Distortion - Live Music Venue

Reviews

User

So Blistered Earth couldn’t make It but PROHIBITOR and Vern's has agreed to help out and have W.M.D play and thrash with them, so please head over there tonight and get your thrash on!!!! Please share

User

Dear Friends, Family and Local Music Scene.
We regret to inform you that effective immediately Distortion Live Music Venue will be closing our door.
Honestly, it’s been a good run. We put our best foot forward. We can blame the economy, taxes, rising costs of overhead especially with liquor and staff, or the fact that less people are simple going out. But in the end does it matter?
... We’re 11.5 years into this Music Scene as a business, longer as individuals. We’ve hosted some sweet bands. Hopefully gave some people some sweet memories. It really has been a wild ride!!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every band that ever graced the stage, every promoter, every agent, every volunteer, and every single one of you that walked through the door. Our staff, honestly they’re the best!! Thank you!! You have blessed us with memories we will never forget.
As you can imagine there’s a lot of stuff to organize in the next few days. We’re aware lots you have questions and concerns. We will respond and reach out to bands, promoters as time allows.
Yes, this really sucks but, we love CALGARY music and we love everyone who makes it possible. Love one another, support one another. Go to shows, not just your band’s show. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!! Cause in the blink of an eye, it can be gone....
Moving forward, I guess only time will tell.
Stay posted for venue changes and updates on events.
Love & Shit Team D.
See More

User

W.M.D play this Saturday with Blistered Earth, the best Metallica tribute band in the world. Check out the Gettin' Hard in Nate's Backyard podcast with the boys.
Online tix available at https://www.facebook.com/events/201788628 1817904/?ti=icl

User

Ain’t no party like a Raygun Cowboys party!! And that’s the gawd damn truth! Bring your dancing shoes to this one! #seeyouinthepitcalgary

User

Thursday’s are the new Friday!! Tell a friend!
https://www.facebook.com/events/167674670 695805/?ti=icl

User

I’m not to sure which day I’m more excited about.... Friday’s The Faceless, AngelMaker, Protosequence & Anti-Pattern show or Saturday’s Blistered Earth & W.M.D show! You tell me... #seeyouinthepitcalgary

User

This city needs more good punk rock! Good thing the AK-747s are coming thru... June 30th. Tell a friend

User

How many days til the weekend?? The weekend starts on Thursday, right?!! Voltang, Wolfrik, Bayonet, SICKS, His Last Words

User

The Faceless!!! AngelMaker!!! Protosequence!!! Anti-Pattern!!! Friday!!

User

Blistered Earth the best Metallica tribute hitting the stage this Saturday! With locals W.M.D! It’s gunna be the best time. Tell a friend! #seeyouinthepitcalgary

User

It case you didn’t see this fun lil diddy! It’s gunna be all the good times rolled into a giant ball of metal!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/183723612 289209/?ti=icl

User

Ohhhhhhh!! Fuck Friday’s! This Thursday is gunna slay!! Got Voltang coming thru with locals Bayonet, SICKS, HisLastWords and from Deadmonton Wolfrik!! Tell a Friend!

User

https://www.facebook.com/pg/distortioncal gary/events/

User

This ones coming up Milhouse! Angelmaker slayed the old Distillery, back in the day. Who was at that show???

User

Got a fun announcement coming up today! Check back Metalheads!!!

User

Burlesque. Sideshow. Music. All for a great cause!! 🐶🐱
No better way to spend a Sunday. ❤

User

Tomorrow is all about our furry friends in need. Let’s build up the bank. Sunday Funday styles. Doors at 2pm, show at 3pm

User

Highballs are always $4 before 10pm every Friday & Saturday! Tell a Friend

User

One week!! One week!! Have you got your tickets yet??
https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/mobile /index/1684539…

User

What you can't see, when you walk through the doors, is the sheer tenacity and investment the owners have put into the local music scene. When a band takes the stage at Distortion, then you can hear that investment. They have sacrificed much in order to do so however. To have a home for The Heavy such as this is NO EASY TASK!!! These folks have families, relationships, and are deeply ensconced into something they feel, they had to take a direct hand in, in order to see survive. To them, it's all the same. And that's what you get from Distortion. It's a house of respect for something much larger than all of us. A love of music. And that love is something that requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and yes, sacrifice. It's something that all promoters know,..the thankless job of promoting..the sacrifice. These guys don't just make it their job, they've made it their life. Dedication goes a long way when you believe in the music. Now, the only other key element is YOU,..the music lover. Let's do this together...support your local music scene by going to shows, support the touring acts by going to shows...love your music, get in on the heavy. We're all in his together, and we sure as hell are a stronger scene because of it. Calgary is a bit devoid of culture, so this is where we have to be active in making our own. Therefore, we have a direct hand in it's music culture. This is how it's done people..this is how it's done. Long Live Distortion...Long Live The Heavy!

