Concert list...
I felt like writing a list of all the concerts I've been to so I won't forget (even though I am sure I've forgotten some). I've been meaning to do this for awhile but I've been lazy. Anyway, here it is. A list of bands I've seen along with a mini description of what I remember:
New Kids on the Block:
This was my first major concert. I went when I was a kid with my mom and my cousin, Steph. It was her first concert too. I remember my cousin and I screaming our heads off. Joe McEntire was my dreamboat. I look back now and wonder what the heck I was thinking. I wanted to marry him. Hehe.
I was so young that I don't remember anything specific about the concert, though. I just remember having a grat time and beinng the envy of alot of my froends for having gone. We were so obsessed we used to collect NKOTB cards! *lol*
Foo Fighters:
I was probably 13ish for this concert at The Opera House.This was before Foo Fighters were big, really. When they were just starting to get big. Went with Jesse, Julian, and Katrina (we used to call Jesse and Julian our 'concert buddies'). I remember Julian's sexy older brother drove us and we were drooling. He was this yummy looking hippy guy.
Some chick band opened, but I don't remember who they were. They sang something about 'Go Kissy Christian' that had Katrina and I humming for awhile. I really with I remembered the name of that band.
Do you remember the song 'Big Me' with the Mentos video? I remember that during that song people started pelting Mentos at Dave Grohl, and he just stopped and started bitching about how he's sick of people doing that every time he plays that song. He then quoted Tom Petty in saying, "you don't know how it feels, to be me". The crowd cheered, then he started again and the crowd roared (and stopped throwing mentos at the poor guy).
This concert also was my first 'crowd surfing' experience, and it was my last. I learned that crowd surfing is just a way that guys can grab things without having you find out who and boot them to the head.
Treble Charger, Doughboys, 13 Engines, Pluto:
I was around 13. I remember going to this with Katrina, and I think that Jesse and Julian were there aswell. I'm not 100% clear on that. It was a long time ago at the CNE Bandshell.
I remember Katrina was crowd surfing and got a big commando boot in the forehead. I remember her having this big bruise on her forehead for awhile after that.
After the concert we met The Doughboys and got signed posters. Actually I think I still have it... somewhrere. That's about all I remember about this one.
Rusty:
I was probably 13 or so. Went with Katrina, Jesse, and Julian. We saw him and a bunch of other people I don't remember at a local club. Koolays? I can't even remember. We were only a few feet away from the stage. I remember we dared Katrina to trip him, and she almost did. W had nothing against him, but we just thought it would be funny, I guess.
He was pretty cool, though. After the concert he walked around the bar and had a beer and chatted with everyone. I like seeing artists who will do that sort of thing because it's respectable... it proved that they're not on this high horse. I guess they can only do that until they reach a certain level of fame.
Smashing Pumkins:
I was just starting high school, so I guess I was 14 or 15. This was with Katrina too. This wasn't really a full concert. It was a free thing they had at MuchMusic in the parking lot. They set up a huge stage, and post-interview they came out and did a 1/2 hour mini concert. It was awesome, though.
They played really well live. I guess they've been doing it long enough to have perfected their sound. They were dressed the same as they were in their 'Ava Adore' video, I believe. I remember being disappointed because it was a promo thing for their new album and I wanted to hear their older stuff. I guess I can't really complain, though. It was free.
Backstreet Boys
I was 15 or 16? They were doing a free thing @ MuchMusic too. Katrina and I just happened to be down there and were wondering what the crowd was there for, then out comes N'Sync to do a mini concert. We stayed for a bit just for fun (and to make fun) then called my little sister and her friend (who were obsesed) and told them we met Nick Whateverhisnameis. They didn't believe us, but whetever. It was teenyboppertastic! We still laugh about it.
Can't say I was ever a backstreet Boys fan.
Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle:
I think I was 18 and it was at the Maple Leaf Gardens. I dreamed of going to this concert for years. Many nights of falling asleep with NIN playing on my headphones lead to this day. I've been a huge NIN fan for as long as I can remember, so this concert was HUGE for me.
Tim and I waited in line all night to get good tickets, then in the morning they announced that they were doing wristbands. Needless to say, we were PISSED (as were all the other who'd been in line all night)! They should have said that before the tickets went on sale. Our seats weren't awful, but they weren't good either.
A bunch of us went (I don't remember who... Karina, Shawn, Tim, and some other people), but I sat with Tim only because we had 2 tickets that were closer than the rest of them, and everyone agreed that Tim and I should have the 2 closest ones cause we were the biggest fans (my friends are awesome)!
The concert was really good, and I was very far from disappointed. To that point it was probably the best concert I'd been to. Not only was it a good performance, but it was a tour for an album that I LOVED... The Fragile. Alot of people hated it, but I thought it was their best since Pretty Hate Machine.
A Perfect Circle was pretty good too. It was the closest I've gotten to seeing a Tool show. Still, it wasn't a Tool show. It was still a good performance, even though I only knew one song. I love Maynard's voice.
REM:
I was about 17 or 18. We actually bought the tickets for Dave Alexander for his birthday but he couldn't go, so I took the as my gift instead (his bday is 2 days before mine). I wasn't a HUGE fan, but I do really like some of their stuff. I just didn' know alot of their songs outside of the ones that got radio play. I took my friend Daryl (McKinnon) because he had never been to a concert in his life and I wanted to take him to his first. Besides, he also was a fan of REM.
It was a really good concert, actually. It was at The Molson Ampitheater, so I'm glad it was hot and sunny, but also nice and breezy. They put on a good show, and they had this weird lit up backdrop thing that looked really cool (WOW that just sounded like stoner talk)! There were all these lights and images and words popped up here and there.
The disappointment of that concert was that they didn't play 'Everybody Hurts', which is my favourite REM song. I hung on until the end, waiting, but it just never came.
Hocico, Decoded Feedback:
I was maybe 20 when I went to this with James because Hocico is his favourite band. This was at The Reverb. I'm not as into them as he is, but I don't mind a few songs. I have to say that they put on an amazing show! So much running and jumping... incredible stage energy. After the show James hung out with them alone downstairs all night... I didn't see him till the end of the night. Turns out him and the lead singer were talking about their kids and showing wallet pictures (he had a son about the same age). James was stoked about that! I guess you could say they bonded. James went on and on about how he hung out with Hocico for weeks!
Decoded Feedback let me down, and they were the band I more went for. I like alot of their stuff, but their live performance left something to be desired. Lacklustre, even dull. It didn't help that the had live drums that drowned out the rest of the music. Not their fault, I guess. Blame the sound guy that should've been fired.
It just sounded like a mess, and the crowd refelected it. I'm sure they knew they sounded cruddy, but there was nothing that could be done at that point. I think they were just waiting for it to be over. I felt bad for them. Stupid drums.
The Cure:
I was 21 or so. Oh... one of my favourite bands of all time. The concert was incredible. I went to this with Katrina at The Molson Ampitheater on a gorgeous summer afternoon.
Robert Smith had a little extra weight on him and looked alot like Elizabeth Taylor (although I have always thought he did). They have their live show mastered, and played everything I hoped they would. I would definitely see them again if I had the chance, but that concert was supposed to be their 'farewell' tour (then again, look at Cher). That concert was love.
We were dancing on the spot the whole time, singing along. The vibes going around that place were so great. Everyone was happy and having a great time. Relaxing on the grass or dancing. It's always a different experience when you see a band you LOVE, compared to a band you only just LIKE.
Shania Twain:
Went to this when I was bartending at a bar called 'Conlin's Corner' with Sam Merlin. Guess I was 20 or 21. It was a bar where we pretty much played only Shania Twain or Elvis so you couldn't help but get sucked it. I fell in love with her... her music. We'd open in the morning and get the place ready with Shania blaring through the place. Really, you couldn't spend your days at that bar without loving Shania.
There was a guy (our favourite reg) named Timmy who was OBSESSED. He would go on and on about her all the time. When we heard about the concert we bought tickets asap. We also ordered a limop service to take us to the Air Canada Center for the Concert. It was me, Sam, Timmy, Casey, and Steph.
We all met at our bar for drinks then took off in a sexy white stretch limo to the concert. Drank the whole way there. Drank while we were there. The concert was very flashy and Shania looked super HOT! She kept changing her outfits (and each just as revaling as the last). At one point she came out wearing this sequinned Toronto Maple Leafs jersey and the crown went wild.
After the show we went to Shopsy's for food, then to Timmy's for more drinks. It was a wild night of booze and country music. I had a ball.
Ozzy Osbourne:
I was 21 or 22 for this concert. I actually got to go for free cause I am one of the luckiest people on earth! Angelina and her boyfriend at the time (Joey) were going with some guy who bailed at the last minute so they had a ticket they couldn't use. Worked out pretty well for me, though. I remember Angelina called and asked if I wanted to come see Ozzy for free at the Air Canada Center and I was like, "Ummm... YES!". :)
The concert was really good. We had a few drinks and rocked out to Ozzy. Man, he has alot of energy for a guy up there in age. He was running around and doing summersaults. Shit, he had more energy that I do on a good day! They would keep putting these buckets of water onstage, and after jumping around for awhile he'd grab one and dump it over his head. He really knows how to work a crowd, that's for sure.
Crazy Ozzy... gotta love him.
Skinny Puppy:
I went to this when I was 23 with James, Rachel, and Dave Cummer at Koolhaus. We were eventually a large group because we kept running into people we knew. I wanted to see them for awhile, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. AMAZING stage show. Props, costumes... the whole nine. It definitely wasn't just a concert, it was an incredible performance.
Ogre was his normal weird self and was looking mighty damn fine, if I say so myself. They played all their best stuff. I'd buy a concert DVD of them just because the concert was so unique. Of course, great music! This was another show I'd wanted to see for a long time and it was well worth the wait.
I had never been to a show at the Koolhaus, but I remember really liking it because it didn't didn't get sweltering hot like many other concert halls. We could have a few drinks, chat, and watch the show without sweating to death.
