Photos by Andrew Hartl

http://www.deeppurple.com/

To kick the week off in style, classic rock band Deep Purple played Toronto’s Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, with a 16 song set list that included “Highway Star” to open and “Smoke on the Water” to close.  A 2-song encore including “Hush” closed out the night.

British blues rock band The Temperance Movement opened the show.

Here is the photo gallery of the show.  Click on photos to enlarge. 

Deep Purple performing at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Deep Purple performing at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Deep Purple performing at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Deep Purple performing at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Deep Purple performing at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Deep Purple performing at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Deep Purple performing at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Deep Purple performing at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Temperence Movement performing at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Temperence Movement performing at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Temperence Movement performing at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Review by Natalie Paterson
Photos by Andrew Hartl

https://www.imaginedragonsmusic.com

The fourth of July was spent by many Americans celebrating the independence of their country, but in Toronto, we were celebrating for a whole other reason. It was our turn to have Imagine Dragons roll into town on their Smoke and Mirrors Tour. Joining them on this stop of the tour were Halsey and Metric.

First up was Halsey. I hadn’t heard much about her before the concert, so I’m glad I got the chance to see her.  Onto the stage walks this blue-haired, modern Alanis Morrisette, and I was blown away. Halsey is relatively new on the indie rock scene, and as a 20 year-old from New Jersey, she touched a pretty big Canadian crowd. This stop on the tour was her first live performance in Toronto, and she talked a little bit about exploring our city. “I was walking around through Toronto just thinking… Has Drake touched this? Has he sat on this bus stop bench?” Her unique style drew me in immediately; with such a haunting and powerful voice she captivated the audience.  She delivered songs from her new album, including “Ghost”, “Empty Gold”, and “Roman Holiday”. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance, so much so that I downloaded some of her songs right after her set. Definitely, keep an eye out for this girl!

Next up was Canadian rock royalty, Metric. These four really know how to rile up a crowd and make things exciting. (I may be a little biased, but the fact that they’re from Toronto is pretty awesome as well.) Lead singer Emily Haines was having an absolute ball on stage, and it completely showed in her performance and that of her band mates. She also reflected on the band’s success to date, including being asked to go on tour with Imagine Dragons. “You never know when someone’s going to give you that call to give you that shot. Girls, I recommend picking up a guitar. It’s fun.” The band performed some of their bigger songs, including “Stadium Love”, “Breathing Underwater”, “Too Bad So Sad”, and “Help I’m Alive”. Their set was a great lead up to what would follow.

Immediately following Metric, a white curtain draped across the stage.  Clearly, the headliners of the evening wanted to keep their stage set up a secret.   But the mystery and the time spent was well worth the wait.  Out came the group we were all waiting for: Imagine Dragons. These guys know how to consistently bring a great show to the stage, and they did not disappoint on this night. It was absolutely fucking incredible. The four band members were at the top of their game, and it certainly showed in their performance. Between the light effects and the amazing music they were churning out, it made for one hell of a show. Lead singer Dan Reynolds hinted that the band might return again next year, and then announced that the Toronto leg of the tour was the one being filmed for their Smoke and Mirrors Concert DVD.  At this point the crowd went understandably berserk.  It absolutely added to the hype and excitement contained within the Air Canada Centre.

Click to Enlarge Photos

Imagine Dragons with Metric and Halsey

Imagine Dragons with Metric and Halsey

Imagine Dragons with Metric and Halsey

Imagine Dragons with Metric and Halsey

Imagine Dragons with Metric and Halsey

Imagine Dragons with Metric and Halsey

Imagine Dragons with Metric and Halsey

Imagine Dragons with Metric and Halsey

Imagine Dragons with Metric and Halsey

Imagine Dragons with Metric and Halsey

They played some of their best songs including “It’s Time”, “I Bet My Life”, “Demons”, a cover of Alphaville’s “Forever Young”, and wrapping the show up with an incredible rendition of “Radioactive”. I know I keep saying it, but these guys know exactly how to make a crowd go batshit crazy, and keep them on their feet. It was incredible. Out of all the concerts I’ve ever seen over the course of my 22 years of life, this concert is absolutely the best I’ve ever seen. One hundred percent. I have never been to a show that has had such high crowd energy, or that has kept me buzzing about it for days following. It really was an incredibly unique experience.

