Photos by Andrew Hartl 

Metric performs at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto

Metric performs at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto

Metric performs at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto

Metric performs at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto

Metric performs at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto

Metric performs at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto

Metric performs at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto

Metric performs at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto

Review and Photos by Andrew Hartl

http://www.motorheadcruise.com/

In the world of metal music there are no strangers, only friends we haven’t met yet. Last week, this phenomenon could not have been more true.

Get a few thousand metal heads together from around the globe, and it makes for quite an intimidating spectacle.  However, in reality you end up with the friendliest motley crew you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting.

This the second annual instalment of Motorhead’s Motorboat, a rock cruise held on the beautiful ship, Norwegian Sky.  We set sail from the Port of Miami, with scheduled stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and on a private beach in Great Stirrup Cay.  The location is owned by the cruise lines and the stopover gave way to a helluva party day.

This metal extravaganza featured Motorhead, of course, along with Slayer, Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies, Corrosion Of Conformity, Hate Breed, Exodus, Huntress, Motor Sister, Phil Campbells’ All Star Band, Crobot, The Dead Deads, Fireball Ministry, No Words, The Shrine, and more.

Every band played twice at various venues throughout the ship, and each night the pool deck was transformed into an outdoor stage.

As we steamed out of Miami we were serenaded by Exodus at the sail away party on the pool deck.  Later that night, cruisers were treated to performances by C.O.C., Hatebreed, and the almighty Slayer.

I spoke with some of the ship’s crew and asked what they thought of this type metal-themed cruise, as opposed to one with “normal” passengers.  Most responded with wide smiles.  However, the most telling of reaction was a waiter who gave the international metal hand symbol and let out a cry of: “Fucking Slayer! I love this ship”.  His feelings were unanimous.

The second day was our first pit stop. Great Stirrup Cay with its pristine white sand beaches and turquoise water. Pretty cool all on its own, you might say.  But now add a stage with The Dead Deads performing – an amazing 5-girl band that got the beach party started by handing out their signature sunglasses, featuring X’s over the eye lenses, in order for everyone to take a ‘family photo’.

I spoke with the Dead Deads, and asked: “What was it like filming your video “Lemonade” in a haunted house in Nashville?”  

They responded by saying, “It was really dusty. It was the perfect spot for the song – a ready-to-go haunted house.”

There was a Beach BBQ and a few bars to fill empty tummies and quench thirsts in the hot Caribbean sun. Dark Before Dawn finished off the day on the beach.

Back on board I had the opportunity to speak to legendary Slayer drummer, Paul Bostaph.  Before the band took to the stage for their performance, I asked: “What was it like working with so many celebrities during the filming of Repentless?”

Bostaph informed me that, “Actually, all the celebrities filmed their scenes the day before, but a lot of them stopped by while we were filming. It was really hot at the prison. There was no shade, and we filmed in the sun about eight hours.”

When asked how the band sees themselves as differing from the year 2000, Bostaph said: “Obviously the biggest difference is that Jeff is no longer with us. We’ve all gotten older , but I still play as aggressively as ever.”

I also asked what the band planned next on their agenda, and learned “We’re playing Japan and Hawaii next. This will be the second time we’ve ever played Hawaii.”

The evening’s performances began with Suicidal Tendencies storming the stage with such ferocious energy that I was actually surprised they didn’t burn holes in their shoes from way they were running and leaping across the stage.  It was a great warm-up to Slayer’s second show on the ship.

Slayer started the set with “Repentless”, with a punishing bass line that makes the listener’s ribcage vibrate from the inside out.  Judging by the amount of head banging that took place during the performance, it wouldn’t have been surprising that several cruisers walked away with whiplash.

I caught Crobot‘s set in a small lounge. The energy that this band exudes is, simply put, mesmerizing.

To finish off the evening Motor Sister took over the pool deck.  Comprised of Scott Ian from Anthrax, vocalist Jim Wilson, backing vocals Pearl Aday, bassist Joey Vera from Armored Saint and Fates Warning, and drummer John Tempesta from The Cult, the band undoubtedly proved their collective years of experienced musicianship.

I had the chance to ask Jim Wilson and Joey Vera a few questions, including “How did Motor Sister begin?  Did you already know each other?”

Wilson and Vera agreed, “We’d known each other for quite a long time before we got together (as a band). We played together once at a party and here we are.”