VNV Nation, Imperative Reaction, and Soman:
I was 23 for this one, and went with Marek, Kiley, Rachel, her boyfriend Steve, Derek, Dave Cummer(?) and James. Met up with Jason, Sarah, and Craig there. This show was at The Phoenix.
I actually had a mini anxiety attack there, so I didn't drink. I was feeling kinda off the whole time and was scared of having a fullblown one (and that really ruined the mood for me, unfortunately). The show was so good I can't even tell you. I simply love VNV and they didn't let me down with their live show. I don't think they even sing a song I don't like, so that was good. The sound was great, but the only complaint I had was with the lights. We were in the 19+ VIP lounge on the balcony, and the lights (beams/lazers) were aimed right for our eyes. It made it really hard to see the stage cause we were blinded. Stupid lights person didn't use their brain. They should have been fired too.
Missed Imperative Reaction and Soman. We were late cause we got caught up outside running into people every 2 seconds. Apparently they were both just 'ok'. Not good, not bad. Can't say for myself. I like alot of stuff by Imperative Reaction, but I didn't and still don't know anything by Soman. I wish I'd have seen them play, but I'm nopt all too broken up about it.
It's always best to arrive to concerts on time.
Depeche Mode:
I was 23 for this and went with Sam after getting tickets from my parents for Christmas. This was a weird one for me. My Favourite band of all time, quite possibly. I went to this with Sam Merlin. We tried several times to sneak into the VIP lounge, to no success. Everyone was dancing in the isles and getting right into it. To tell you the truth, I think I was in awe or something. I couldn't dance. I just stared. I was a huge loser. I guess I didn't know what to do, I can't explain it. It was such an incredible breathtakingly awesome show! What can I say? It was Depeche Mode. They just played again too, but I didn't go. Wish I did.
After the concert we were supposed to go to bars and clubs to drink our faces off, but Sam lost her wallet. We went everywhere looking for it. here, there... we eventually get a call later that it was in her friends van (where we went after the concert so Sam could smoke a dube). What a relief... but we were exhausted and went home.
Nine Inch Nails, Bauhaus:
I went to this one when I was 24 with Katrina and Graham. It was at the Molson Amphitheater, which is quite possibly my favourite venue because it is outdoors (the concert was in the summer).
Bauhaus opened, and they were pretty good. They're not a band I would go to see alone because I don't know too many songs by them. Old goth band. I enjoyed listening to them sing the songs i did know, and there were a few I liked that I hadn't heard before. I actually love the song She's In Parties, which they played.
NIN blew me away again. This was actually better than the last time I saw them for some reason. They had these cage things that lit up and and it looked awesome. They played some stuff from their new album, but mostly their older stuff. I love how much their music has changes from album to album. I spilled some of my $8.50 beer on Katrina. A few people got rowdy and pulled down a huge branch from a tree and security freaked... some belligerent teenyboppers. Even though they did a couple of encores it still seemed to end abruptly. NIN will always be one of my faves. Trent rocks my socks. I am so glad I saw them again.
Ill Scarlett:
I went to this concert with Katrina when I was 24. The show was at The Bovine Sex Club, and the best part was that it was free. I won tickets through the radio station 102.1 The Edge.
I didn't know much abou their music at the time of the concert, but became a much bigger fan after seeing them live. Very lively bunch at an intimate concert. Bacuse it was a smaller concert I was allowed to bring my camera, so I did manage to take quite a few pictures and captured them in action on video aswell. One of my former roomates from 99/00 was there aswell... Little Chris. It was strange to see him again after so long, and he hadn't changed at all. He was actually a huge fan of the band.
All in all, it was a good concert and they definitely made a fan out of me. I'd surely see them again. I'd even pay the next time. hehe.
Placebo w/ Evaline:
I went to this concert with Rachel the day after my 25th birthday. It was at the Kool Haus. I was really excited for this one because Placebo had come a few years before and I had missed the show. I wore stockings under my skirt that kept falling down and I wanted to rip them off of my body but somehow managed to keep them on.
The opening band (Evaline) really WOWed Rachel and I. The lead singer had this amazing performance energy and a great stage performance. He was jumping around all over and really getting into the music. Not only that, but he played guitar, xylophone and the cello. Very talented. We went to see them after their performance to find out where we could see them again and found you they were from California. At least I have a band to seek out if I'm ever in Cali. ;)
Placebo came on and put on a great show... just as I knew they would. I tooka bunch of pics and a few videos of some of my fave Placebo tunes. They played everything I wanted to hear but I found it odd that they didn't play their biggest hit 'Pure Morning'. Well, it's not one of my personal faves but I was expecting it.
Rachel and I drank a few too many beers and wound up getting drunk... oops. I was OK cause we had a great time. I ran into my friend Kiley aswell whom I hadn't seen in about a year... that was really nice. At the end of the show I was a little disappointed at the abrupt ending... no blurb or rant or even any encore. They said it was done then they just left. Ah well... all in all I was satisfied and enjoyed the concert.
Ater the concert Rachel and I dragged our drunk asses to Wendy's for a gab-fest. Great way to cap off a good night.
VNV Nation:
I was 25 for this show. It was @ The Docks and I went with Rachel, Marek, Kiley, and their friend Anne. This was the second time I've been to see VNV Nation, but the forst time I've been to a concert at The Docks.
Ok... VNV Nation is definitely one of my favourite bands. I love the lyrics, I love the music, I love the vocals and I love the way that everything is orchestrated. Sadly to say, seeing them a second time was just a second disapontment. Actually, they were worse this time. Ronin sounded like he spent all night coughing before smokng 19 packs of cigarettes in an hour. His voice was terrible raspy, and it ruined it a bit for me. It's onvious he didn't warm up before the show, and he really should have.
That said, I still enjoyed myself. They played all of their best songs and I swayed with the crew in the audience. I got to hear the newest album which I hadn't heard at the time, and liked alot of the singles they played. I'm glad I was in the company of fun people. In the encore, they played my 2 favorite songs. That was kinda cool.
At the end of the show Kiley and I made a pact... if VNV Nation ever come back to Toronto we'll skip out on getting tickets. I love VNV Nation with a passion, but their live show is lacking. I'd rather listen to a CD and hear the songs as they were meant to be played.
The Killers w/ Red "something?":
I was 25 when I saw this show @ The Air Canada Center. I went to this concert with Dave and Steph. This was actually the first concert that my cousin had been to since we went to see New Kids, which was FOREVER ago! Her eyes sparkeld, and I am so glad that I was able to be a part of that.
The opening band (whose name escaped me) were mediocre at best. I mean, they weren't awful, but they weren't anything special. Their melodies were bland and repetitive. There were a few songs that I found catchy, but the majority of them weren't up to par. When their set was done I was relieved. They were boring me, to be honest.
The Killers set started with a massive explosion of sparkly confetti being burst throughout the venua, so they really made an excellent entrance. Their live sound was fantastic, and their set was a little underdone, but it suited them to the T. i'm not die hard Killers fan, so I only knew the hits, but the other songs definitely grabbed my attention. I can see their band going places, for sure. They had me going home and downloading a bunch of their music and giving great word-of-mouth reviews to friends.
Our seats at this show were a little on the cruddy side, but we stil managed to see evrything fairly well. That's what I hate about shows at really big venues... the nosebleed really ARE nosebleeds. We didn't have the worst seats in the place, but they could have been better. I'm just glad that it didn't really dampen the whole experience too much. I also managed to get a heap of pics and videos (until my camera battery inevidlably died).
Billy Talent w/ Alexisonfire, Ill Scarlett, Attack In Black, Die Mannequin and The Cancer Bats:
This was an afternoon show at the Molson Ampitheater. It was the summer when I was 25 and I went with Dave Alexander.
This concert was supposed to be Billy Talent with Alexisonfire opening for them, but a whole whack of bands signed on to open and it turned into somewhat of a afternoon and evening long music festival. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me!
Of all of the opening bands (Alexisonfire excluded), I liked Attack In Black the best. I knew only one song by them at the time but I liked most of the others they played. They'd be a band I would maybe see again at a small venue. Die Mannequin was so-so... not fantastic but not at all bad either. I guess what I'm trying to say is that they were entertaining enough, but I didn't really feel any attachment to their music. Then there's the Cancer Bats, which I didn't like at all. Dave and I pretty much joked around and chatted during their entire set because they were annoying us. This was also the opportunity we used to go to the washroom and buy beer and whatever other thing we needed to leave the stage for.
Alexisonefire was the headline opening band (if that makes any sense). They were super. I'll admit that I'm not a very big fan of theirs (however, I do love Dallas Green's voice) but they still entertained us and we enjoyed it. I know alot of their music so it was easy to bob and sing along. They had great stage energy so we were riled up and ready for Billy Talent.
Billy Talent put on a great show. I've always loved his voice (even though many think it's too whiny). This band was really interactive with the audience, which I think is important. They talked a bit between pretty much every song and kept getting the audience going. They had Dallas Green come out and seing a song with them also, which was pretty cool. Apparently the two band are very good friends.
Altogether it was a good experience for a good price with a good friend. Who can complain?
Ill Scarlett w/ The Junction
This was actually a free show at the CNE bandshell in the summer. I was 25 and the concert took place on a day that I was there with Gabe, Cassie and Ethan.
I've seen these guys a few times before, but you could really tell they've made it a bit further than they did when I last saw them. They're stage looked so much more professional... better stage set, better lights.
This was a fun show. I think my favourite way to watch a show would be outdoors in the summer. I didn't really have much of an opinion on The Junction. To tell you the truth, I wasn't really paying attantion. Ill Scarlett, as always, was really good. They played all of the sings I like by them and I actually got some on-stage video footage for the first time (other times I just got pics). What can I say? Good show.
