BACKSTAGE AT THE COMMODORE

Go Behind the Scenes at the Fabulous Commodore Ballroom!

RETURNS IN 2024

Image credit: Ben Aston

LEGENDARY MUSIC HISTORY TOUR

Back by popular demand, Forbidden Vancouver is staging Backstage at the Commodore — a behind the scenes tour inside the legendary Commodore Ballroom. Your host is writer, musician, historian, raconteur and veteran of the Commodore stage himself Aaron Chapman, the man who literally wrote the book on the history of Vancouver’s most celebrated live music venue.

Armed with tales of debauchery, showmanship, and excess that have marked the Commodore’s illustrious 93 year history, Aaron will bring to life the stories of the venue that Billboard magazine described as “one of the top 10 most influential music venues in North America.”

Aaron will be joined by special guests from Vancouver’s music scene, as together you explore the dressing rooms, stand on the fabled stage, and experience the history of a Vancouver entertainment landmark. Aaron’s book “Live at the Commodore”, winner of the BC Book Prize, is newly updated and includes a new chapter as well as over 250+ images of concert posters, backstage passes, ticket stubs and band photos. The book will be available for purchase and signing.

This intimate tour is limited to a capacity of just 50 people so get your tickets now!

QUICK FACTS

Age: 19+

Price: $33

Duration: 2 hours

Date/Time: RETURNS IN 2024

Location: The Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the Fabulous Commodore Ballroom on its 93rd Birthday!

Hear legendary musical history from writer Aaron Chapman

Enjoy special guest appearances from Vancouver music icons

Stand on the famous stage and see the private dressing rooms

New version of the BC Book Prize-winning “Live at the Commodore” for sale and signing

Limited event capacity — get your tickets now!

Your host: Aaron Chapman. Image Credit: Rebecca Blissett

LIVE AT THE COMMODORE

The Commodore Ballroom’s played host to just about every star and band you can imagine: U2, Snoop Dogg, James Brown, Lady Gaga, Tom Petty, Blondie, the Clash, Nirvana, Kiss, David Bowie, Count Basie, Katy Perry… this just scratches the surface of the universe of acts that have performed on the famous stage.

A popular first stop on many bands’ first North American wide tour, the Commodore has the unique position of having hosted so many acts “on their way up,” marking the first step on their road to fame and glory. Aaron Chapman has performed himself many times on the Commodore stage, as a member of famed Vancouver bands the Real MacKenzies and the Town Pants.

At the event, you can buy your very own copy of Live at the Commodore — the Story of Vancouver’s Historic Commodore Ballroom and have author Aaron on hand to sign it for you. First released in 2015 and winner of the BC Book Prize, the recently updated new version contains a new chapter, as well as over 250+ images of concert posters, backstage passes, ticket stubs and photos.