Scarborough has a new rock venue and many are excited to have it.
The location is smack in the heart of Scarberia, and on a main bus line for those who do not drive. The set up and show bookings are of the same nature as that of the Rockpile West for those who have stopped in on the opening weekend. There are 3 bars for your drinking needs, all in convenient locations within the venue. For the smokers there is an outside area, but for non smokers, well, you are stuck on that same patio or inside the venue between acts. A no re-entry protocol is in effect at the Rockpile East. Seating is available on the east side of the venue, with couches and tall bar stools and tables.
There is plenty of standing room directly in front of the stage. Both sides of the venue, beside the main floor area, are elevated to allow views of the stage if you do not like the busy floor area.
We missed the grand opening on Friday featuring The Killer Dwarfs, but heard through the grapevine the venue was packed! At a door fee of $15.00 I am sure it was.
Along with a couple of other folks, I went to the Saturday night gig featuring the local Scarborough legends Goddo.
We were taken aback at the steep door price of $35.00. The two supporting bands did not stir too much interest in us and those around us. This is too bad considering the ticket prices and door fee should have warranted better support for Goddo.
Having partied to Goddo tunes in my teenage years, I was anxious to see them again and hoped they could hold a candle to their much loved tunes. The crowd, in general were of an older age range, and were at this show for Goddo. As soon as they started to play "So Walk On" ,the crowd exploded. Power chords from Gino Scarpelli, and Greg Godovitz reverberated across the venue, and electrified everyone there!
I was fortunate enough to stand up at the front of the stage, to sing right along with Greg, play my air guitar with Gino and rock to the beat of Doug's drum beats. I felt like a 15 year old again. I have to say that they played every tune as I remembered them from the originals. At one point Greg did take the time to chat with the crowd, and informed us that he was born in Scarberia, and was very happy to be back playing a Scarberian venue. Yes, we in Scarborough call this part of Toronto Scarberia. This beloved term is still used to date.
It is noteworthy to mention that Gene Scarpelli, Gino's son, played along side his Dad on a couple of songs near the end of the show. What a cool way to share the experience with family!
Overall our experience at this new rock/metal venue was adequate. Yes, we loved the band, and the sound was loud (I still have a slight ring in my ears), but the venue entrance fee and non re-entry policy dampened some of the positives of the night.
I would like to frequent this establishment again, but only if the ticket and door fees are reasonable, and they soften their re entry policy, then maybe I'll see you there.
Good luck to the Rockpile East with future shows, and keeping the scene alive in Scarborough.
The location is smack in the heart of Scarberia, and on a main bus line for those who do not drive. The set up and show bookings are of the same nature as that of the Rockpile West for those who have stopped in on the opening weekend. There are 3 bars for your drinking needs, all in convenient locations within the venue. For the smokers there is an outside area, but for non smokers, well, you are stuck on that same patio or inside the venue between acts. A no re-entry protocol is in effect at the Rockpile East. Seating is available on the east side of the venue, with couches and tall bar stools and tables.
There is plenty of standing room directly in front of the stage. Both sides of the venue, beside the main floor area, are elevated to allow views of the stage if you do not like the busy floor area.
We missed the grand opening on Friday featuring The Killer Dwarfs, but heard through the grapevine the venue was packed! At a door fee of $15.00 I am sure it was.
Along with a couple of other folks, I went to the Saturday night gig featuring the local Scarborough legends Goddo.
We were taken aback at the steep door price of $35.00. The two supporting bands did not stir too much interest in us and those around us. This is too bad considering the ticket prices and door fee should have warranted better support for Goddo.
Having partied to Goddo tunes in my teenage years, I was anxious to see them again and hoped they could hold a candle to their much loved tunes. The crowd, in general were of an older age range, and were at this show for Goddo. As soon as they started to play "So Walk On" ,the crowd exploded. Power chords from Gino Scarpelli, and Greg Godovitz reverberated across the venue, and electrified everyone there!
I was fortunate enough to stand up at the front of the stage, to sing right along with Greg, play my air guitar with Gino and rock to the beat of Doug's drum beats. I felt like a 15 year old again. I have to say that they played every tune as I remembered them from the originals. At one point Greg did take the time to chat with the crowd, and informed us that he was born in Scarberia, and was very happy to be back playing a Scarberian venue. Yes, we in Scarborough call this part of Toronto Scarberia. This beloved term is still used to date.
It is noteworthy to mention that Gene Scarpelli, Gino's son, played along side his Dad on a couple of songs near the end of the show. What a cool way to share the experience with family!
Overall our experience at this new rock/metal venue was adequate. Yes, we loved the band, and the sound was loud (I still have a slight ring in my ears), but the venue entrance fee and non re-entry policy dampened some of the positives of the night.
I would like to frequent this establishment again, but only if the ticket and door fees are reasonable, and they soften their re entry policy, then maybe I'll see you there.
Good luck to the Rockpile East with future shows, and keeping the scene alive in Scarborough.
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