User

We were in town for NYE, stayed at the hotel. Went to Distortion for some cocktails and tunes. I was overwhelmed by the awesome bands that played, the volume was perfectly LOUD!!! but not so loud you had to yell to talk to someone. Wicked awesome venue, very warm staff, ,made us feel like part of the metal family right away. Cheers to the staff and owners. Deff coming back soon! Thx for a great evening of music, drink, friends and memories!!

User

The first time I went I was playing Mario kart and I was in last on the final lap and suddenly a bob omb blew up actually everyone and I took first uncontested



10/10

User

The Distortion is a venue that encapsulates the diversity of music in this city. They do primarily promote punk, rock and metal groups. It is a very safe and friendly venue. They have a great area for bands to promote their merchandise. A large stage for bands to be able to perform on without falling off.

The Distortion is easily accessible by all forms of transportation( LRT, bus, car, taxi), they are connected to the Quality Inn so you can book a room if you are planning to have a few too many.

We attend many shows there and the staff are very friendly and professional.

User

Only place to drink in town. It's like I'm in cheers when I walk in, greeted like a friend and given a drink almost without asking. To be fair I'm a regular and biased but still great stuff. Top notch place.

User

One of the top places in Calgary to see live music! Inside is well designed, with new pool tables and local art work decorating the hall. They have a lot of different events from casual video game nights on their huge projector with multiple consoles, to local get together jams between community members, and amazing diverse live music. The food is great and the beer is cheap. Pick a night, and don't knock it until you try it friends.

User

Last night @RevolutionEngineMusic played Distortion for the first time. Great venue, great sound, great service, awesome staff, we loved it! The crew made us feel welcome and took good care of us. Highly recommended venue for rock and metal bands. Thanks to @GreasyB for lining up this show with Burlap Sack, 240, and The Buffet. Again!!!

User

Just the bee's knees.

One of the best venues I have had the pleasure of performing at and a stellar spot for a good drink and kick ass people.

10/10 would recommend

User

It's like Cheers for Calgary's music scene. Where everybody knows their name at least. Good crowd, great music, a real sense of community.

User

I've had the pleasure of attending many shows at Distortion from acoustic to death metal. And the privilege of performing there as well! I have nothing but good experiences with the staff, patrons and the overall good vibe that makes Distortion so awesome!

User

I'm a work n traveller from Germany and when I came to calgary I first thought, what a boring city. Then I went to this one show at the D and I frigging loooved it. Met soo many great people, including the staff! I love how it's just kinda a small family. Either if you're just chilling there and playing video games or attending one of those great concerts. I'm gonna miss it!

Oh, and not to forget all those fun pool sessions ^^

User

I might have to move here just so I can come here more often. This place is fuckin awsome

User

Heres to a few... This is the home to countless underground musical acts as well as signed professionals. If you're looking for a cold drink with new friends while staying at the Days Inn upstairs or hunting for an intense musical experience to brush of those work week blues, Distortion keeps it's doors open to anyone willing to step through. No dress code. 18+ don't be a dickhead.

User

Fantastic live music venue! Great memories playing a number of killer shows here - Distortion never fails to deliver with the crowd, the service, and the respect the owners and operators show to the bands.



Always a great variety of live events every week of the year - do not miss it, show up, and support these fine ladies and gentlemen.

User

Distortion is one of my absolute favourite places to go in the city for a variety of live music, events and visiting friends. A great bunch of people, always on top of things, demonstrating what real team effort is all about!

User

Best staff, best atmosphere, best sound, best music. Top notch place and I have a blast every single time I have ever gone there. �keep it up distortion, you guys are awesome!

User

Best live music venue in town! It's a home away from home for most of Calgary's metal scene, and a welcoming spot for the rest of the music community. If you enjoy a reasonably priced beverage surrounded by super awesome humans, and quality local and visiting live bands, this is the spot for you!

User

Awesome Place felt right at home! Went on karaoke night sang Big Balls by AC DC. I recommend to everyone who likes good people and Wicked Music

User

I just go for the water.

I stay for the music.

Yeah .. the people are okay.

I guess.



Wouldn't have gone for the water if it wasn't for some people.



The new stage is impressive.

The acts they get are most certainly impressive.

Someone out there has good taste in music.



My only complaint is the location.

It's far from me.

About 25 Kilometres far from me.

That's like traveling halfway across Calgary.



When I get there, I get thirsty.

Because of the travel.

Hence my need for water.



But I digress.

Will be returning soon.

User

What you can't see, when you walk through the doors, is the sheer tenacity and investment the owners have put into the local music scene. When a band takes the stage at Distortion, then you can hear that investment. They have sacrificed much in order to do so however. To have a home for The Heavy such as this is NO EASY TASK!!! These folks have families, relationships, and are deeply ensconced into something they feel, they had to take a direct hand in, in order to see survive. To them, it's all the same. And that's what you get from Distortion. It's a house of respect for something much larger than all of us. A love of music. And that love is something that requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and yes, sacrifice. It's something that all promoters know,..the thankless job of promoting..the sacrifice. These guys don't just make it their job, they've made it their life. Dedication goes a long way when you believe in the music. Now, the only other key element is YOU,..the music lover. Let's do this together...support your local music scene by going to shows, support the touring acts by going to shows...love your music, get in on the heavy. We're all in his together, and we sure as hell are a stronger scene because of it. Calgary is a bit devoid of culture, so this is where we have to be active in making our own. Therefore, we have a direct hand in it's music culture. This is how it's done people..this is how it's done. Long Live Distortion...Long Live The Heavy!

