Brother, when Taipei live houses come up, EZ5 is the legendary old venue whose name appears in your mind at once.
Plenty of places come and go these days, falling silent after two years. But EZ5 has been on Anhe Road since 1991, still packing in crowds every night more than three decades later through pure, defiant live energy. In 2019, I, Roger, finally secured a seat and entered this ‘most recognized Chinese-language music hall worldwide.’
The stage seized my attention the moment I entered. That blue EZ5 neon sign shone with complete confidence, as if announcing, ‘Tonight, this is the star.’
The room is actually sizable and appears to hold more than a hundred people. Arrive early and you can wander at leisure; the mezzanine offers a better, unobstructed view of the stage. I may try booking up there next time.
I skipped cocktails this time and opened two bottles to drink slowly, keeping my attention on the music and the full live sensation. The singers delivered, the lighting and sound were right, and the entire night felt great from beginning to end.
The only small flaw was that it ended a little early. Another hour of drinking would have made it perfect.
In the end, EZ5 is the kind of place that stays with you all night—singers, drinks, lights, and cheers mixing together with the satisfaction of talking through the night with old friends.
If you have never been, head straight here next time you want music and a drink in Taipei. Reserve early; it really does fill easily!
