Iconic music store in Toronto closing after nearly 50 years

It's a sad day for musicians and music lovers alike. A popular Toronto store known for selling musical instruments and gear is reportedly closing its doors after nearly five decades of business.

Steve's Music Store at 415 Queen St. W. has been an institution since opening in 1977, selling a wide range of instruments, amplifiers, audio gear, accessories, and more.

Founded by Steve Kirman as part of a Canadian music store chain in 1965, the first location was in Montreal before eventually expanding to Ottawa and Toronto in the 70s.

With the Toronto store so close to MuchMusic, musicians like Jack White, who would come into town for interviews and performances – especially in the late '90s and early aughts at the height of the music channel's popularity – would often be spotted browsing the aisles at Steve's Music Store afterwards.

In a now-removed Instagram post, the chain announced on Sunday that it has begun liquidating its inventory at all five locations. Everything at the Queen West shop is being sold for up to 50 per cent off.

The chain will be closing down every store save for the Montreal store, CBC reported. 

This news comes almost a year after Cosmo Music, Canada's single-largest music store, located in Richmond Hill, announced its closure after 57 years of business. 

We continue to live in a bleak era where brick-and-mortar stores are shuttering left and right and centre. Queen West was once a shopping hub for fashion, music, shoes, and furniture, but there has been a rapid turnover as of late. The West Queen West Business Improvement Area (BIA) reports that over 130 businesses have closed down in the last three years alone.

If you're looking to upgrade your amp or buy a new bass, at least there's still Long & McQuade at 925 Bloor St. W.