The Smoke and Mirrors Tour continues in North America until August 1, and then heads international until February 5, 2016. Get to see this tour while you can. I swear, you will not regret it. In fact, I bet my life you won’t.

By Kat Harlton
Photos by Andrew Hartl

http://nkotb.com/

Sunday night the New Kids On The Block brought their boxing-themed ‘The Main Event‘ to the Air Canada Centre. The stage set up was cool, and not something I had seen there before. Set up in the style of theatre in the round, it featured a huge circle in the middle with risers that would lift the members of New Kids to various heights, and was flanked by extended catwalks on either side, which the 80’s boy band made full use of.

Full of confetti , fireworks, and shirtless choreography that would give Magic Mike a run for it’s money, it’s safe to say Jordan, Jonathan, Joey, Donnie and Danny had my inner pre-teen Kat freaking out. They performed many of their newer songs, as well as Just a Friend, Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch’s Good Vibrations, and Lean On Me. However it was their older material such as My Favourite Girl, You Got It (The Right Stuff.), Tonight, Games, Cover Girl and Step By Step that had this 80’s baby excited.

I was also super impressed with their love of Canada.  There was a quick change cam under the stage, showing all five members changing and Wahlberg showed off a pair of Canadian flag undies. They also took turns draping a Canadian flag around their shoulders, and reminding everyone that it was in Toronto in 2008 that the NKOTB Reunion Tour was born and that our city feels like their second home.

Wahlberg was by far the most fun to watch.  He was frequently in the crowd, exchanging hugs, taking photos, sharing the mic, and overall was an amazing performer as he gave the audience exactly what they came for.  They closed the show off with I’ll Be Loving You (Forever), before bringing out one of my personal faves Hangin’ Tough which they mashed up with Queen‘s We Will Rock You.

I also need to quickly mention the evening’s opening acts, TLC and Nelly, who also contributed to the nostalgia. There were shiny overalls and bedazzled bras, along with memorable hits and fan favorites the likes of Unpretty, No Scrubs, and Waterfalls, which featured a a shout out to Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopez. The best part; however, was a guy pulled from the audience who was given a lap dance and a kiss from from Thomas during Red Light Special.

Nelly, dressed all in white and accompanied by some amazing female dancers as well as a DJ and another rapper (whose name I didn’t catch) had the crowd going for Hot In Here and Ride Wit Me.

This show was a great time.  It was a fun night and a rare opportunity to take a trip back in time with some of the 90’s biggest players.

Click on photos to enlarge view

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

NKOTB, TLC and Nelly

By Natalie Paterson
Photos by Andrew Hartl

http://savemesanfrancisco.com/

An incredible concert was brought to the Molson Canadian Amphitheater on Tuesday night, bringing together three great groups (and even better friends) for one hell of a show. Train‘s Picasso at the Wheel tour came to Toronto for one of their only Canadian tour stops, and I’m so happy I got to see it.

The show began with Matt Nathanson, and he started things off absolutely right. He and his band brought a ton of energy to the crowd, even poking fun at a few audience members in between songs. He even came into the crowd while he sang “Headphones”, and ate some of an audience member’s chicken nuggets. It was so much fun. He sang some of his bigger songs, including “Faster”, “Headphones”, and his platinum-selling hit “Come On Get Higher”. His was an excellent opening act.

Next up was The Fray. I’ve seen these guys live in concert before, and I know they bring their hearts to the stage every time they perform. It definitely showed in this performance. Lead singer Isaac Slade wasn’t as talkative as the act he followed, but he definitely brought the high energy expected. He also ventured into the crowd to sing with the audience, and had a great time with everyone. The band delivered a great set list, including “How to Save a Life”, “You Found Me”, “Never Say Never”, “Love Don’t Die”, and a rendition of A-ha’s “Take On Me”. It was an awesome lead up to the headliners.

