Massey memories
For 127 years, this storied hall has enthralled audience members and performers alike. We asked musicians, artists and famous Torontonians to share their favourite memories of this much-loved cultural institution
‘‘ My association with Massey Hall is literally lifelong. (My earliest memory is) making it on stage with ‘Captain Kangaroo,’ a TV icon who did a live show at Massey. JOHN TORY, MAYOR OF TORONTO
‘‘ It was like sitting in Taylor’s living room. My seats were not close to the stage, but it didn’t matter because I heard every note, every nuance of his performance. Whether it’s a full band or lone performer, there’s magic to Massey. MARILYN DENIS, TV AND RADIO ICON ON SEEING JAMES TAYLOR
‘‘ (It gave me the opportunity to) walk out onto that stage where legends have performed for so many decades and contribute this little piece to it, bring other ideas to that stage. Massey Hall has been a pivotal part of Toronto's entertainment scene but also of cultural and learning history.
CHRIS HADFIELD ON PERFORMING HIS GENERATOR SHOW AT MASSEY
‘‘ Something about this dream didn't seem so farfetched to me and finally in 2006 the dream came true! And as if to come full circle, even Gordon Lightfoot was in attendance! I've now headlined it four times and it is certainly my desire to play it many more times before I leave this world.
RON SEXSMITH, SINGER/SONGWRITER ON WATCHING GORDON LIGHTFOOT’S ANNUAL MASSEY SHOWS AND PLAYING THERE HIMSELF.
‘‘ My most memorable gig with Blue Rodeo at Massey Hall was when the audience came and danced on the stage during the encore. It was like performing in the middle of a dance club. It was delirious fun.
JIM CUDDY (THIRD FROM THE LEFT) IN FRONT OF MASSEY’S ICONIC RED DOORS WITH BLUE RODEO.
‘‘ The very first time I ever read in public was in front of 2,700 people at Massey Hall, reading about Neil Young to Neil Young. We were inducting Neil Young into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. I read from my book a story about stealing my first guitar after being inspired by ‘Harvest’ and ‘Tonight's the Night.’ That was really memorable.
TOM WILSON (LEFT), WHO WILL NEXT PERFORM AT MASSEY WITH HIS BAND BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS ON MARCH 2.
‘‘ I got to see some of the amazing work being done. You’re more beautiful than ever. My new job means you are still part of my personal landscape — and am I ever glad you are!
MARCI IEN, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR TORONTO CENTRE (ADDRESSING MASSEY DIRECTLY)
‘‘ his glorious into the expanse of this iconic space. I’ve been a convert ever since and I know I am joined by many artists and creators in my admiration to the point of reverence for this powerful acoustic space.
SOPRANO SUPERSTAR MEASHA BRUEGGERGOSMAN ON HER MASSEY DEBUT IN KRZYSZTOF PENDERECKI’S “CREDO.”