will all be honoured for the new dates.

‍

Lowest of the Low celebrate the release of their new double live album 'Taverns And Palaces' at the Horseshoe Tavern with special guests Beams!

Friday, April 1st, 2022 (Rescheduled from December 17th, 2021)
https://www.showclix.com/event/lowestofthelowhs1

‍Saturday, April 2nd (Rescheduled from December 18th, 2021)
https://www.showclix.com/event/lowestofthelowhs2

‍

Horseshoe Tavern 75th Birthday Show Series
Funding provided by FACTOR and the Canadian Heritage Fund

-----

Important Mandatory Health & Safety Protocol necessary to attend all events at The Horseshoe Tavern:
As of September 22nd proof of full Covid vaccination will be required at the entrance of the venue to access the patio, front bar, or live music venue. A PDF of your government certificate will be acceptable (printed or on mobile). More information is available here: https://www.horseshoetavern.com/news/covidvaccination

Horseshoe Tavern Presents

Corb Lund: Back to the Barrooms 2022 Tour

Thursday, April 14th
Friday, April 15th
Saturday, April 16th

Horseshoe Tavern
Toronto, ON
Doors 9pm / 19+

These shows have been rescheduled from February 17th, 18th & 19th. All tickets will be honoured for the new dates as per below.

Feb 17 > Apr 14
Feb 18 > Apr 15
Feb 19 > Apr 16

Tickets on sale now!

Apr 14: https://www.showclix.com/.../corb-lund-back-to-the...

Apr 15: https://www.showclix.com/.../corb-lund-back-to-the...

Apr 16: https://www.showclix.com/.../corb-lund-back-to-the...

-----

Horseshoe Tavern 75th Birthday Show Series

Funding provided by FACTOR and the Canadian Heritage Fund

‍

‍

‍
Horseshoe Tavern and Indie88 Present

BROS

Tuesday, March 29th
Wednesday, March 30th

Horseshoe Tavern
Toronto, ON
Doors 8:30pm/ 19+

Tickets on sale January 19th at 1pm.
‍
March 29 - https://www.showclix.com/event/bros-72h22/pre-sale
March 30 - https://www.showclix.com/event/bros-72h22vZrUtmH/pre-sale

-----

Horseshoe Tavern 75th Birthday Show Series
Funding provided by FACTOR and the Canadian Heritage Fund.

Covid Health and Safety protocols may be in place for specific shows. Ticket holders may need to show proof of vaccination (QR Code) before entering the venue. Ticket holders will be notified before the event if covid policies are being enforced.

‍

From all of us here at The Horseshoe Tavern, Lee’s Palace & Collective Concerts, we are truly heartbroken at the passing of Dallas Good. Dallas was as much family at the Shoe as any one person can be. We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Good Family, Amanda, The Sadies, and Starfish Entertainment. Love from our rock 'n roll family to yours.

Due to the new guidelines from the Ontario government, the Horseshoe Tavern will be closed until January 26th, 2022. Ticket holders for any ticketed shows will be emailed with more information. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. We look forward to serving you again.

In the interest of the health and safety of our staff, patrons and performers, the Horseshoe Tavern and Lee’s Palace will be closed until Monday, January 3rd, 2022. This includes the Horseshoe Tavern front bar, which will be closing tonight, December 20th at 5pm.

Ticket holders for any ticketed shows will be emailed with more information.

Thank you for understanding. Stay safe and happy holidays!

‍

‍

Horseshoe Tavern Presents

The Sadies
New Years Eve at Horseshoe Tavern
December 30th & 31st

with Sally Timms and Jon Langford of The Mekons & The Waco Brothers

Toronto, ON
19+ Event

Tickets on sale now!

December 30th
Doors 8:30pm
https://www.showclix.com/event/the-sadies-72ha2/listing

December 31st
Doors 9pm
https://www.showclix.com/.../the-sadies-72ha2gQLV59h/listing

Horseshoe Tavern 74th Birthday Show Series
Funding provided by FACTOR and the Canadian Heritage Fund.

-----

Proof of full Covid vaccination will be required at the entrance of the venue to access the patio, front bar, or live music venue.
A PDF of your government certificate will be acceptable (printed or on mobile). More information is available here: https://www.horseshoetavern.com/news/covidvaccination

Art by: @jeremybruneelillustrator
jeremybruneel.wixsite.com/illustration

‍

‍

Horseshoe Tavern Presents

The Planet Smashers

November 26th
with The Penske File and Rude City Riot

November 27th
with K-Man & The 45s and The Peelers

Horseshoe Tavern
74th Birthday Show Series

Toronto, ON
Doors 9pm / 19+

Tickets on sale now!
Nov 26: https://www.showclix.com/event/theplanetsmashers1
Nov 27: https://www.showclix.com/event/theplanetsmashers2

Funding provided by FACTOR and the Canadian Heritage Fund.

-----

Important Mandatory Health & Safety Protocol necessary to attend all events at The Horseshoe Tavern:

Proof of full Covid vaccination will be required at the entrance of the venue to access the patio, front bar, or live music venue.
A PDF of your government certificate will be acceptable (printed or on mobile). More information is available here: https://www.horseshoetavern.com/news/covidvaccination

Masks must be worn at all times in the venue, unless you are having a drink.

‍

Horseshoe Tavern and Indie88 Present

Born Ruffians - Shondi Festoon IV
with special guest Islands

Thursday, December 9th
https://www.showclix.com/event/born-ruffians-

‍Friday, December 10th
https://www.showclix.com/event/born-ruffians-1

‍Saturday, December 11th - SOLD OUT

Horseshoe Tavern
Toronto, ON
Doors 9pm / 19+

-----

Important Mandatory Health & Safety Protocol necessary to attend all events at The Horseshoe Tavern:

Proof of full Covid vaccination will be required at the entrance of the venue to access the patio, front bar, or live music venue.
A PDF of your government certificate will be acceptable (printed or on mobile). More information is available here: https://www.horseshoetavern.com/news/covidvaccination

Masks must be worn at all times in the venue, unless you are having a drink.

‍

‍

Horseshoe Tavern Presents

54-40
with Kandle

Thursday, December 2nd
Friday, December 3rd
Saturday, December 4th

Horseshoe Tavern
74th Birthday Show Series

Toronto, ON
Doors 8pm / 19+

Tickets on sale Wednesday, October 27th at 1pm.
Dec 2: https://www.showclix.com/event/yshs54-40
Dec 3: https://www.showclix.com/event/yswe54-40
Dec 4: https://www.showclix.com/event/hydx54-40

Funding provided by FACTOR and the Canadian Heritage Fund.

-----

Important Mandatory Health & Safety Protocol necessary to attend all events at The Horseshoe Tavern:

Proof of full Covid vaccination will be required at the entrance of the venue to access the patio, front bar, or live music venue.
A PDF of your government certificate will be acceptable (printed or on mobile). More information is available here: https://www.horseshoetavern.com/news/covidvaccination

Masks must be worn at all times in the venue, unless you are having a drink.

‍

As of Wednesday, September 22nd, the Provincial Government of Ontario requires that you show proof of full double Covid vaccination* from your country, state or province with a legal matching ID at the entrance of the venue to access the outside patio, front bar, dance club, and or live rooms.

A PDF of your Government certification is required, either printed or on a mobile device. 

This is in full effect at the Horseshoe Tavern, Lee's Palace, The Dance Cave, and all Collective Concert shows in the Province of Ontario.

*Or proof of a medical exemption

‍