I also asked about the origin of their band’s name.  Wilson explained, “One of the songs is called “Little Motor Sister”.  It’s about my wife, she’s from Detroit.  We kind of liked that name, and we were called Mother Superior. The M. S. was already there and it (Motor Sister) just sounded right.”

The cruise allows for passengers to have an intimate, one-of-a-kind experience considering that most musicians mingle, as well as act as fans. For example, photographing Motor Sister, I noted Joey Belladonna of Anthrax checking out the show, along with Crobot’s Brandon Yeagley.

The next port of call was Nassau where many of the passengers, including yours truly, took advantage of one of the many excursions offered by the cruise line – this stopover being a side trip to the waterpark at Atlantis.  This enormous water adventure features several thrilling water slides, including one fittingly called ‘The Leap of Faith’, with a 90 degree drop that helps propel sliders down a glass tube through a shark filled aquarium.  There is also a 4.5 kilometre long white water ‘Lazy River’ ride, complete with wave generators that unleash a tidal wave every few seconds.  I have to admit that when our tattooed gang of metal heads strolled through the fancy resort, the collective look of horror on the faces of guests was priceless, and well worth the price of the cruise.

Then finally the night had arrived where the cruise hosts, Motorhead, hit the stage, blasting head first into “Bomber”, so loud that it’s quite possible it could be heard back in Miami. Nevertheless, when front man Lemmy Kilmister asked show goers if they wanted it louder and they responded with abandon, they were indeed rewarded with an even louder performance.  Considering the man is 69 years old, he kicks ass!

I spoke with Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell on the balcony of his publicist’s cabin. What an amazing place to have an interview; on a cruise ship with a rock ‘n roll legend.  I asked about the band’s motivation to put out a cover of “Sympathy For The Devil” on the album Bad Magic.   Campbell explained: “Triple H gave us a list of covers. We just liked how it sounded. It’s a good party song. We did a cover of Bowies’ Heroes, too.  But that’s not on the album.”

I also questioned the mastermind behind Motorhead sex toys, and why?  Campbell laughed and responded, “I have no idea.  It wasn’t me.  But it’s obvious why, to give people pleasure and make some money on the side.”

Saving the best question for last, I asked how the band ended up working with Queen guitarist Brian May, on the new album Bad Magic. Campbell admitted, “I coaxed him for two years. He’s always been a good friend, he’s just one of the busiest men in the industry.  So I said, ‘Brian, if you do this I won’t bother you for at least 2 years’. He said, ‘You’ve got a deal.’ I’m really honoured he took part in it. We jumped for joy when it was all done.”

The on board tattoo parlour, featuring the artistry of Southbay Mike was in overdrive throughout the entire cruise. The constant buzzing of the tattoo gun drawing people to it like The Pied Piper.

The final day was a full day at sea.  Boring you might think, but that would be wrong considering it was a full day of metal, starting with Suicidal Tendencies on the pool deck.  They turned the swimming pool into a circle pit.  There was also a belly flop contest, a drunken spelling bee, and several Meet & Greets with all of the metal gods aboard the cruise.

At one point, I was walking through the ship and saw a huge line of people and thought it was for a show.  It turned out to be fans waiting to get into the merchandise shop to grab T-shirts and swag from all the bands. Raffles were held for a guitar autographed by all the bands, as well as for a free cruise.

But as cruisers were stocking up on souvenirs, I was speaking with Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, and asked if the band ever managed to see the cities they were playing.  He told me, “I do. I love Italy and Spain. We’re going to Japan next week – one of my favourite places.”

Considering it was almost time for the band to perform, I quickly asked what he thought of NASA using the Anthrax song, “Got The Time” as a queue to wake the Mars Rover and be the first band ever played on Mars.

Benante joked, “I just said ‘Oh my God, they’re playing our music in space, and who’s listening to it?’”

Anthrax kicked off their set with “I Am The Law” and “N.F.L.”, with Scott Ian thrashing out familiar riffs, and front man Joey Belladonna stirring the crowd into a metal frenzy.

Motorhead then rocked the stage yet again as a close, and likely shattered a few ear drums in the process.  I overheard one cruiser say, “If your ears don’t bleed, it ain’t loud enough.”  And loud it was, rattling everything in the dining room above.

But I couldn’t help but take that cruiser’s comment just one step further by saying, “And if it ain’t the time of your life, then it’s not Motorhead’s Motorboat”.

