It was the last call for Call The Office, an iconic music venue in London, ON. since the 1980s. The recognized bar, hosting acts as Sex Pistols and the Ramones, held a socially distanced concert to take regulars back in time.
Welcoming 63′ Monroe, a local punk band from the mid 80’s, who spent many nights on the stage of Call the Office, played once again. The band rocked out behind plexiglass and the crowd was shaking at their tables respecting COVID-19 protocols. Owner of the bar known as DQ said that he wanted to choose a lineup that was memorable, and that was 63 Monroe. He said the band has been playing selflessly at Call The Office for nearly 40 years and that he owes it them.
DQ feels that he is carrying a huge burden, because the passion for the bar is so strong. He said that he can’t make all his decisions emotionally.
“I can’t keep everyone’s dreams alive, because I will be put into financial debt.”
He loves owning the bar, but it’s not loving him back right now. DQ has a lot of pressure from the community to keep the venue alive, and he feels that he is certainly trying.
“It will crush me if I drove by and it was a Subway sandwich shop. It would break everyone’s heart, including mine.”
Bev Camp, Dancing outside Call The Office.
Many popular faces showed up to the event to support the final night. Bev Camp is 75 years old, and customers call him legendary. He is known for his dancing, moshing, and supporting the music community. Camp went to the bar before it was regarded as a music venue. He watched the place evolve into what it is now. Bev sat at a table with his cowboy get up, and a huge smile on his face. Even though he couldn’t light up the bar with his dance moves, he still wanted to show his support. Camp is heartbroken that his favourite bar is shutting down, he feels that dancing has kept him young.
“I live to dance. It is the only thing that slows down the aging process, and nothing else works.”
Camp said he will continue to keep shaking and grooving, and that he has hope that Call the Office will revive.
After decades of slinging beer and showcasing live music, Call The Office is closing its doors indefinitely. History was made finding a way to have a safe pandemic concert to give people a “rock” through their past.
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