One of the best nightclubs in the world, Montreal’s Stereo, had a massive 5-day reopening planned that was supposed to kick off on September 3rd and go late into September 7th. This 5-day blowout was the talk of the Montreal nightlife scene.
I remember Stereo in the old days…Rather, I was at Stereo several times in the old days and know I had a blast but don’t really remember much. Known internationally for its world-class sound system, you could feel the bone-shaking bass and crisp high-end as you walked in. These days I write a Montreal Nightlife blog and am very excited to go check out the new digs.
Routinely voted as one of the best nightclubs in the world, Stereo closed after a fire in July 2008. Since then, the people at Stereo have used the opportunity to totally redo and enhance the existing space, renovating the décor and upgrading their already legendary sound system. All the rumblings around town suggested that they’d done a great job. Some very cool new stuff included a space for live bands and a new mandate to make Stereo eco-friendly by using re-purified water and recycling methods, so clubbers can, as the press release says, “make their mark on the dance floor, not on the environment.”
But, just days before its September 2009 opening, Stereo was hit by another fire. Arson was again suspected. A huge setback that, ultimately, gave way to what proved to be a further testament to how much Montreal loves Stereo: the night after the fire over 100 volunteers, gloves and shovels in hand, showed up to help clean. That weekend, despite the damage, they still managed to pack the place for two of the planned events.
And they will continue, every Saturday night, to hold “Stereo Saturdays,” a new concept evening in which the headliners will not be advertised, so you’ll just have to show up with little more than the expectation that you’ll see some of the best DJs in the world.
Clearly, you can’t hold a great nightclub down.
Brendan Murphy is a Montreal-based music columnist and blogger. Check out his Montreal Nightlife blog for more on Montreal after dark.