#letsdothisship

Click on photos to enlarge:

The Dead Deads perform on the beach at Great Stirrup Cay Motorboat beach party

The Dead Deads perform on the beach at Great Stirrup Cay Motorboat beach party

Suicidal Tendencies perform on Motoheads Motorboat

Suicidal Tendencies perform on Motoheads Motorboat

Suicidal Tendencies perform on Motoheads Motorboat

Suicidal Tendencies perform on Motoheads Motorboat

Suicidal Tendencies perform on Motoheads Motorboat

Suicidal Tendencies perform on Motoheads Motorboat

Slayer performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Slayer performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Slayer performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Slayer performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Slayer performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Slayer performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorhead performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorhead performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorhead performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorhead performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorhead performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorhead performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorhead performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorhead performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorhead performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorhead performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorsister performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorsister performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Motorsister performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Huntress performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Huntress performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Huntress performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Exodus plays the sail away party on Motorheads Motorboat

Exodus plays the sail away party on Motorheads Motorboat

Corosion of Conformity performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Corosion of Conformity performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Corosion of Conformity performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Corosion of Conformity performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Anthrax performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Anthrax performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Anthrax performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Anthrax performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Anthrax performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Anthrax performs on Motorheads Motorboat

Review by Andrew Horan
Photos by Andrew Hartl

Moving the Toronto Urban Roots Festival (TURF) to September due to the Pan-Am Games proved to be advantageous as it provided an unofficial close to the summer music festival season.

Veteran UK reggae band UB40 used TURF to kick off their current tour and played selections from their career, including their most recent release, 2013’s Getting Over the Storm.

The South Stage once again offered a beautiful natural amphitheater and with the Gardiner as a backdrop. It provided the ideal location to catch Toronto’s The Sadies. Fans blanketed the hill to catch the the alt-country band. Their set ran the gamut from cow-punk to a song that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on the soundtrack to a Spaghetti Western.

Icelandic folk-pop band Of Monsters and Men brought the first day to a strong close. They dedicated most of their set to their just released album Beneath the Skin, showcasing more of an Arcade Fire-influenced orchestral rock sound. They still played all the favorites, including a slightly re-worked version of ‘Lionheart’ and rousing versions of ‘Little Talks’ and ‘Dirty Paws’ that had the audience singing along.

Toronto indie rockers The Elwins kicked off the second day with a fun set. After attending TURF as spectators in 2014, the band said they were excited to play the event. They played several songs from their latest release Playing For Keeps.

The rain that had been threatening all day finally hit during Jim Bryson’s set. Despite Bryson imploring the audience to stay, many sought shelter under the Gardiner with a dedicated few gathered at the front of the stage.

The sun came out again during Lucinda William‘s set, shining directly on the Louisiana-based country singer. She admitted that the downpour that preceded her set was nothing compared to some of the rain storms she had experienced. Ironically, her set did feature a song about rain. Playing music that ranged from country to the blues, her ace backing band Buick 6 provided the perfect accompaniment. She wrapped up her set with a cover of The Clash‘s ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go?’ and Neil Young‘s ‘Rocking in the Free World’.

Much of English folk-rock singer Passenger‘s, aka Michael David Rosenberg, set was taken up by story-telling but it didn’t matter; Rosenberg held the audience spellbound as he recounted a tale of meeting a tourist who was traveling the world to honour his deceased wife’s wishes to throwing in a jab at waiting in line to use the porta-potties at TURF.

Wilco played their new album Star Wars in its entirety.

The band played one of their first gigs in Toronto, leading frontman Jeff Tweedy to say, “You’ve been really good to us Toronto.” The rest of the set was made of all the hits, including, ‘Got You at the End of the Century’ and ‘Outta Site Outta Mind’ during the encore.

Cake frontman John McCrea doubtlessly endeared himself to the crowd when he took a pot shot at Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s “Old stock Canadians” comments. McCrea put on a good set despite suffering from bronchitis and kept up a rambling between song banter. The band wrapped up their set with their hits ‘Short Skirt/Long Jacket’ and ‘The Distance’.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros skirted the 11 pm curfew with a set that saw the folk rockers bringing several audience members on stage. Sharpe admitted that they didn’t have a set list, which gave it a loose feel that, admittedly, dragged on a bit too long.

The last day of TURF was a huge improvement. It was sunny but cool as Ron Hawkins and the Do Good Assassins took to the stage. Hawkins joked that he was going to focus on “Future hits” but did play ‘The Eternal Fatalist’ from his former band The Lowest of the Low.