For the entire duration of the concert, kiddo and Ethan made a little moshpit and they jumped around and moshed throughout the show. Kiddo didn't take a single break! He just kept going and going, even when he was totally on his own. They had random people jumping in to mosh with them and a few people took their picture. One dude even video taped them! People kept giving Gabe high-fives and one chick dubbed him 'the dancing machine'. lol. I wanted so badly to take video of it but it was too dark and nothing showed up on my camera. It was so great. He knows all of the music because I listen to it all the time at home. He's such a little rockstar. Aww... mommy's little rockstar is so special for yet another reason. :)
Tori Amos w/Yoav
I took Katrina to see Tori for her 25th Bday present. The show was at the Hummingbird Center. I simply love Tori! She's smooth, sexy, talented, poetic and it all flows together in this fabulous way. I guess that's what makes her her, right?
The opening act was 'Yoav'. Who is Yoav? I'm not surprised if no one has heard of him... I certainly hadn't before the concert. Apparently he was performing in a small establishment in Dublin, when Tori's manager approached him to tell him that Tori heard him, loved his sound and that she wanted him to open for her on her tour. Of course he said yes, and so it was. Yoav is a magnificent musical genius! Does that sound like a high compliment? I meant it to be so.
He came on stage and while pushing on a row of pedals lined up in front of him he started making strange noises, banging on his guitar, moaning and confusing the heck out of me. Then I realized what he was doing... he was creating the music so that he could play it back to perform. He is a one man band and makes all of the sounds either vocally or with his guitar, records them and plays them back on loops to create the music. He has something in him, a sound, an eccentricity, and it comes out in his music so that all you can do is sit entirely still with your eyes glued to the stage and allow all of the the sounds to dance on your senses. It was very original and unique and may not be for everyone, but certainly is for me! I've explored alot of new bands this year, but Yoav is my #1 music find of 2007, hands down. Here's his MySpace if you're interested in hearing him. I recommend you listen to 'Club Thing'... it's my favourite: http://www.myspace.com/yoavmusic
Then came Tori. For her new album, she wrote adnd composed different songs using different 'characters' within herself, different personas. She came out as the wild 'Pip'... a dark haired Tori in a green dress. Pip exuded sex from every pore. She was gyrating and moving her body in such a way. She hit alot of her harder and darker stuff and wowed me right away. She's KILLER live, I tell you. Only thing is that she does change alot of her music when she performs it live to the point that you almost can't recognize some of the songs, but it turned out well for the most part.
About 1/2 way through she became herself, Tori, went redhead and changed into this sequin covered pantsuit that changed colors with the lights. Not quite haute couture, but it was a fun outfit.
She played my favourite tune by her... Winter... and as usual I got a little welled up. That song kills me, lol. It's so beautiful. One thing that irked me is that while she was sitting ther at her piano, performing such a lovely song in such a lovely way, some idiot in the audience took that quiet moment to start yelling out how they love Tori... LOUDLY. It was awful because Winter is a sing that's kinda sad and dshe was trying to deliver an emotion when singing it, then there is jerk who startes yelling during that son (af all songs). I felt kinda bad for Tori having to deal with this annoying badgering fan (and the ret of the audiesnce was highly annoyed), but as soon as she has a break in the lyrics she paused and quietly whispered "eat me" into the microphone without breakng her stride. Of course, the rest of the audience cheered and laughed. It was pretty funny.
After waiting so long to see her, I was certainly not disappointed. It was worth the build up. Oh, Tori... you amaze me.
Yoav w/ Lights:
This show was May 13th/08 at The Mod Club. Yoav, to me, was once an opening act I'd never heard of at a Tori Amos concert. However, once I heard his music that day I became completely and utterly in love with his music. It's unique and mystifying. It's not just the music, but seeing him perform live isn't just a concert... it's an experience.
I went to this show with Katrina, who was also at the Tori Amos concert, and we both absolutely loved it. Yoav's sound haunts me in a way that most artist's can't. It's like when he sings and plays he emits some sort of powerful emotional vibe that renders you speechless. I'll tell ya... anytime Yoav comes to town I'll be right there watching. It's not often that one finds an artist that has that sort of effect on them. Yoav is... there are no words. I'm in love with his craft.
Sadly, I didn't bring my camera to this show. Next time, I most definitely will. Just to capture that phantom in his eye.
Rancid w/ The Flatliners: April 17th, 2008
This show April 17th/08 at @ Kool Haus. I bought Katrina tickets for this concert for an early birthday present because she's loved Rancid for YEARS. She says that it's the best birthday present she's ever gotten, which made me very happy. I'd tried to buy tickets the last time they came but tickets were all sold out by the time I got to it.
I went with Katrina (obviously), Chris and Rachel. The show was pretty good. I like Rancid, but wouldn't say I LOVE Rancid, but I still really enjoyed the show. I enjoyed it more for nostalgia sake because there was a time over a decade ago that I'd listen to Rancid for hours on end... on cassette! I do remember it being VERY hot and also that I wasn't feeling too great that day.Tim Armstrong kinda looked like a hobo on stage, but what's new, right? lol
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: May 16th, 2008
This show was May 16th/08 @ Kool Haus. I went with Rachel and Stacie, but we ran into Amber and Kyle there. It was fun night of being social, and I'd been dying to see Nick Cave live.
There was some weird trip-out opening band (whose name escapes me) that wanted to be Pink Floyd. Seriously... same cords, same sounds... just a few decades too late. I love Pink Floyd and most classic rock, but these folks were on the annoying side.
Now, on to Nick Cave. The show was fantastic! He played everything I wanted to hear and changed every song to the point that it was almost not even recognizable. Normally I'd say that was a bad thing, but they all sounded great! Nick Cave is an amazing and brilliant artist. I'd say he were 'do'able but he's... ummm... not my type. Maybe I can have brain sex with him one day. In that aspect, I desire him.
The concert wound up running pretty late and I was over an hour late for work. I felt bad about it, but the show was worth it.
In Flames w/ All That Remains, 36 Crazyfists, Gojira: November 7th, 2008
This show was Nov 7th/08 @ Sound Academy. My first metal show. I'm not really that into metal, but I like alot of it, too. I guess I'm just picky with my metal. Chris is huge into metal so I'd agreed to go to this show for him. I like All That Remains, but I'd never heard the rest. Rachel was working the show, so she guest listed us so we could get in for free. When her shift was over, she got to join us for the rest of the show.
We went in and got asked up to the VIP section upstairs. Up there we ran into Shanda and Stacey. It was a great place to watch the concert... white leather couches and tables with tea lite candles around a balcony overlooking the crowd and stage below. To this day I can't say that I've ever had a real metal concert experience because being up there was far different then being in the crowd below. My opinion, though? I'm too old for that shit, anyways. lol
The bands were all pretty good, even if some weren't my specific cup of tea. All that Remains was awesome, though. I'd definitely go and see them again. Looking down into the pit and seeing how crazy it got sometimes made me feel old... being a former crazy headbanging crowd surfer who'd now much rather watch at a distance. I'll go to more metal shows, so long as I have a seat. lol
Combichrist: February 7th, 2009
This show was 7 Feb/09 at Opera House. Opera House is definitely one of my least fave venues, but it wasn't too bad. I went with Chris, Stacey,Rachel, Marek and Kiley. I've really liked Combichrist for quite awhile, so I was happy to be seeing them live for the first time. This is one of the few bands that Chris and I both really like. I'm most into 'industrial' (and surrounding genres) ans Chris is most into 'metal' (and surrounding genres) so their harsh and distorted electronic sound is one that Chris and I can both appreciate.
Combichrist put on a pretty good show, no bells and whistles... no change ups for their live show. I was hoping for a bit more of a performance, but still enjoyed it and felt positive about the experience when it was over. It probably doesn't hurt that Andy (lead singer) is very easy on the eyes.. hehe. Combichrist makes me so hyper! I can't wait until they come back!
Kinetik Festival 2009: May 13th-17th, 2009
This was Kinetik 2.0 which ran May 13-17/09 @ Usine C in Montreal. Kinetik is a music festival held annually in Montreal. I believe that 2008 was the 1st year, but will be ongoing. 'Industrial' music isn't really a HUGE thing, so Kinetik Festival gets artists together for a festival for a genre that doesn't have many festivals in North America. They broke into 3 sub-genres, and has 'phases' (nights) showcasing each one: Phase 1 (opening night), Phase 2 (Harsh Industrial), Phase 3 (Noise) and Phase 4 (EBM). Seeing the band line-up's, we got tickets for the 1st and last nights. I went with Chris, Shanda, Marek and Kiley.
Phase 1:
Project Pitchfork
Terrorfakt
Interlace
Memmaker
Ayria
Corrupted Suburbs
Marching Dynamics
Phase 4:
Icon of Coil
Das Ich
Assemblage 23
Pride and Fall
XP8
FGFC820
Necessary Response
Astyplaz
Mmmmm, hmmmm.... that's Pitchfork! I could go on and on for pages about how insanely amazing that was! Kiley and I got there early and fought for the front row. I may have had a tall girl in my way so I did some incognito hair tugging to get to the front row (shh... lol). I stood there trembling slightly and the thought that PROJECT PITCHFORK was about to come on stage... the feeling was so surreal I can't even decribe it. Ive been waiting to see these guys for what seems like a lifetime!
Then they came out. Holy crap. Just, wow. I'd try to explain the feeling, but it just wouldn't be possible. I was (and still am) speechless, really. It just made me want to run away with Peter Spilles and have his perfect babies, lol. Think Chris would mind? It's always such an amazing feeling when you finally get to see a band that you love so much live for the first time. Peter was actually walking around the festival the night after the concert, but we weren't there that night. Kiley got a nice photo with Peter, though... lucky girl.
Aside from Pitchfork, alot of the other bands were good. Assemblage 23 and Icon of Coil put on great sets. Das Ich made my life, too... what an incredible performance! All dressed and painted gold... angry German industrial. Got a good pic or Chris with the lead singer. He's pretty adorably short and sweet looking when he's not performing. I heard XP8 for the first time and fell in love.... topless sex on stage singing 'Want it'. I was hooked immediately.