In between sets, the venue played some great music, including Journey, Queen, Rick James and the Bee Gees. It definitely helped to keep the crowd dancing while the stage was set.

Finally, we got to the headliners: Train. And let me tell you, it was an absolutely worthwhile wait. Lead singer Pat Monahan had a great time with the audience, really livening up the whole show. I have to say, this concert was definitely a different one compared to those I’ve attended in the past. Not only did Pat throw t-shirts into the crowd, he also tossed the one that he was wearing, which he had signed by the entire band while on stage. He also did a live Periscope broadcast during the performance, which was a first for me.

The group performed a fabulous set of songs including “50 Ways to Say Goodbye”, “Free”, “Calling All Angels”, and “Drive By”, and they left the audience with some real treats. At one point, Monahan brought Matt Nathanson and Isaac Slade back on stage for a rendition of “With a Little Help from My Friends”, which was a lot of fun for everyone. Throughout the acts, they talked about how long they’d known each other and how long they’ve been performing, and it definitely came across in this performance.

Finally, Train closed out with an encore including “Bulletproof Picasso”, a cover of Aerosmith’s “Dream On”, and finished with their iconic song, “Drops of Jupiter”. It was a fitting end to a seriously fantastic concert. If these guys come back in summer 2016 (or in general) I definitely recommend seeing them live. This was such a fitting way to start off the summer concert season, for me anyway.

The Picasso at the Wheel tour continues throughout Canada and the U.S. until September 20.

Click to enlarge photos

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

Train, The Fray and Matt Nathanson

By Johna Autencio
Photos by Andrew Hartl

http://ladyantebellum.com/
http://apps.hunterhayes.com/black/
http://www.samhunt.com/

Toronto was definitely needing some country music Thursday night when Nashville trio Lady Antebellum was in town for their Wheels Up tour. Singing to a crowd of almost 15,000 fans, Lady A’s concert surely did not disappoint.

The Grammy-winning band performed their old hits and new, to covers of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” and paying homage to Canada’s country queen Shania Twain with a performance of “Any Man of Mine.” They even shared the stage with both of their opening acts, Hunter Hayes on guitar and Sam Hunt singing along with an epic performance of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way,” that drove the audience crazy.

Throughout their almost two-hour performance, leading lady Hillary Scott didn’t seem to have as much energy, but I guess that’s life on the road with a toddler. Unlike Scott, her other lead singer, Charles Kelley was frequently pumping up the crowd, chatting on behalf of the band and interacting with them by drinking beer from a show goer’s cup and taking plenty of selfies with his lucky fans that were able to give their phone to him.

And since the concert venue was outdoors, that meant lawn seats. Lady A’s guitarist Dave Haywood was responsible for moving their set up to the pavement for those in the lawn to get a closer look of the trio. Kelley even said that he could relate to those on the lawn because those were the “types of tickets he could only afford back in the day.” All they needed was an acoustic guitar and their microphones, which made it more intimate and close.

It was definitely a wild night for Lady A, Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt fans. Not only was the weather perfect for an outdoor concert, the country crowd was having the time of their lives and making the most of their surroundings. Perhaps it was all the booze that was flying around, but heck, that’s no surprise at a country concert.

Lady Antebellum’s Wheels Up tour continues until October 3, 2015.

Click to enlarge photos

Lady Antebellum / Hunter Hayes / Sam Hunt

Lady Antebellum / Hunter Hayes / Sam Hunt

Lady Antebellum / Hunter Hayes / Sam Hunt

Lady Antebellum / Hunter Hayes / Sam Hunt

Lady Antebellum / Hunter Hayes / Sam Hunt

Lady Antebellum / Hunter Hayes / Sam Hunt

Lady Antebellum / Hunter Hayes / Sam Hunt

Lady Antebellum / Hunter Hayes / Sam Hunt

https://emilieandogden.bandcamp.com/

By: Kat Harlton
Photography: Andrew Hartl

Emilie & Ogden was my first act of NXNE 2015 and she did not disappoint. Truth be told, I hadn’t heard of the Montrealer previously and, therefore went into her Mod Club appearance unfamiliar with her work and unaware of what to expect.

