Montreal is known for its vibrant music scene, and pop concerts have always been a significant part of it. For decades, thousands of music lovers would flock to some of the biggest venues in the city to witness iconic performances by their favorite artists. However, it seems that the era of Montreal pop concerts has come to a conclusion. In this article, we will explore the rise and fall of pop concerts in Montreal, as well as the factors that contributed to their decline.
The Rise of Pop Concerts in Montreal
The popularity of pop concerts in Montreal can be traced back to the 1960s when a wave of British and American bands started to make their way to the city. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who were some of the first to perform in Montreal, drawing enormous crowds and setting a precedent for the years to come. As the music industry continued to evolve, more and more artists started including Montreal in their tour schedules, and the city soon became a hub for pop concerts.
Montreal’s Golden Age of Pop Concerts
The 1970s and 80s marked the golden age of pop concerts in Montreal. Some of the most significant acts of the time, such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Queen, performed in the city, leaving a lasting impression on fans. The Forum, which was Montreal’s largest venue at the time, saw some of the most famous concerts of the era, including The Who’s 1973 show, which was considered one of the greatest concerts ever.
The 1980s and the Beginning of the End
The 1980s was a transitional period for pop concerts in Montreal. While some of the biggest names in music continued to perform in the city, new trends such as synthpop and new wave started to gain popularity. These genres did not appeal to the same audience as classic rock, which led to a decline in attendance at concerts. Additionally, the opening of new venues, such as the Montreal Forum’s competitor, the Montreal Forum, split the audience, making it harder to fill seats.
The 1990s: The Decline of Pop Concerts
The 1990s marked a significant decline in pop concerts in Montreal. The rise of alternative rock and hip hop meant that fewer classic rock acts were touring, and those that were did not draw the same crowds as before. The aging venues also contributed to the decline, with fans preferring to attend concerts in newer, more modern facilities. This led to the closure of some of the most iconic venues, such as the Montreal Forum, in 1996.
The Millennium: A Shift in Music Trends
The turn of the millennium brought about a shift in music trends, with pop concerts becoming more diverse and inclusive. The rise of electronic dance music (EDM) and the resurgence of indie rock created new opportunities for venues to attract a broader audience. However, it also meant that classic rock acts were no longer the main attraction, and attendance at concerts continued to decline.
The Last Decade: Mixed Results for Pop Concerts
The last decade has seen mixed results for pop concerts in Montreal. While some of the biggest names in music continue to perform in the city, attendance has not been as high as in the past. The closure of some of the most iconic venues in the city has also meant that there are fewer options for fans to attend concerts. However, the rise of outdoor festivals, such as Osheaga and Heavy Montreal, has helped to revive the music scene and attract a younger audience.
The Impact of Technology on Pop Concerts
The impact of technology on pop concerts cannot be ignored. The rise of streaming services and social media has changed the way people consume music, making it easier for them to listen to their favorite artists without leaving their homes. This has had a significant impact on attendance at concerts, with fans preferring to watch live streams of concerts rather than attending in person. However, technology has also opened up new opportunities for artists and venues to reach a global audience.
The Future of Pop Concerts in Montreal
The future of pop concerts in Montreal is uncertain. While the city has a rich music history and a loyal fan base, the decline in attendance and the closure of iconic venues have made it challenging for the industry to thrive. However, the rise of new trends and the emergence of new venues suggests that there is still potential for pop concerts in Montreal. It is up to the industry to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of fans.
Conclusion: The end of an era?
In conclusion, it seems that the era of Montreal pop concerts has come to a conclusion. While the city has a rich music history and a loyal fan base, the decline in attendance and the closure of iconic venues have made it challenging for the industry to thrive. However, the rise of new trends and the emergence of new venues suggests that there is still potential for pop concerts in Montreal. It is up to the industry to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of fans.
References
- Montreal Gazette. (2021). Montreal’s Legendary Venues: A Brief History. https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/montreals-legendary-venues-a-brief-history
- The Canadian Encyclopedia. (2013). Montreal Forum. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/montreal-forum
- Montreal Rocks. (2018). A Brief History of Montreal’s Rock Venues. https://www.montrealrocks.ca/a-brief-history-of-montreals-rock-venues/
Further Reading
- Billboard. (2019). Osheaga Festival in Montreal: The Ultimate Guide. https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/festivals/8524682/osheaga-festival-montreal-guide
- CBC. (2018). From Old Port to Downtown: A Look at Montreal’s Newest Venues. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-new-venues-1.4712558
- Global News. (2019). Heavy Montreal: The Ultimate Guide. https://globalnews.ca/news/5739780/heavy-montreal-2019-guide/