On the nights between the shows we went to strip clubs and also this crazy awesome metal bar call FouFounes Electric for $2 beers! I can't wait for next year!
VNV Nation w/ War Tapes: June 19th, 2009
This show was June 19th/09 @ The Phoenix. I almost didn't go having been pretty disappointed with Ronin's raspy live voice, but was pleasantly surprised when he actually sounded good! I've already seen them twice and both times his voice was pretty crappy. One other time the lights were crappy. What can I say? This time was by far the best of the three. The opening band, however, wasn't really that great to me.
I went with Chris, Rachel, Marek and Kiley. Kiley also brought 2 friends whose names escape me (Anne and Hagen?). Anyways, we had a few beers and loved the show. They played everything I wanted to hear and I got some pretty amazing pics, also! Here's hoping that the next time (and there'll likely be a next time) will be as good as this time. VNV at their absolute best! I almost didn't go having been pretty disappointed with Ronin's raspy live voice, but was pleasantly surprised when he actually sounded good! I've already seen them twice and both times his voice was pretty crappy. One other time the lights were crappy. What can I say? This time was by far the best of the three. The opening band, however, wasn't really that great to me.
I went with Chris, Rachel, Marek and Kiley. Kiley also brought 2 friends whose names escape me (Anne and Hagen?). Anyways, we had a few beers and loved the show. They played everything I wanted to hear and I got some pretty amazing pics, also! Here's hoping that the next time (and there'll likely be a next time) will be as good as this time. VNV at their absolute best!
This show was June 19th/09 @ The Phoenix. I almost didn't go having been pretty disappointed with Ronin's raspy live voice, but was pleasantly surprised when he actually sounded good! I've already seen them twice and both times his voice was pretty crappy. One other time the lights were crappy. What can I say? This time was by far the best of the three. The opening band, however, wasn't really that great to me.
I went with Chris, Rachel, Marek and Kiley. Kiley also brought 2 friends whose names escape me (Anne and Hagen?). Anyways, we had a few beers and loved the show. They played everything I wanted to hear and I got some pretty amazing pics, also! Here's hoping that the next time (and there'll likely be a next time) will be as good as this time. VNV at their absolute best!
Dethklok w/Mastodon, Converge, High On Fire: October 23rd, 2009
This show was at Sound Academy on October 23rd/2009. I went with Chris, John, Marek, Kiley, and a few friends of theirs. I remember waiting outside in line for what seemed like forever, in the rain, on a cool fall night. We were frozen, but there was good energy so we were still feeling pretty good.
For the record, Dethklok is a cartoon band from a show called 'Metalocalypse.' That alone made this concert pretty unique for me... and like for everyone else, too. How often do you go to see a fictional band perform live? Well, they were excellent. The real musicians performed on stage, and there was a huge drop screen behind them displaying the fictional band performing the songs. The sound was pretty good and it was an absolute blast. Smoking in the rain, drinking overpriced beer, listening to a live soundtrack to an amazing adult cartoon.
Kinetik Festival 2010: May 12th-16th, 2010
Kinetik 3.0 was from May 12th-16th 2010 at Usine-C in Montreal. This was our second time going, and it was again, a great time. We got an apartment to stay at this time so it was much more pleasant... Le Simmone.
COMBICHRIST [US]
Absolute Body Control [BE]
Alien Vampires [IT]
Decoded Feedback [CA]
Synapscape [DE]
FGFC 820 [US]
SAM [DE]
Komor Kommando [CA]
Edgey [US]
Iszoloscope [CA]
Aliceffekt [CA]
Covenant [SE]
Rotersand [DE]
Melotron [DE]
Frozen Plasma [DE]
Lights of Euphoria [DK]
Faderhead [DE]
Run Level Zero [SE]
Unter Null [US]
Cesium 137 [US]
Fractured [CA]
Glenn Love [CA]
Detroit Diesel [CA]
As always, Combichrist put on an amazing performance. Andy really has a way of getting the crowd going. Their set was really loud, though, and the bass went through me. We got to get right up in the front of the stage, right beside the speakers.
Covenant was fun to watch. It was a little lacking 'performance' wise, but I love the songs so I couldn't really complain. The stage was really dark so I didn't get many good photos of them. Lights of Euphoria were better performers.
Kinetik has always been a blast. More Foufs for cheap beer.
Kinetik Festival 2011: May 19th-23rd, 2011
This year, Kinetik 4.0 ran from May 19th-23rd 2011. We stayed in Hotel Elegant again because we weren't on top of booking things early enough. I went with Chris, Angelina, Shanda, Marek and Kiley.
Phase 1:
FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY [CA]
DIE KRUPPS[DE]
FUNKER VOGT [DE]
IVARDENSPHERE [CA]
ISZOLOSCOPE [CA]
EVERYTHING GOES COLD [US]
CORRUPTED SUBURBS [CA]
DJ? ACUCRACK [US]
Phase 5:
SUICIDE COMMANDO [BE]
FGFC820 [US]
AESTHETIC PERFECTION [US]
PAINBASTARD [DE]
DECODED FEEDBACK [CA]
CONTINUES [US]
ALICEFFEKT [CA]
I was really excited about seeing Funker Vogt as I've liked them for a long time and have never seen them live... they also happened to be on sort of early in the night. It took us forever to get to Montreal, and we luckily arrived JUST before they went on stage. I am so glad that we managed to make it because it was such an energetic show. Everyone couldn't help but to move to the music. They played many of the songs that I love by them. We missed Frontline Assembly, though, which was a bit of a disappointment.
It was only Chris, Shanda and I who went to see Suicide Commando. The show was absolutely incredible... dark, loud, eerie... just as it should be. The lights and everything just went so well with the music. We heard everything we wanted to hear and got many blurry photos. After the show we met Johan, the lead singer. I thanked him for coming to perform and told him that I've been waiting awhile to see them... then I got a picture with him. He was very nice.
Fill the blanks in with Foufs for $1 drinks, Club Saphir for sweaty dancing, random metal bars for Jagerbombs and all other sorts of debauchery.
Tommy James and the Shondelles: September 3rd, 2011
This was a banshell concert at the CNE. I went with my dad, Gabe, Chris, Pam (our neighbour and Nathan's mom), and Nathan (Gabe's friend). My mom and Peter met us at the show as they had spent their day shopping in all of the buildings. We tired ourselves out watching the kids go on rides then found a nice spot on the grass to watch the concert.
Chris didn't know who they were and I kept telling him that he would recognize their songe when he heard them. Sure enough, he did. It was a great ending to a great day, and was also a full blast of nostalgia as I remember listening to that CD growing up. Good energy. I'm writing this post 11 years later so I don't remember the details beyond what I have already written, but I do remember having a great time.
Prince: November 26th, 2011
Chris and I went to this show on November 26th 2011@ the ACC as part of our 4th anniversary. We searched forever for tickets but ended up realizing that we'd be paying hundreds if we wanted to go to the show and have good seats. IT WAS WORTH IT!
Our seats were incredible. We were in the 6th row from the stage, directly beside where he came out and went on stage. When he walked by we could practically touch him. He played all the hits... like, so many good songs. There was only one that I wanted to hear that he didn't play: Darling Nikki. I think he's over his 'raunchier' stuff, though, so I wasn't really expecting it. There was no photography allowed, but being the rebels that we are, we snuck the camera in and took a bunch of shots when security wasn't looking. I mean, there for our own personal collection... not like we're going to try to sell them or anything.
Buzzing from the amazing concert, we went bar hopping, met up with friends, went to a hause party, then back to our Downtown ritzy hotel for the night, only to wake up with the hangover from hell. Good Times!
Metric: May 18th, 2012
This show was on May 18th 2012 in Montreal. I happened to be on Facebook when the band announced that they were going to be doing a top secret invite only show in Montreal, and the 1st 100 people to respond would get 2 tickets. I responded right away and got 2 free tickets. Luckily I was going to be arriving in Montreal on the 17th for the Kinetik festival, so the timing couldn't have been better. I brought my dear Angelina along since I don't see her much since she moved to Montreal and she is a Metric fan. It was great to see it with her!
It was a short show, just over an hour, and they were playing mostly songs from their upcoming album 'Synthetica'. It was good, but I really like their old stuff best. Their sound seems to have completely changed away from what I liked about them.
That being said, the performance was very entertaining. Emily, the lead singer, was so adorably nervous, but her voice sounded lovely and she looked absolutely stunning. They closed the night off with an acoustic rendition of their song 'Gimme Sympathy', and the whole crowd sang along. It was a nice concert.
Kinetik Festival 2012: May 17th - 20th, 2012
Kinetik 5.0 this year... May 17th-20th 2012. This year it was a much larger crowd. I went with Chris, Shanda, Sarah, Stacie, Marek and Kiley. Marek and Kiley brought their friend Dee. Angelina lives there so we spent much of our time with her, though she didn't attend any of the shows. We stayed in a spacious 5 bedroom apartment with a patio downstairs and a small balcony up the fire escape.
Phase 1:
Projekt F
Adversary
Orphx
Nachtmahr
winterkaelte
Combichrist
E-Craft
Phase 4:
Aliceffekt
End.User
C-Lekktor
FGFC820
Noisex
Hocico
Iszoloscope
Again... as always... Combichrist was awesome. Actually, this was probably my favourite show that I've seen of theirs. I'm not sure as to why, exactly. They had on all this body paint that was sort of silly, but they put on a very entertaining and stellar performance. Trevor wasn't there... there was some dude dressed as a chick filling in. Whatever. We accidentally got drunk this night and that made it ever better.
Hocico is a band that I saw before I really fully developed my liking of their music. I'm a much bigger fan than I was the last time I saw them, and my enjoyment of this show was a real reflection of that. Chris and I went to this show alone and we couldn't stop moving to he music. I've never seen Chris have more fun at a live show. We were right up front, chugging gin from a flask, cheering and sweating and having a good ole time. We were definitely feeling the energy. Well, the energy and also a great buzz because it was $1/beer night a Foufs which was right next door. That was also where all of our friends were. We were able to conveniently run to the show then rejoin everyone.