What I found was that, despite the name, Emilie & Ogden is not a duet in the classical sense, but rather Emilie Kahn and her harp, which she played masterfully and beautifully. I’ve rarely had the chance to see the harp performed live and Khan made it seem like an extension of herself rather than an instrument. Accompanied by her light, airy vocals, she created an emotional, musical conversation full of depth between herself, her harp and her backing band.

Emilie & Ogden was the perfect opener for Tasseomancy and Ibeyi, setting the atmosphere for the night with her soundtrack meant for rainy days, long walks, daydreams, romantic thoughts and coffee shops.

She did an amazing cover of Taylor Swift’s Style which I actually liked waaaay better. I’d listen to Emilie’s version of it hands down over Swift’s any day (Sorry Taylor).

Emilie & Ogden was the perfect start to NXNE 2015, I’d 100% see her again and given the chance, highly suggest you do as well.

Emilie and Ogden with Tasseomancy

Emilie and Ogden with Tasseomancy

Emilie and Ogden with Tasseomancy

Emilie and Ogden with Tasseomancy

Emilie and Ogden with Tasseomancy

Emilie and Ogden with Tasseomancy

Emilie and Ogden with Tasseomancy

Emilie and Ogden with Tasseomancy

Photo by Andrew Hartl

Click on images to enlarge

Future Villains at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Future Villains at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Future Villains at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Future Villains at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Future Villains at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Future Villains at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Future Villains at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Future Villains at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Steel Panther at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Steel Panther at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Steel Panther at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Steel Panther at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Steel Panther at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Steel Panther at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Steel Panther at Toronto’s Sound Academy

Review by Rick Andrade 
Photos by Andrew Hartl

www.primalscream.net

Primal Scream has finally made good on their long-ago canceled date in Toronto. Arriving on our shores two long years after the surprisingly great More Light album, the band was pared down to the bare essentials: a five-piece band that appears a world away from when they were joined by legends Mani and Kevin Shields as well as their dearly departed brother, Throb.

But the band has lost none of its power as highlights like “Kill All Hippies” and “Burning Wheel” showed off in spades. The wild detours that have marked the Primal Scream discography were all there in this dirty hits set: the acid house-soaked 90’s (“Higher Than The Sun”), the Stones-y swagger (“Rocks”, the Y2K militant disco (“Swastika Eyes”), and the Scraut-rock (“Autobahn 66”). And, to honour the fact that he played in Toronto back in 1969, they also made room for a great cover of John Lennon’s “Cold Turkey”.

Frontman Bobby Gillespie seems to have a Picture of Dorian Gray-arrangement with the singer not looking a day older than his Vanishing Point days. His gold lame jacket could make him the heir to Bryan Ferry’s debonair presentation, but his alternating cold stare and stage moves show him to be a rock ‘n’ roll star in the classic sense. His banter could use some work though, giving the classic “this is for all the ladies” and “Toronto, put your hands together” for “Country Girl.”

If More Light is anyone’s favourite Primal Scream album, then they would have been disappointed with the set list selection (with only set opener “2013” appearing in truncated form.) For the rest of us who see Screamadelica and XTRMNTR as their undisputed classics, the set list was pure delight. Judging by the crowd response, there are definitely many of us.

 

Primal Scream at Danforth Music Hall

 

Primal Scream at Danforth Music Hall

 

Primal Scream at Danforth Music Hall

 

Primal Scream at Danforth Music Hall

 

Primal Scream at Danforth Music Hall

 

Primal Scream at Danforth Music Hall

 

Primal Scream at Danforth Music Hall

 

Primal Scream at Danforth Music Hall