So THAT’S Who Bought the El Mocambo!
Mystery solved. The El Mo goes to Michael Wekerle, business personality and CEO of Difference Capital?
Who? The Dragon’s Den guy. And wasn’t he the guy who saw his ultra-rare Porsche 918 go up on flames at a gas station? Why, yes. That was him.
The press release describes him as “‘Mick Jagger meets Warren Buffet,'” and that “Michael Wekerle is a rock star in the world of Canadian finance, who has always had a strong passion for music.”
Let’s see what he can do with the place. I know what Michael O’Leary would say: “I’m out.”
Don’t know the chap (apparently amazingly, I’ve never even heard of him!). I wish him well, lots of fire insurance, and perseverance. And most of all I hope he pulls it off. My links to the Elmo are many, but times have changed, musical tastes have changed, and the neighbourhood has changed as well. Grizzled old-timer’s advice? Hire a really qualified booker, with a wide range of musical knowledge and contacts with agents — and do it NOW, to fine up shows for the grand re-opening, He needs to drag other promoters into the field, and he should hire a full-time publicist (hey, not me — I’m trying to quit!).
The thing that made the Elmo great in its day was that it catered to many different genres of music (and, therefore, different audiences); few venues in Toronto do that any more. Most of all, the new owner needs to have his mojo working.
Make the beer cheaper and the people will come.
Let’s just hope he never has to gas it up.