The Spinners: August 23rd, 2012
This was another free concert @ The CNE Bandshell on August 23/2012. I went with my dad and Gabe. This show was actually quite packed. They added additional seating with some portable rafters, but as far as I am concerned it only blocked the lawn off, making it impossible for people to enjoy the show from the lawn (as I prefer to do). Luckily for us, after finding a half decent spot to stand for the show, a gentleman who was reserving some spots on the rafters for family found out the weren't going to be able to make it, and gave us the spots... yay! Gabe just had to mostly sit on my knee, lol.
I've wanted to see The Spinners for awhile, but at every opportunity things don't ever seem to work out. I listen to their music alot, so seeing it live was pretty amazing. I think that there was only 1 original Spinner alive, which is sort of sad. At least the people they has singing the part of the other members did a great job. Gabe even recognized alot of the songs from hearing me play them all the time. We were keeping the beat by clapping our hands together. It was pretty amazing to have us grooving together... 3 generations of Spinners fans.
There was alot of witty banter and joking around with the crowd, and of course they were dancing along too every song. For the song' Rubber Band Man' they brought out the human sized rubber bands and began dancing inside of them and then threw them into the crowd at the end. My dad told me about how he saw them perform in their prime, and they did the same rubber band thing and my aunt caught one of the rubber bands in the audience. I guess you can't teach old dogs new tricks, lol. Still, I thought they were very good at getting that old Motown vibe out there.
The Tea Party w/ The Standstills: August 31st, 2012
Every summer I loom forward to going to the CNE to see the free shows @ The Bandshell. Talk about a wayback playback! This show was on August 31st, 2012. I was eager at the opportunity to get nostalgic with Chris with a beer in hand (I even got carded!).
The opening band, unlisted, were called The Standstills... not so good. A girl drummer and a guy singer made up the whole band. Neither were really talented as far as I was concerned. They did a cover of Black Betty that made my ears want to bleed. At this point I was very glad to have the beer, and a view of a girl who thought she could dance. Chris and I did not agree, lol.
The Tea Party, on the other hand, did not disappoint. They played all of the songs I remember hearing on the radio in my teenage years. The lead singer (Jonathan, I think?) had a voice which surely has stood the test of time. It was flawless, seamless, perfect. It's truly rare to hear a lead singer who sounds just as good live as they do in a studio. Very good show.
As I Lay Dying, The Devil Wears Prada, For Today, Chariot: March 23rd, 2013
This show was on March 23/2013 @ Sounds Academy. I bought the tickets as a birthday gift from me to Chris, with his birthday being on the following Wednesday. This was my second metal show, however, my first on the floor and not on that cushy VIP balcony. My first time on the floor with all the sweaty, riled up metalheads... and I loved it. Our favourite spot for the show was at the bar to the left of the stage. We had a kind bartender man who was taking good care of our drinking needs.
Chariot played first. They sounded, to me (perhaps the untrained ear), very noisy, uncomposed, and loud. I really couldn't get into it. I didn't feel too bad, because Chris couldn't either. Actually, I think he liked them even less than I did. The only time I enjoyed this performance was when there were 2 drummers/drumkits playing for one song.
For today was next. I enjoyed this band much more. Quite a few songs has a sound that I could bob my head to. They were a hardcore Christian band, basically preaching Jesus through music. The lead singer did a little preaching between songs a few times, but it seems that much of the audience was receptive to it. I thought that was pretty unique.
The Devil Wears Prada were next, and weren't for me either. Not as bad as Chariot, but still pretty bad. They seemed to have the second largest fanbase at the event, after As I Lay Dying, of course. Meh... to each their own.
The final band of the night was As I Lay Dying. As soon as they hit the stage the whole energy changed. Everyone started bopping around and getting right into it, myself included. I instantly became extremely hyper, excited, and happy to be there. That mood lasted well beyond when the concert ended. If they ever come back, I'll be there.
The first 3 bands may not have blown my mind, but the 4th sure did. What a great experience!
Big Wreck w/ The Reason: Aug 28th, 2013
This was a CNE Banshell concert that I went to with Gabe and my dad. I don't know mych about The Reason, but Big Wreck was a big band when I was in high school and hearing them reminded me of all of those nights driving around with Derek or the Alexanders drinking Tim Hortons in parking lots all over Scarborough. It was a soul warming experience, for sure. Gabe knew many of the songs because he has heard me listen to them throughout the years.
My dad didn't know any of their songs but He sort of listened to the musin and wound up loving their sound. He commented on how the singer had a great voice and the band was really talented. I loved that he felt that way. It was definitely a bit of a bonding experience for him and I. From now on, when I hear Big Wreck, I will think not only of my high school coffee cruises, but also about the time that my dad got into a band that I liked.
Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire - Heart and Soul Tour: August 28th, 2015
This concert was at a hectic time. My dad was in the hospital at Mount Sinai getting a diagnosis and spend a good bit of time there while they ran tests and monitored him. Me, my dad, Peter, and my sister were all supposed to go together, but unfortunately my dad wasn't able to come. We tried to plead with the nurses and doctors to release him for a few hours, but they didn't recommend it, and so we didn't take him with us.
After a visit with dad at the hospital, the three of us left on the streetcar to head over to the concert. I remember Peter getting us lunch on the way.
Steph and Aunt LeeAnn were supposed to join us. They drove down and wound up circling the parking lot forever looking for a parking spot. By the time they had found parking, the concert had begun and they couldn't find us. They were there somewhere, but weren't with us.
OK, now this concert was a blast of nostalgia and sadness. We had grown up with these songs but neither of our parents were there with us. We tried so hard to enjoy ourselves... had a few drinks, tried not to think about what was going on with dad... but it was sort of a weird energy. It was the only concert that I had seen with Peter and so for that it was a nice experience.
Chicago put on a great show. EWF blew me away with the sheer amound of people they has in the bacd. Everyone danced around the stage and played their instruments. All sorts of guatars and brass instruments playing in funky harmony. I was bittersweet, but the show was absolutely wonderful.
Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, Of Mice & Men: July 19th, 2016
I've been taking Gabe to shows for years, but this was Gabe's first 'big' concert! Chad and I got Gabe tickets for his (early) birthday present. One of the many perks of liking many of the same bands as your child! This was at Scotiabank Arena/ACC. We decided to drive down a bit early and take Gabe for a nice patio dinner before the show started. It was supposed to start at 7:30pm, beginning with Of Mince and Men.
Our meal was nice and leisurely. Chad and I got a couple pints. When we were done, we slowly made our way over to the venue and were shocked when we walked in and hear Manson playing! Our intent was to come in in the middle of the opener, but wasn't to miss Manson. We figured we miscalculated a bit on time, and watched Manson perfom 'The Dope Show'... but folling that song, the song we entered the arena to, he said thank-you and walked off stange. We had missed missed his entire show. A quick look throuh my phone yielded an email that was receiver within an hour of when the concert was supposed to start informing me that the start time of the show had been changed. Within an hour. Probably when we were heading to dinner. What a bummer.
Slipknot was next. They came out and rocked the house down! They played a really long set... maybe 2 hours. The energy was high, the audience was into it. I don't think that there was a single person there that was sitting still. I couldn't help but to keep peeking over at Gabe to see if he was having fun, and he was. Honestly, as much as I enjoyed the show, I enjoyed watching Gabe enjoy it more. What a joy.
When it was over I was sure to take Gabe to a merch stand to pick out a t-shirt to comemmorate the night.
Rob Zombie, Korn: August 23rd, 2016
This show was just Chad and I at Budweiser Stage / Molson Ampitheater. I can't help but to call it the ampitheater, lol! Anyway, there was supposed to be an opening band before Rob Zombie but they cancelled. I don't remember who it was, but it was a band I had never heard of so I didn't mind. They filled the void with a DJ. Really, it was an excuse to drink way more overpriced drinks, which we happily did.
Rob Zombie came on a little later than he was supposed to. The rumour around the crowd was that there was some sort of conflict because OP security didn't know who he was as he was looking rather dischevelled in his performance clothing and was a bit more than a little drunk. When he finally came on, the set was elaborately set up, the lights were trippy, and he threw giant alien inflatables into the crowd. The perfomance was more of a party than anything. He kept talking about bing fucked up, forgot some of the words to his songs, and really, we WERE fucked up with him. The vibe was great! It would have been nearly impossible not to sink right into the big party that he created with the crowd. We drank, danced, and bopped. What a great show!
Korn was up last. Their set seemed to go for quite some time, which was great because they were absolutely incredible. Very well prepared and professional. Their sound was akin to their studio recordings. We continued to sing and bop along. To be honest I hadn't listened to much Korn since High School, but this concert rekinled my desire to listed to their music. I would definitely see them again.
Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson - Twins of Evil Tour: July 26th, 2018
This show was again at Budweiser Stage. Chad and I had tickets for ourslves and had also bought 2 for Gabe as an early birthday gift. He brought his friend DJ. We all took the GO Train together and found a nice spot on the lawn to watch the show. Rob Zombie round 2, and Manson attempt number 2!
Manson was up first, followed by Zombie to close the show. Actually, there was an opener but I'm not sure who it was. After the oprning band, we waited for Manson at his scheduled time slot. We waited, waited... then it was announced that Manson would not be playing due to unforeseen illless. Wtf? Seriously? So, this was the second time I 'almost' saw Manson. It suppose it wasn't meant to be.
Rob Zombie was up. He had to play both his time slot and Manson's, aswell. We were concerned that his energy would falter in having to perforn such a long show, but he killed it! He didn't drop the ball once, playing all of hits, and then some. He even did a cover of 'Sweet Dreams' to appease the disappoint Manson fans in the crowd. Honestly, having seen Zombie previously, I had high expectations for him and he absolutely delivered. By the end of it, were didn't even care that Manson didn't perform. We were so impressed by Zombie's stamina to keep his level of performance for such a long set. Zombie is a true showman. If ever he returns to Toronto, we will be there.
