Salon Crisis: Toronto’s Rock’n’Roll Hair HQ to Close

When I first arrived at CFNY in 1986 to do the overnight show, one of the first commercials I played was for the House of Lords which was voiced by my then-boss, David Marsden. Still sporting my Manitoba hockey mullet–hey, I was new, okay?–I headed to 6369 Yonge Street the following Saturday to do something about it. Unfortunately, the place was jammed and filled with people much cooler than me. I just couldn’t bring myself to go in. I chickened out and ended up rocking the mullet for another couple of months.

House of Lords was known for being the headquarters of rock’n’roll (or at least super-trendy) hair. Owner Paul Burford ran the joint, blaring music onto Yonge Street “to attract the weirdos” into the shop. Over the years, weirdos such as David Bowie, Axl Rose, Rod Stewart, Lights and Keifer Sutherland were customers.

But after 51 years, Paul plans to close up shop. Worn down by rising property taxes and tired of working every day, the 75-year-old announced on Facebook Wednesday (August 2) that House of Lords will close up for good on October 1.

A 100% property tax increase? What kind of small business could absorb that?

I wonder if it’s too late to make an appointment?

More at the Toronto Star.