The Apollo

A Tribute to Iconic Local Music Venue

For many, The Apollo is a standing legend. A place for new artists, new music, and career-long friendships, the local landmark has birthed many talents. Sadly, after a long battle to keep the doors open, on October 15 the owners announced they were being evicted on November 1. The bar, which originally operated as a restaurant, was in service for over 25 years.

As one of the most renowned music venues in Thunder Bay, The Apollo has seen touring bands and hometown favourites take its stage. After speaking to a couple of the musicians who frequented the venue, it’s clear why The Apollo has gone down in the city’s history for live music. Stories of nurturing audiences and friendly staff depict an image of a bar where “everybody knows your name”—a true small-town icon that’s been loved by generations.

On Mike Luce’s third night in Thunder Bay, he planned to see a friend’s band play at the venue. The band was coming in from Edmonton and was unexpectedly delayed. Rather than leave, Luce went inside to meet the staff and owners. Luce had just completed music school and was looking to begin providing private music lessons, and after explaining that he was a professional music teacher, he landed his first job in the city as DJ and doorman for the bar.

“It was a really special introduction to the city. It’s a great place not only because of the opportunity to play, but to develop your sound and music as an artist. You can get better without the pressure of the Auditorium’s audience,” Luce says. He later went on to form a band with The Apollo’s senior employee

Alex Pederson. Once Luce created his solo act in 2009, he consistently played at the venue, fond of the atmosphere. “It has all the best parts of a bar and a family living room.”

The Apollo quickly became a major tour stop for passing bands. Luce recalls meeting all the local bands that played for touring acts. His most memorable evening though, was watching Juno award-winning band The Sheepdogs play a night at the beginning of their career. “Sheepdogs were playing for about five people that night, and look at them now.”

The Apollo has always been a home for artists to pass through, share their music, and make memories. Ryan Weber, one half of The Weber Brothers, has a long-standing relationship with the venue. Weber and his brother began singing at an early age and currently tour Canada as their own group, along with being members of The Hawks, Ronnie Hawkins’s Canadian rock band. Although not originally from Thunder Bay, the band has made a home away from home in the venue, and since their first tour in 2004, the duo has visited the downtown favourite again and again.

“Every time we have toured the west we play The Apollo. That’s about 15 years now. We would leave Peterborough, hit Sault Ste. Marie, and drive straight to Thunder Bay. On the way back we would look forward to hitting the city again to be greeted by the owners,” Weber says. “The owners always gave us a place to stay. When you’re touring sometimes you have van troubles, and they would let us recoup there for days, even a week if we needed.”

“Thank you to the owners, and to The Apollo for the great nights,” Weber says. “We are grateful to know them.”