Live at the Commodore: 84 years of Vancouver's music history
U2, Nirvana, the Ramones and the Police among many bands that played first Vancouver gig at the Commodore
Since the Reifel family opened Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom in 1930, its stage has held everything from big bands to punk bands to the rising stars of today.
The art deco dance palace's rock history began in 1971 when legendary owner Drew Burns brought in its first rock band, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels.
The Ramones, the Police, U2 and Nirvana are among the many bands that followed, playing their first Vancouver shows at the Commodore, thanks to Burns' openminded booking policy.
Now, 84 years after it first opened, author and musician Aaron Chapman has chronicled the history of the beloved venue in his latest book Live at the Commodore.
The book's official launch party, hosted by Grant Lawrence and featuring The Jazzmanian Devils and other special guests from the club's long history, will take place, of course, at the Commodore.
The launch party starts at 7 p.m. PT on Wednesday Nov. 26. The event is 19+ only. Tickets are free with pre-registration through Live Nation or Ticketmaster.