Downtown Yonge Artwalk

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History of Music Mural: North

  • Spray Painting
  • 2017
  • 423 Yonge Street, Toronto

About the artwork

This is a major endeavour for Downtown Yonge BIA to pay homage to the rich history of music on Yonge Street. This reiterates our music strategy and DYBIA’s commitment to arts & culture as an economic driver.

Having achieved eye-popping success with its first giant music mural, the Downtown Yonge BIA commissioned a second 22-storey tribute to Toronto’s musical heritage. The mural covers the entire south face of the Toronto Community Housing building at 423 Yonge Street, complementing the existing mural on the north wall.

“These murals are dazzling sights to celebrate amazing sounds,” says Downtown Yonge BIA Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director Mark Garner. “They are a stunning visual reminder of the long, vibrant history of music in Downtown Yonge, which continues today.”

The first mural featured images from the 1950s and ‘60s. The new addition also celebrates music legends from that era, augmented by 1970s and ‘80s stars. Luminaries gracing the second mural include The Band, David Clayton-Thomas, Rush, GODDO, Carole Pope, Kim Mitchell, Salome Bey and Lonnie Johnson. Once again, marquees from landmark Toronto music venues will fill out the scene, including the Brown Derby Tavern, Gasworks, Piccadilly Tube and A&A Records.

Hayles, who created the first mural, spent two to three months completing the new 70-metre-tall artwork. The new mural is part of the Downtown Yonge BIA’s Music Strategy, an ambitious, multi-pronged plan to re-establish the area as a ‘Music Mecca.’

The mural is supported by StreetARToronto (StART), an initiative of the City of Toronto, Transportation Services Division, and a central feature of Council’s Graffiti Management Plan. The plan encompasses a proactive approach to eliminating graffiti vandalism, while adding vibrancy and visual interest to city streets.

About the artist

At the tender age of nine, Toronto-based illustrator Adrian Hayles discovered the expressive nature of the visual arts. With his continued artistic development, illustration became his deepest passion and talent. His desire to learn and absorb from his surroundings led him on a personal creative journey. As a graduate of the Graphic Design program at Humber College with over 10 years of working experience behind him, Adrian has established his place in Toronto’s modern art community.

His style is provocative, inspiring and defies categorization. Blurring the lines between graffiti and ultra realism, Adrian’s voice and vision is instantly identifiable. His works include countless portraits and illustrations for various magazines and collaborations with the City of Toronto to develop murals for vacant community spaces. In the past Adrian has painted complete buildings and city blocks, designed award winning video games and animated television shows.

Fun facts

  • The initiative came along with a new engagement process to deter graffiti and embellish the neighbourhood. When city officials asked the people of Yonge what they would like to see in the area, people mentioned the need for more public art. During the co-creation sessions with the cities two main themes were suggested, the music scene of Yonge or the reflection of nature. In the end, the power of music has won.