Toronto's iconic Steve's Music Store to close after 47 years of history
Steve's Music Store in Toronto, a beloved hub for musicians since 1977, is closing its doors. The decision comes after years of serving as a cultural landmark for artists and music fans alike. Liquidators have confirmed the shutdown of the target will take place within weeks.
The store was part of a chain founded by the late Steve Kirman, who first opened a location in Old Montreal in 1965. Toronto's branch launched 12 years later, quickly becoming a favourite for touring bands and local players. Over the decades, it earned praise from publications like Now and Eye Magazine, which named it one of the city's best.
The closure follows a restructuring effort to keep the business afloat amid industry changes. Despite its reputation, the store struggled to adapt. Even comedian Mike Myers referenced its influence in Wayne's World, using it as inspiration for a 1992 joke.
As news spread, musicians like Seamus Donohue and Leonard Hesita played a final tribute in the acoustic guitar section. The Toronto location joins four remaining stores in Ottawa and Quebec, all part of Kirman's original vision.
The store's final days mark the end of an era for Toronto's music scene. Liquidators will oversee the last operations, with the shutdown of the target expected in the coming weeks. Its legacy, however, remains tied to generations of artists who walked through its doors.
