06/07/2026
Michael "X-Ray" MacRae (January 19, 1952 – January 26, 2024) was a legendary Canadian music promoter, club owner, and talent buyer. He is best known for his influential tenure running the booking office and holding an ownership stake at Toronto's landmark Horseshoe Tavern during its golden era from the 1980s to the late 1990s.
The Kingmaker of Queen Street West
Discovering Talent: MacRae was crucial to the early success of iconic Canadian acts, acting as a key gatekeeper for bands like Blue Rodeo, The Tragically Hip, The Watchmen, and Amanda Marshall.
The "Shoe" Office: In the dungeon-like basement office of the Horseshoe Tavern, he sifted through massive piles of hopeful cassette tapes. If his fingers tapped your audition tape, you were booked.
Texas Connection: Known for his love of the Austin, Texas music scene, he was instrumental in bringing American acts to Toronto and directing Canadian talent to the SxSW music festival.
Early Life and Legacy
Kingston Roots: Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, MacRae ran a second-hand record shop and worked at the local music venue Dollar Bill’s before making his way to Toronto.
Other Ventures: In the 1980s, he also partnered with actor Dan Aykroyd to open a Queen Street West restaurant named "X-Rays".
Passing: After a battle with cancer, MacRae passed away at 72, leaving a massive legacy in Canadian live music history