User

We were in town for NYE, stayed at the hotel. Went to Distortion for some cocktails and tunes. I was overwhelmed by the awesome bands that played, the volume was perfectly LOUD!!! but not so loud you had to yell to talk to someone. Wicked awesome venue, very warm staff, ,made us feel like part of the metal family right away. Cheers to the staff and owners. Deff coming back soon! Thx for a great evening of music, drink, friends and memories!!

User

The first time I went I was playing Mario kart and I was in last on the final lap and suddenly a bob omb blew up actually everyone and I took first uncontested



10/10

User

The Distortion is a venue that encapsulates the diversity of music in this city. They do primarily promote punk, rock and metal groups. It is a very safe and friendly venue. They have a great area for bands to promote their merchandise. A large stage for bands to be able to perform on without falling off.

The Distortion is easily accessible by all forms of transportation( LRT, bus, car, taxi), they are connected to the Quality Inn so you can book a room if you are planning to have a few too many.

We attend many shows there and the staff are very friendly and professional.

User

Only place to drink in town. It's like I'm in cheers when I walk in, greeted like a friend and given a drink almost without asking. To be fair I'm a regular and biased but still great stuff. Top notch place.

User

One of the top places in Calgary to see live music! Inside is well designed, with new pool tables and local art work decorating the hall. They have a lot of different events from casual video game nights on their huge projector with multiple consoles, to local get together jams between community members, and amazing diverse live music. The food is great and the beer is cheap. Pick a night, and don't knock it until you try it friends.

User

Last night @RevolutionEngineMusic played Distortion for the first time. Great venue, great sound, great service, awesome staff, we loved it! The crew made us feel welcome and took good care of us. Highly recommended venue for rock and metal bands. Thanks to @GreasyB for lining up this show with Burlap Sack, 240, and The Buffet. Again!!!

User

Just the bee's knees.

One of the best venues I have had the pleasure of performing at and a stellar spot for a good drink and kick ass people.

10/10 would recommend

User

It's like Cheers for Calgary's music scene. Where everybody knows their name at least. Good crowd, great music, a real sense of community.

User

I've had the pleasure of attending many shows at Distortion from acoustic to death metal. And the privilege of performing there as well! I have nothing but good experiences with the staff, patrons and the overall good vibe that makes Distortion so awesome!

User

I'm a work n traveller from Germany and when I came to calgary I first thought, what a boring city. Then I went to this one show at the D and I frigging loooved it. Met soo many great people, including the staff! I love how it's just kinda a small family. Either if you're just chilling there and playing video games or attending one of those great concerts. I'm gonna miss it!

Oh, and not to forget all those fun pool sessions ^^

User

I might have to move here just so I can come here more often. This place is fuckin awsome

User

Heres to a few... This is the home to countless underground musical acts as well as signed professionals. If you're looking for a cold drink with new friends while staying at the Days Inn upstairs or hunting for an intense musical experience to brush of those work week blues, Distortion keeps it's doors open to anyone willing to step through. No dress code. 18+ don't be a dickhead.

User

Fantastic live music venue! Great memories playing a number of killer shows here - Distortion never fails to deliver with the crowd, the service, and the respect the owners and operators show to the bands.



Always a great variety of live events every week of the year - do not miss it, show up, and support these fine ladies and gentlemen.

User

Distortion is one of my absolute favourite places to go in the city for a variety of live music, events and visiting friends. A great bunch of people, always on top of things, demonstrating what real team effort is all about!

User

Best staff, best atmosphere, best sound, best music. Top notch place and I have a blast every single time I have ever gone there. �keep it up distortion, you guys are awesome!

User

Best live music venue in town! It's a home away from home for most of Calgary's metal scene, and a welcoming spot for the rest of the music community. If you enjoy a reasonably priced beverage surrounded by super awesome humans, and quality local and visiting live bands, this is the spot for you!

User

Awesome Place felt right at home! Went on karaoke night sang Big Balls by AC DC. I recommend to everyone who likes good people and Wicked Music

User

I just go for the water.

I stay for the music.

Yeah .. the people are okay.

I guess.



Wouldn't have gone for the water if it wasn't for some people.



The new stage is impressive.

The acts they get are most certainly impressive.

Someone out there has good taste in music.



My only complaint is the location.

It's far from me.

About 25 Kilometres far from me.

That's like traveling halfway across Calgary.



When I get there, I get thirsty.

Because of the travel.

Hence my need for water.



But I digress.

Will be returning soon.

More about Distortion - Live Music Venue

Distortion - Live Music Venue is located at 3828 MacLeod Trail S., Calgary, Alberta T2G 2R2