Spectrum (Montreal)

The Spectrum (French: Le Spectrum de Montréal) was a small yet significant concert hall in Montreal, Quebec that closed on August 5 2007 after 25 years of existence. Opened on October 17 1982 as the "Alouette Theatre", it was briefly renamed "Club Montreal" before receiving its final and most recognized name. The venue hosted many concerts, including genres like rock, pop, and electronic performed by local artists like Daniel Bélanger, Richard Desjardins, Richard Séguin, Jean Leloup, Céline Dion, La La La Human Steps, Corey Hart, as well as international acts like The Police, U2, Tina Turner,Marillion, Miles Davis, Metallica, The Tragically Hip, Les Rita Mitsouko, Jean-Jacques Goldman and more.

The Spectrum had a capacity of about 1200 and had a "cabaret"-style setup with tables and table service. A unique characteristic was the wall mounted lighting which included hundreds of small lightbulbs giving a starlight effect.

The last show was performed by Michel Rivard, the only performer to have played over one hundred concerts at the venue. [Citation
last = Dunlevy
first = T'Cha
author-link =
title = Remembering 25 years of music and magic
date = August 03
year = 2007
url = http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/story.html?id=b39c3ab9-262f-4827-8eb1-a1b1520b6ad4&k=83166
accessdate = 2007-08-06 ] The block on which the building stands is slated to be torn down and rebuilt as a combined shopping centre and office complex. The Spectrum had been owned by Équipe Spectra which owns other venues in Montreal.

The building was situated in the city's new Quartier des Spectacles entertainment district, which is seeking to "add" performance spaces. Nevertheless, on February 17, 2008, the borough of Ville Marie voted to proceed with demolition plans. [cite news |first=Jason |last=Magder |title=Spectrum demolition approved |url=http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/local/story.html?id=a9d86c41-f143-4b6d-b7a6-c2e1caf4a5f4&k=37401 |work=Montreal Gazette |publisher=Canwest |date=2008-03-18 |accessdate=2008-04-02 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.montrealmetropolis.ca/Metropolis/spectrum_en.aspx Spectrum commemorative Web page]