Smashing Pumpkins, Noel Gallagher, AFI: August 13th, 2019
Ah, yes. The first show in over a year, and the last before the pandemic. Little did we know at the time, it would be a very long time before seeing another show. This show was at Budweiser Stage and was just Chad and I.
AFI we missed because we didn't really care to see them either way. Noel Gallagher was up first with his band Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. The band was OK. Most of it wasn't my kind of music, but a few songs were good. Noel Gallagher was a bit of a dick. He kept saying things insunuating that Canada wasn't on the map. Or, rather wasn't on the map until we legalized marijuana. Honestly, bands usually hype up the cities that they play for, but he did quite the opposite. It left a bad taste in my mouth. Hey, Noel... how about you just don't come back. You were good in Oasis, but your new band in't that great and you're sort of a wash up. Whatever to him.
Smashing pumpkins were amazing! thay played all of the songs that I waanted to hear, more or less. Their performance was really good. The energy was great and you could tell that it was very nostalgic for many of us. I think it was around junior high that I became a fan and started listening to their music. Anyway, they did not disappoint! I'loved the show and look forward to their next visit.
I was checking my phone while Chad went to the washroom and realized that Kiley was at the show somewhere. We agreed to meet up after the show, so as people were letting out, we found eachother with a big hug and a bit of a catch up. It was so mice to see her after so much time. Definitely one of the highlights of the night.
Ah.... I know there is more I can't think of at the moment, but I'll just have to add them later. I think I'll continue to update this as I go to concerts and tag it so i can find it easily. It's nice to remember things like this.
There will be alot of additions by years end, I guarantee you that.
New Kids on the Block:
This was my first major concert. I went when I was a kid with my mom and my cousin, Steph. It was her first concert too. I remember my cousin and I screaming our heads off. Joe McEntire was my dreamboat. I look back now and wonder what the heck I was thinking. I wanted to marry him. Hehe.
I was so young that I don't remember anything specific about the concert, though. I just remember having a grat time and beinng the envy of alot of my froends for having gone. We were so obsessed we used to collect NKOTB cards! *lol*
Foo Fighters:
I was probably 13ish for this concert at The Opera House.This was before Foo Fighters were big, really. When they were just starting to get big. Went with Jesse, Julian, and Katrina (we used to call Jesse and Julian our 'concert buddies'). I remember Julian's sexy older brother drove us and we were drooling. He was this yummy looking hippy guy.
Some chick band opened, but I don't remember who they were. They sang something about 'Go Kissy Christian' that had Katrina and I humming for awhile. I really with I remembered the name of that band.
Do you remember the song 'Big Me' with the Mentos video? I remember that during that song people started pelting Mentos at Dave Grohl, and he just stopped and started bitching about how he's sick of people doing that every time he plays that song. He then quoted Tom Petty in saying, "you don't know how it feels, to be me". The crowd cheered, then he started again and the crowd roared (and stopped throwing mentos at the poor guy).
This concert also was my first 'crowd surfing' experience, and it was my last. I learned that crowd surfing is just a way that guys can grab things without having you find out who and boot them to the head.
Treble Charger, Doughboys, 13 Engines, Pluto:
I was around 13. I remember going to this with Katrina, and I think that Jesse and Julian were there aswell. I'm not 100% clear on that. It was a long time ago at the CNE Bandshell.
I remember Katrina was crowd surfing and got a big commando boot in the forehead. I remember her having this big bruise on her forehead for awhile after that.
After the concert we met The Doughboys and got signed posters. Actually I think I still have it... somewhrere. That's about all I remember about this one.
Rusty:
I was probably 13 or so. Went with Katrina, Jesse, and Julian. We saw him and a bunch of other people I don't remember at a local club. Koolays? I can't even remember. We were only a few feet away from the stage. I remember we dared Katrina to trip him, and she almost did. W had nothing against him, but we just thought it would be funny, I guess.
He was pretty cool, though. After the concert he walked around the bar and had a beer and chatted with everyone. I like seeing artists who will do that sort of thing because it's respectable... it proved that they're not on this high horse. I guess they can only do that until they reach a certain level of fame.
Smashing Pumkins:
I was just starting high school, so I guess I was 14 or 15. This was with Katrina too. This wasn't really a full concert. It was a free thing they had at MuchMusic in the parking lot. They set up a huge stage, and post-interview they came out and did a 1/2 hour mini concert. It was awesome, though.
They played really well live. I guess they've been doing it long enough to have perfected their sound. They were dressed the same as they were in their 'Ava Adore' video, I believe. I remember being disappointed because it was a promo thing for their new album and I wanted to hear their older stuff. I guess I can't really complain, though. It was free.
Backstreet Boys
I was 15 or 16? They were doing a free thing @ MuchMusic too. Katrina and I just happened to be down there and were wondering what the crowd was there for, then out comes N'Sync to do a mini concert. We stayed for a bit just for fun (and to make fun) then called my little sister and her friend (who were obsesed) and told them we met Nick Whateverhisnameis. They didn't believe us, but whetever. It was teenyboppertastic! We still laugh about it.
Can't say I was ever a backstreet Boys fan.
Nine Inch Nails and A Perfect Circle:
I think I was 18 and it was at the Maple Leaf Gardens. I dreamed of going to this concert for years. Many nights of falling asleep with NIN playing on my headphones lead to this day. I've been a huge NIN fan for as long as I can remember, so this concert was HUGE for me.
Tim and I waited in line all night to get good tickets, then in the morning they announced that they were doing wristbands. Needless to say, we were PISSED (as were all the other who'd been in line all night)! They should have said that before the tickets went on sale. Our seats weren't awful, but they weren't good either.
A bunch of us went (I don't remember who... Karina, Shawn, Tim, and some other people), but I sat with Tim only because we had 2 tickets that were closer than the rest of them, and everyone agreed that Tim and I should have the 2 closest ones cause we were the biggest fans (my friends are awesome)!
The concert was really good, and I was very far from disappointed. To that point it was probably the best concert I'd been to. Not only was it a good performance, but it was a tour for an album that I LOVED... The Fragile. Alot of people hated it, but I thought it was their best since Pretty Hate Machine.
A Perfect Circle was pretty good too. It was the closest I've gotten to seeing a Tool show. Still, it wasn't a Tool show. It was still a good performance, even though I only knew one song. I love Maynard's voice.
REM:
I was about 17 or 18. We actually bought the tickets for Dave Alexander for his birthday but he couldn't go, so I took the as my gift instead (his bday is 2 days before mine). I wasn't a HUGE fan, but I do really like some of their stuff. I just didn' know alot of their songs outside of the ones that got radio play. I took my friend Daryl (McKinnon) because he had never been to a concert in his life and I wanted to take him to his first. Besides, he also was a fan of REM.
It was a really good concert, actually. It was at The Molson Ampitheater, so I'm glad it was hot and sunny, but also nice and breezy. They put on a good show, and they had this weird lit up backdrop thing that looked really cool (WOW that just sounded like stoner talk)! There were all these lights and images and words popped up here and there.
The disappointment of that concert was that they didn't play 'Everybody Hurts', which is my favourite REM song. I hung on until the end, waiting, but it just never came.
Hocico, Decoded Feedback:
I was maybe 20 when I went to this with James because Hocico is his favourite band. This was at The Reverb. I'm not as into them as he is, but I don't mind a few songs. I have to say that they put on an amazing show! So much running and jumping... incredible stage energy. After the show James hung out with them alone downstairs all night... I didn't see him till the end of the night. Turns out him and the lead singer were talking about their kids and showing wallet pictures (he had a son about the same age). James was stoked about that! I guess you could say they bonded. James went on and on about how he hung out with Hocico for weeks!
Decoded Feedback let me down, and they were the band I more went for. I like alot of their stuff, but their live performance left something to be desired. Lacklustre, even dull. It didn't help that the had live drums that drowned out the rest of the music. Not their fault, I guess. Blame the sound guy that should've been fired.
It just sounded like a mess, and the crowd refelected it. I'm sure they knew they sounded cruddy, but there was nothing that could be done at that point. I think they were just waiting for it to be over. I felt bad for them. Stupid drums.
The Cure:
I was 21 or so. Oh... one of my favourite bands of all time. The concert was incredible. I went to this with Katrina at The Molson Ampitheater on a gorgeous summer afternoon.
Robert Smith had a little extra weight on him and looked alot like Elizabeth Taylor (although I have always thought he did). They have their live show mastered, and played everything I hoped they would. I would definitely see them again if I had the chance, but that concert was supposed to be their 'farewell' tour (then again, look at Cher). That concert was love.
We were dancing on the spot the whole time, singing along. The vibes going around that place were so great. Everyone was happy and having a great time. Relaxing on the grass or dancing. It's always a different experience when you see a band you LOVE, compared to a band you only just LIKE.
Shania Twain:
Went to this when I was bartending at a bar called 'Conlin's Corner' with Sam Merlin. Guess I was 20 or 21. It was a bar where we pretty much played only Shania Twain or Elvis so you couldn't help but get sucked it. I fell in love with her... her music. We'd open in the morning and get the place ready with Shania blaring through the place. Really, you couldn't spend your days at that bar without loving Shania.
There was a guy (our favourite reg) named Timmy who was OBSESSED. He would go on and on about her all the time. When we heard about the concert we bought tickets asap. We also ordered a limop service to take us to the Air Canada Center for the Concert. It was me, Sam, Timmy, Casey, and Steph.
We all met at our bar for drinks then took off in a sexy white stretch limo to the concert. Drank the whole way there. Drank while we were there. The concert was very flashy and Shania looked super HOT! She kept changing her outfits (and each just as revaling as the last). At one point she came out wearing this sequinned Toronto Maple Leafs jersey and the crown went wild.
After the show we went to Shopsy's for food, then to Timmy's for more drinks. It was a wild night of booze and country music. I had a ball.