It was one Ron to another as Ron Sexsmith kicked off the day at the West Stage. The Toronto artist’s set was mellow and included a song that he wrote for Bing Crosby, if Crosby was still alive to sing it and had a slight fanboy moment when he realized he was standing in the same spot where Neko Case would be standing. He finished the set with ‘Secret Heart’ (Yes kids, Sexsmith does Feist covers!).

Elliott BROOD showed no signs of fatigue after playing a gig at the Horseshoe the night before. They got the growing crowd dancing during ‘Oh Alberta!’ and played ‘Owen Sound’, a song the band admitted they don’t get to play often.

LA folk rockers Lord Huron were one of the more pleasant discoveries with a set that encompassed atmospheric indie rock and more traditional folk.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club stood somewhat with their loud distorted rock, though the bluesy stomper ‘Ain’t No Easy Way’ and a couple acoustic songs as well as the use of a harmonica lent a rootsy feel to a couple songs. But, for the most part, it was the Jesus and Mary Chain-style rock they’re known for. Their appearance at TURF was the last before they head into the studio to work on their new album.

Neko Case‘s set made up for her show at the inaugural edition of TURF, which was rained out. Case is planning to release a box set so her set leaned heavily on “deep cuts”, something that became a bit of a running gag as she kept up a good between song banter. During a short encore, she dedicated a song to Toronto personality Sook-Yin Lee.

Due to the strict 10 pm curfew, The Pixies ran though set without stopping. Kicking off their set with ‘U Mass’, Frank Black showed good energy, especially during ‘Monkey Gone to Heaven’. They played all the hits, with Joey Santiago showcasing great guitar moves and wrapped up their set with ‘Where is my Mind?’.

Unfortunately, there was no encore due to the curfew, leaving a few people feeling disappointed, but getting to see the legendary band play provided an excellent cap to the weekend.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club performs at Turf Fest in Toronto

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club performs at Turf Fest in Toronto

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club performs at Turf Fest in Toronto

Desaparecidos perform at Turf Fest in Toronto

Desaparecidos perform at Turf Fest in Toronto

Elliott Brood performs at Turf Fest in Toronto

Elliott Brood performs at Turf Fest in Toronto

Elliott Brood performs at Turf Fest in Toronto

Lord Huron performs at Turf Fest in Toronto

Lord Huron performs at Turf Fest in Toronto

Lord Huron performs at Turf Fest in Toronto

Lord Huron performs at Turf Fest in Toronto

Neko Caseperforms at Turf Fest in Toronto

Neko Caseperforms at Turf Fest in Toronto

Neko Caseperforms at Turf Fest in Toronto

Neko Caseperforms at Turf Fest in Toronto

Neko Caseperforms at Turf Fest in Toronto

Passenger performs at Turf Fest Fort York in Toronto

Passenger performs at Turf Fest Fort York in Toronto

Passenger performs at Turf Fest Fort York in Toronto

All photos by Andrew Hartl

Click on photos to enlarge

Scorpions perform at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Scorpions perform at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Scorpions perform at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Scorpions perform at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Scorpions perform at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Scorpions perform at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Scorpions perform at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Scorpions perform at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Scorpions perform at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Scorpions perform at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Queensryche performing at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Queensryche performing at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Queensryche performing at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Queensryche performing at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Queensryche performing at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Queensryche performing at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Queensryche performing at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Queensryche performing at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Queensryche performing at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Review by Jesse Espana
Photos by Andrew Hartl

www.zacbrownband.com

In the middle of a Toronto heat wave, Zac Brown Band set fire to the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre as the band kicked off the first of a two night visit.

While country music may not be for everyone, there are some major qualities to be found in Zac Brown Band’s live shows. Throughout their four-album catalog and extensive set list, the band delivered something for everyone. The country angle was covered in hits like “Chicken Fried,” “Toes,” and “Homegrown.”  Island jams like “Castaway,” “Remedy,” and “Loving Your Easy” got the crowd swaying.  And rock songs like “Uncaged,” “Day For The Dead,” and “Heavy Is The Head” had people stomping the floor beneath their seats.  But on top of all that, fans were treated to cover songs that would make any music fan ecstatic. From Led Zeppelin and Queen, to modern acts like John Mayer and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Zac Brown’s sound was evident in the sprawling choice of these covers.

