The Mod Club Returns to Toronto

A classic venue is returning to Toronto.

The Axis Club in Toronto will be changing its name back to The Mod Club. The local venue was originally known as The Mod Club Theatre until 2020. It closed and reopened the following year with new management and a new name, The Axis Club.

Now owned by Live Nation, the venue is returning to its classic name.

The Mod Club became a Toronto staple as a smaller-sized venue that hosted internationally renowned artists, iconic acts in their early days and acoustic performances from household names. Toronto singers The Weeknd and Daniel Caesar played pivotal early shows at the 600-capacity venue before going on to achieve international access and headlining arenas.

The Mod Club's revival will be commemorated with an intimate concert from Daniel Caesar on June 14 as part of Billboard Canada The Stage at NXNE.

“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.”

The Mod Club began in the early 2000s, first as a series of popular parties inspired by 1960s British "mod" culture by Bobbi Guy and Platinum Blonde frontman Mark Holmes. It found its permanent home at 722 College Street in Toronto's Little Italy in 2002, and grew into an institution hosting legendary club nights and shows by artists like Amy Winehouse, The Killers, Sia and many more.

“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 longtime owner Manuel DaCosta. “We look forward to welcoming fans as we usher in an exciting new era for the venue.”

DaCosta partnered with Live Nation in 2023 to help elevate the venue and has been involved throughout its evolution. The new era will include a fresh lineup of concerts and events, with an aim to recapture the spirit that defined The Mod Club shows during the theatre's original run.

Head here for how to get tickets to see Daniel Caesar at The Mod Club on June 14.