In the lower level of Massey Hall you’ll find ‘Centuries,’ a fully-stocked bar you can visit pre-show and at intermission of most performances. The room is filled with artefacts illustrating the admirable history of Massey Hall, perhaps most notably the “Decade Panels” that line the entrance corridor to ‘Centuries.’ Starting with 1894-1904, a panel is present for each decade since Massey Hall opened. The panels feature news articles, photographs, programmes and other paraphernalia that aim to give a slice of life at Massey Hall from that period in history. In this column, we look at each decade and highlight some of the items included in these panels. Of course, for a more in-depth look, next time you’re at Massey for a show, head on over to ‘Centuries’ and check them out. This week, we take a look at 1994 – 2004, the final in a series of tributes to Massey Hall’s glorious history.
Massey Hall 1994 – 2004
In general, the 90s have a bit of a bad rep particularly when one considers the fashion choices of the era: the ‘Rachel’ haircut took the world by storm and we couldn’t decide between grunge rock plaid and Spice Girls platform sneakers. For music, however, the 90s were a cultural renaissance and Massey Hall provided a home for this exciting activity.
The decade panel for the years 1994 -2004 reads like a grocery list of epic stardom past and present. Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock performed their signature stand-up on the stage of Massey Hall and funny troupe Kids In The Hall also performed. Classic folk acts returned to Massey Hall: Stompin’ Tom Connors performs, Gordon Lightfoot makes yet another appearance, The Chieftains were joined by Anna and Kate McGarrigle (as well as Kate’s daughter, Martha Wainwright), and reports exclaimed that “Anne Murray sound[ed] better than ever.”
In this, the most recently completed decade panel, it is clear that Massey Hall is the stage to play whether you’re canonized or new to the scene. Lovers of classic music were not disappointed with opportunities to see Jethro Tull, Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, Brian Wilson, and Lou Reed. Emerging and recently established acts also visited Massey Hall: Sheryl Crow, Jane’s Addiction, Smashing Pumpkins, Crash Test Dummies, Jewel, Pulp, Barenaked Ladies, Ben Harper, and Elvis Costello all made appearances.
Morrissey, by now an established solo artist, performed at Massey Hall in September of 1997. Newspapers reported that “Morrissey [was] mauled by fans, security alike.” As it turns out, during all of the excitement of Morrissey’s set, he was mistook for an audience member and removed from the stage by security which Matt Galloway reported “abruptly end[ed] the gig.” Galloway went on to say, “It didn’t please fans, but remained the night’s most thrilling moment.”
It was in this decade that ‘Centuries’ was created – the very bar that holds these decade panels. While time carries on beyond 2004 (shocking, I know), this is the last decade represented here and will remain so until the not-too-distant future. Next decade, we’ll be able to properly reflect on this nameless decade (I’ve heard it called everything from ‘the zeros’ to ‘the oughts’ as well as ‘the turn of the century’) with a new panel installed upon these historic walls. Until then, you may stop wondering what they would say, ‘if these walls could speak,’ and see for yourself.
Stefania Paterak is the Programming Coordinator for Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall
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