From Brown to the back-up singers, every piece of the live performance was spot on and key to the performance.  At times all four guitarists were playing, along with the bassist, an organist, violinist, drummer, percussionist, a horn section, and a mini choir, all on stage and hammering out song after song. The horn section has been a new addition that complements the band’s island songs perfectly.

On tracks  like “Keep Me In Mind” and their cover of “Neon,” the members of the band shared solo responsibilities, tearing up their instruments and keeping the crowd in awe. They took some time to strip back their setup and performed a few songs acoustically. With so many instruments still being played however, they remained just as loud and powerful. If modern virtuosos were to be defined, Zac Brown Band would fit the bill without question.

Having seen Brown just a year ago, the experience was still full of edge and excitement. Many of the songs I love rung through the Amphitheatre and had me singing at the top of my lungs. Of note, I found there weren’t as many jam sessions as last year’s Toronto performance, but that was something I appreciated. Luckily for newcomers to the band (especially if the newest album was their entry point) Brown stuck to the familiar structure of their songs but still managed to have fun.  It made the show feel more like Zac Brown Band and less like getting lost in solo after solo, as seemingly was the case during their last Toronto gig.

Zac took time out to mention that proceeds from every ticket sold that night would be helping to fund Camp Southern Ground, a camp for children dealing with developmental issues. A mini slide show from their time with some of the children played as they performed “Remedy,” a song that Brown said was the most important they had ever written.

Zac Brown Band is an act that can’t be missed live. They seamlessly recreate the music from their studio albums, and cover bands that have unmistakably influenced who they are today. There simply isn’t another band out there that can do what they do.

Click on photos to enlarge:

Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Zac Brown Band perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Zac Brown Band perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Zac Brown Band perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Zac Brown Band perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Zac Brown Band perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Zac Brown Band perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Drake White perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Drake White perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Drake White perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Drake White perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Drake White perfoming at Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto

Setlist:

Homegrown

Goodbye In Her Eyes

Uncaged

Kashmir (Led Zeppelin cover)

The Devil Went Down to Georgia (The Charlie Daniels Band cover)

Castaway

Keep Me In Mind

Remedy

Colder Weather

Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen cover)

Sweet Annie

Under The Bridge (Red Hot Chili Peppers cover)

I’ll Be Your Man (Song for a Daughter)

Beautiful Drug

Loving You Easy

Toes

Highway 20 Ride

Isn’t She Lovely/Neon (Stevie Wonder/John Mayer cover)

Tomorrow Never Comes

Knee Deep

Day For The Dead

Encore:

Heavy Is The Head

Chicken Fried

Photography by Andrew Hartl

On August 28th, American rock band Chicago performed at Toronto’s Molson Amphitheatre with R&B legends, Earth, Wind and Fire.  Classic hits performed during the show included Chicago’s “Saturday in the Park,” and “You’re the Inspiration” and EW&F’s “Boogie Wonderland”.

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

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

Chicago performing with Earth Wind and Fire at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto

This past Sunday evening, Lita Ford graced Toronto’s Phoenix Concert Theatre with support from Diemonds and Fallen Heirs.   It was a busy weekend for the legendary guitarist who spent the evening prior playing a set at Heavy MTL.    The 15-song set list at The Phoenix included a cover of Elton John’s “Bitch is Back” and “Close My Eyes Forever”(originally sung as a duet with Ozzy Osbourne), and concluded with one of Ford’s biggest hits to date, “Kiss Me Deadly”.

All photos by Andrew Hartl

Lita Ford at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Lita Ford at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Lita Ford at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Lita Ford at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Lita Ford at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Lita Ford at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Lita Ford at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Lita Ford at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Lita Ford at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Lita Ford at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Lita Ford at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Fallen Heirs at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Fallen Heirs at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Diemonds at Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto

Photography Andrew Hartl

On Sunday July 26th, Sublime with Rome played Toronto’s TD Echo Beach, with support from opening bands Rebelution and Pepper.

Watch for our Rome Interview with show and album review coming soon!

Click on photos to enlarge:

Sublime at TD Echo Beach

Sublime at TD Echo Beach

Sublime at TD Echo Beach

Sublime at TD Echo Beach

Rebelution at TD Echo Beach

Rebelution at TD Echo Beach

Rebelution at TD Echo Beach

Rebelution at TD Echo Beach

Rebelution at TD Echo Beach

Pepper at TD Echo Beach

Pepper at TD Echo Beach

Pepper at TD Echo Beach

Pepper at TD Echo Beach

Sublime with Rome, Rebelution and Pepper at TD Echo Beach

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.