Ozzy Osbourne:
I was 21 or 22 for this concert. I actually got to go for free cause I am one of the luckiest people on earth! Angelina and her boyfriend at the time (Joey) were going with some guy who bailed at the last minute so they had a ticket they couldn't use. Worked out pretty well for me, though. I remember Angelina called and asked if I wanted to come see Ozzy for free at the Air Canada Center and I was like, "Ummm... YES!". :)
The concert was really good. We had a few drinks and rocked out to Ozzy. Man, he has alot of energy for a guy up there in age. He was running around and doing summersaults. Shit, he had more energy that I do on a good day! They would keep putting these buckets of water onstage, and after jumping around for awhile he'd grab one and dump it over his head. He really knows how to work a crowd, that's for sure.
Crazy Ozzy... gotta love him.
Skinny Puppy:
I went to this when I was 23 with James, Rachel, and Dave Cummer at Koolhaus. We were eventually a large group because we kept running into people we knew. I wanted to see them for awhile, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. AMAZING stage show. Props, costumes... the whole nine. It definitely wasn't just a concert, it was an incredible performance.
Ogre was his normal weird self and was looking mighty damn fine, if I say so myself. They played all their best stuff. I'd buy a concert DVD of them just because the concert was so unique. Of course, great music! This was another show I'd wanted to see for a long time and it was well worth the wait.
I had never been to a show at the Koolhaus, but I remember really liking it because it didn't didn't get sweltering hot like many other concert halls. We could have a few drinks, chat, and watch the show without sweating to death.
VNV Nation, Imperative Reaction, and Soman:
I was 23 for this one, and went with Marek, Kiley, Rachel, her boyfriend Steve, Derek, Dave Cummer(?) and James. Met up with Jason, Sarah, and Craig there. This show was at The Phoenix.
I actually had a mini anxiety attack there, so I didn't drink. I was feeling kinda off the whole time and was scared of having a fullblown one (and that really ruined the mood for me, unfortunately). The show was so good I can't even tell you. I simply love VNV and they didn't let me down with their live show. I don't think they even sing a song I don't like, so that was good. The sound was great, but the only complaint I had was with the lights. We were in the 19+ VIP lounge on the balcony, and the lights (beams/lazers) were aimed right for our eyes. It made it really hard to see the stage cause we were blinded. Stupid lights person didn't use their brain. They should have been fired too.
Missed Imperative Reaction and Soman. We were late cause we got caught up outside running into people every 2 seconds. Apparently they were both just 'ok'. Not good, not bad. Can't say for myself. I like alot of stuff by Imperative Reaction, but I didn't and still don't know anything by Soman. I wish I'd have seen them play, but I'm nopt all too broken up about it.
It's always best to arrive to concerts on time.
Depeche Mode:
I was 23 for this and went with Sam after getting tickets from my parents for Christmas. This was a weird one for me. My Favourite band of all time, quite possibly. I went to this with Sam Merlin. We tried several times to sneak into the VIP lounge, to no success. Everyone was dancing in the isles and getting right into it. To tell you the truth, I think I was in awe or something. I couldn't dance. I just stared. I was a huge loser. I guess I didn't know what to do, I can't explain it. It was such an incredible breathtakingly awesome show! What can I say? It was Depeche Mode. They just played again too, but I didn't go. Wish I did.
After the concert we were supposed to go to bars and clubs to drink our faces off, but Sam lost her wallet. We went everywhere looking for it. here, there... we eventually get a call later that it was in her friends van (where we went after the concert so Sam could smoke a dube). What a relief... but we were exhausted and went home.
Nine Inch Nails, Bauhaus:
I went to this one when I was 24 with Katrina and Graham. It was at the Molson Amphitheater, which is quite possibly my favourite venue because it is outdoors (the concert was in the summer).
Bauhaus opened, and they were pretty good. They're not a band I would go to see alone because I don't know too many songs by them. Old goth band. I enjoyed listening to them sing the songs i did know, and there were a few I liked that I hadn't heard before. I actually love the song She's In Parties, which they played.
NIN blew me away again. This was actually better than the last time I saw them for some reason. They had these cage things that lit up and and it looked awesome. They played some stuff from their new album, but mostly their older stuff. I love how much their music has changes from album to album. I spilled some of my $8.50 beer on Katrina. A few people got rowdy and pulled down a huge branch from a tree and security freaked... some belligerent teenyboppers. Even though they did a couple of encores it still seemed to end abruptly. NIN will always be one of my faves. Trent rocks my socks. I am so glad I saw them again.
Ill Scarlett:
I went to this concert with Katrina when I was 24. The show was at The Bovine Sex Club, and the best part was that it was free. I won tickets through the radio station 102.1 The Edge.
I didn't know much abou their music at the time of the concert, but became a much bigger fan after seeing them live. Very lively bunch at an intimate concert. Bacuse it was a smaller concert I was allowed to bring my camera, so I did manage to take quite a few pictures and captured them in action on video aswell. One of my former roomates from 99/00 was there aswell... Little Chris. It was strange to see him again after so long, and he hadn't changed at all. He was actually a huge fan of the band.
All in all, it was a good concert and they definitely made a fan out of me. I'd surely see them again. I'd even pay the next time. hehe.
Placebo w/ Evaline:
I went to this concert with Rachel the day after my 25th birthday. It was at the Kool Haus. I was really excited for this one because Placebo had come a few years before and I had missed the show. I wore stockings under my skirt that kept falling down and I wanted to rip them off of my body but somehow managed to keep them on.
The opening band (Evaline) really WOWed Rachel and I. The lead singer had this amazing performance energy and a great stage performance. He was jumping around all over and really getting into the music. Not only that, but he played guitar, xylophone and the cello. Very talented. We went to see them after their performance to find out where we could see them again and found you they were from California. At least I have a band to seek out if I'm ever in Cali. ;)
Placebo came on and put on a great show... just as I knew they would. I tooka bunch of pics and a few videos of some of my fave Placebo tunes. They played everything I wanted to hear but I found it odd that they didn't play their biggest hit 'Pure Morning'. Well, it's not one of my personal faves but I was expecting it.
Rachel and I drank a few too many beers and wound up getting drunk... oops. I was OK cause we had a great time. I ran into my friend Kiley aswell whom I hadn't seen in about a year... that was really nice. At the end of the show I was a little disappointed at the abrupt ending... no blurb or rant or even any encore. They said it was done then they just left. Ah well... all in all I was satisfied and enjoyed the concert.
Ater the concert Rachel and I dragged our drunk asses to Wendy's for a gab-fest. Great way to cap off a good night.
VNV Nation:
I was 25 for this show. It was @ The Docks and I went with Rachel, Marek, Kiley, and their friend Anne. This was the second time I've been to see VNV Nation, but the forst time I've been to a concert at The Docks.
Ok... VNV Nation is definitely one of my favourite bands. I love the lyrics, I love the music, I love the vocals and I love the way that everything is orchestrated. Sadly to say, seeing them a second time was just a second disapontment. Actually, they were worse this time. Ronin sounded like he spent all night coughing before smokng 19 packs of cigarettes in an hour. His voice was terrible raspy, and it ruined it a bit for me. It's onvious he didn't warm up before the show, and he really should have.
That said, I still enjoyed myself. They played all of their best songs and I swayed with the crew in the audience. I got to hear the newest album which I hadn't heard at the time, and liked alot of the singles they played. I'm glad I was in the company of fun people. In the encore, they played my 2 favorite songs. That was kinda cool.
At the end of the show Kiley and I made a pact... if VNV Nation ever come back to Toronto we'll skip out on getting tickets. I love VNV Nation with a passion, but their live show is lacking. I'd rather listen to a CD and hear the songs as they were meant to be played.
The Killers w/ Red "something?":
I was 25 when I saw this show @ The Air Canada Center. I went to this concert with Dave and Steph. This was actually the first concert that my cousin had been to since we went to see New Kids, which was FOREVER ago! Her eyes sparkeld, and I am so glad that I was able to be a part of that.
The opening band (whose name escaped me) were mediocre at best. I mean, they weren't awful, but they weren't anything special. Their melodies were bland and repetitive. There were a few songs that I found catchy, but the majority of them weren't up to par. When their set was done I was relieved. They were boring me, to be honest.
The Killers set started with a massive explosion of sparkly confetti being burst throughout the venua, so they really made an excellent entrance. Their live sound was fantastic, and their set was a little underdone, but it suited them to the T. i'm not die hard Killers fan, so I only knew the hits, but the other songs definitely grabbed my attention. I can see their band going places, for sure. They had me going home and downloading a bunch of their music and giving great word-of-mouth reviews to friends.
Our seats at this show were a little on the cruddy side, but we stil managed to see evrything fairly well. That's what I hate about shows at really big venues... the nosebleed really ARE nosebleeds. We didn't have the worst seats in the place, but they could have been better. I'm just glad that it didn't really dampen the whole experience too much. I also managed to get a heap of pics and videos (until my camera battery inevidlably died).
Billy Talent w/ Alexisonfire, Ill Scarlett, Attack In Black, Die Mannequin and The Cancer Bats:
This was an afternoon show at the Molson Ampitheater. It was the summer when I was 25 and I went with Dave Alexander.
This concert was supposed to be Billy Talent with Alexisonfire opening for them, but a whole whack of bands signed on to open and it turned into somewhat of a afternoon and evening long music festival. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me!
Of all of the opening bands (Alexisonfire excluded), I liked Attack In Black the best. I knew only one song by them at the time but I liked most of the others they played. They'd be a band I would maybe see again at a small venue. Die Mannequin was so-so... not fantastic but not at all bad either. I guess what I'm trying to say is that they were entertaining enough, but I didn't really feel any attachment to their music. Then there's the Cancer Bats, which I didn't like at all. Dave and I pretty much joked around and chatted during their entire set because they were annoying us. This was also the opportunity we used to go to the washroom and buy beer and whatever other thing we needed to leave the stage for.
Alexisonefire was the headline opening band (if that makes any sense). They were super. I'll admit that I'm not a very big fan of theirs (however, I do love Dallas Green's voice) but they still entertained us and we enjoyed it. I know alot of their music so it was easy to bob and sing along. They had great stage energy so we were riled up and ready for Billy Talent.
Billy Talent put on a great show. I've always loved his voice (even though many think it's too whiny). This band was really interactive with the audience, which I think is important. They talked a bit between pretty much every song and kept getting the audience going. They had Dallas Green come out and seing a song with them also, which was pretty cool. Apparently the two band are very good friends.
Altogether it was a good experience for a good price with a good friend. Who can complain?
Ill Scarlett w/ The Junction
This was actually a free show at the CNE bandshell in the summer. I was 25 and the concert took place on a day that I was there with Gabe, Cassie and Ethan.
I've seen these guys a few times before, but you could really tell they've made it a bit further than they did when I last saw them. They're stage looked so much more professional... better stage set, better lights.
This was a fun show. I think my favourite way to watch a show would be outdoors in the summer. I didn't really have much of an opinion on The Junction. To tell you the truth, I wasn't really paying attantion. Ill Scarlett, as always, was really good. They played all of the sings I like by them and I actually got some on-stage video footage for the first time (other times I just got pics). What can I say? Good show.
For the entire duration of the concert, kiddo and Ethan made a little moshpit and they jumped around and moshed throughout the show. Kiddo didn't take a single break! He just kept going and going, even when he was totally on his own. They had random people jumping in to mosh with them and a few people took their picture. One dude even video taped them! People kept giving Gabe high-fives and one chick dubbed him 'the dancing machine'. lol. I wanted so badly to take video of it but it was too dark and nothing showed up on my camera. It was so great. He knows all of the music because I listen to it all the time at home. He's such a little rockstar. Aww... mommy's little rockstar is so special for yet another reason. :)
Tori Amos w/Yoav
I took Katrina to see Tori for her 25th Bday present. The show was at the Hummingbird Center. I simply love Tori! She's smooth, sexy, talented, poetic and it all flows together in this fabulous way. I guess that's what makes her her, right?
The opening act was 'Yoav'. Who is Yoav? I'm not surprised if no one has heard of him... I certainly hadn't before the concert. Apparently he was performing in a small establishment in Dublin, when Tori's manager approached him to tell him that Tori heard him, loved his sound and that she wanted him to open for her on her tour. Of course he said yes, and so it was. Yoav is a magnificent musical genius! Does that sound like a high compliment? I meant it to be so.
He came on stage and while pushing on a row of pedals lined up in front of him he started making strange noises, banging on his guitar, moaning and confusing the heck out of me. Then I realized what he was doing... he was creating the music so that he could play it back to perform. He is a one man band and makes all of the sounds either vocally or with his guitar, records them and plays them back on loops to create the music. He has something in him, a sound, an eccentricity, and it comes out in his music so that all you can do is sit entirely still with your eyes glued to the stage and allow all of the the sounds to dance on your senses. It was very original and unique and may not be for everyone, but certainly is for me! I've explored alot of new bands this year, but Yoav is my #1 music find of 2007, hands down. Here's his MySpace if you're interested in hearing him. I recommend you listen to 'Club Thing'... it's my favourite: http://www.myspace.com/yoavmusic
Then came Tori. For her new album, she wrote adnd composed different songs using different 'characters' within herself, different personas. She came out as the wild 'Pip'... a dark haired Tori in a green dress. Pip exuded sex from every pore. She was gyrating and moving her body in such a way. She hit alot of her harder and darker stuff and wowed me right away. She's KILLER live, I tell you. Only thing is that she does change alot of her music when she performs it live to the point that you almost can't recognize some of the songs, but it turned out well for the most part.
About 1/2 way through she became herself, Tori, went redhead and changed into this sequin covered pantsuit that changed colors with the lights. Not quite haute couture, but it was a fun outfit.
She played my favourite tune by her... Winter... and as usual I got a little welled up. That song kills me, lol. It's so beautiful. One thing that irked me is that while she was sitting ther at her piano, performing such a lovely song in such a lovely way, some idiot in the audience took that quiet moment to start yelling out how they love Tori... LOUDLY. It was awful because Winter is a sing that's kinda sad and dshe was trying to deliver an emotion when singing it, then there is jerk who startes yelling during that son (af all songs). I felt kinda bad for Tori having to deal with this annoying badgering fan (and the ret of the audiesnce was highly annoyed), but as soon as she has a break in the lyrics she paused and quietly whispered "eat me" into the microphone without breakng her stride. Of course, the rest of the audience cheered and laughed. It was pretty funny.
After waiting so long to see her, I was certainly not disappointed. It was worth the build up. Oh, Tori... you amaze me.
Yoav w/ Lights:
This show was May 13th/08 at The Mod Club. Yoav, to me, was once an opening act I'd never heard of at a Tori Amos concert. However, once I heard his music that day I became completely and utterly in love with his music. It's unique and mystifying. It's not just the music, but seeing him perform live isn't just a concert... it's an experience.
I went to this show with Katrina, who was also at the Tori Amos concert, and we both absolutely loved it. Yoav's sound haunts me in a way that most artist's can't. It's like when he sings and plays he emits some sort of powerful emotional vibe that renders you speechless. I'll tell ya... anytime Yoav comes to town I'll be right there watching. It's not often that one finds an artist that has that sort of effect on them. Yoav is... there are no words. I'm in love with his craft.
Sadly, I didn't bring my camera to this show. Next time, I most definitely will. Just to capture that phantom in his eye.
Rancid w/ The Flatliners: April 17th, 2008
This show April 17th/08 at @ Kool Haus. I bought Katrina tickets for this concert for an early birthday present because she's loved Rancid for YEARS. She says that it's the best birthday present she's ever gotten, which made me very happy. I'd tried to buy tickets the last time they came but tickets were all sold out by the time I got to it.
I went with Katrina (obviously), Chris and Rachel. The show was pretty good. I like Rancid, but wouldn't say I LOVE Rancid, but I still really enjoyed the show. I enjoyed it more for nostalgia sake because there was a time over a decade ago that I'd listen to Rancid for hours on end... on cassette! I do remember it being VERY hot and also that I wasn't feeling too great that day.Tim Armstrong kinda looked like a hobo on stage, but what's new, right? lol
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: May 16th, 2008
This show was May 16th/08 @ Kool Haus. I went with Rachel and Stacie, but we ran into Amber and Kyle there. It was fun night of being social, and I'd been dying to see Nick Cave live.
There was some weird trip-out opening band (whose name escapes me) that wanted to be Pink Floyd. Seriously... same cords, same sounds... just a few decades too late. I love Pink Floyd and most classic rock, but these folks were on the annoying side.
Now, on to Nick Cave. The show was fantastic! He played everything I wanted to hear and changed every song to the point that it was almost not even recognizable. Normally I'd say that was a bad thing, but they all sounded great! Nick Cave is an amazing and brilliant artist. I'd say he were 'do'able but he's... ummm... not my type. Maybe I can have brain sex with him one day. In that aspect, I desire him.
The concert wound up running pretty late and I was over an hour late for work. I felt bad about it, but the show was worth it.
In Flames w/ All That Remains, 36 Crazyfists, Gojira: November 7th, 2008
This show was Nov 7th/08 @ Sound Academy. My first metal show. I'm not really that into metal, but I like alot of it, too. I guess I'm just picky with my metal. Chris is huge into metal so I'd agreed to go to this show for him. I like All That Remains, but I'd never heard the rest. Rachel was working the show, so she guest listed us so we could get in for free. When her shift was over, she got to join us for the rest of the show.
We went in and got asked up to the VIP section upstairs. Up there we ran into Shanda and Stacey. It was a great place to watch the concert... white leather couches and tables with tea lite candles around a balcony overlooking the crowd and stage below. To this day I can't say that I've ever had a real metal concert experience because being up there was far different then being in the crowd below. My opinion, though? I'm too old for that shit, anyways. lol
The bands were all pretty good, even if some weren't my specific cup of tea. All that Remains was awesome, though. I'd definitely go and see them again. Looking down into the pit and seeing how crazy it got sometimes made me feel old... being a former crazy headbanging crowd surfer who'd now much rather watch at a distance. I'll go to more metal shows, so long as I have a seat. lol
Combichrist: February 7th, 2009
This show was 7 Feb/09 at Opera House. Opera House is definitely one of my least fave venues, but it wasn't too bad. I went with Chris, Stacey,Rachel, Marek and Kiley. I've really liked Combichrist for quite awhile, so I was happy to be seeing them live for the first time. This is one of the few bands that Chris and I both really like. I'm most into 'industrial' (and surrounding genres) ans Chris is most into 'metal' (and surrounding genres) so their harsh and distorted electronic sound is one that Chris and I can both appreciate.
Combichrist put on a pretty good show, no bells and whistles... no change ups for their live show. I was hoping for a bit more of a performance, but still enjoyed it and felt positive about the experience when it was over. It probably doesn't hurt that Andy (lead singer) is very easy on the eyes.. hehe. Combichrist makes me so hyper! I can't wait until they come back!
Kinetik Festival 2009: May 13th-17th, 2009
This was Kinetik 2.0 which ran May 13-17/09 @ Usine C in Montreal. Kinetik is a music festival held annually in Montreal. I believe that 2008 was the 1st year, but will be ongoing. 'Industrial' music isn't really a HUGE thing, so Kinetik Festival gets artists together for a festival for a genre that doesn't have many festivals in North America. They broke into 3 sub-genres, and has 'phases' (nights) showcasing each one: Phase 1 (opening night), Phase 2 (Harsh Industrial), Phase 3 (Noise) and Phase 4 (EBM). Seeing the band line-up's, we got tickets for the 1st and last nights. I went with Chris, Shanda, Marek and Kiley.
Phase 1:
Project Pitchfork
Terrorfakt
Interlace
Memmaker
Ayria
Corrupted Suburbs
Marching Dynamics
Phase 4:
Icon of Coil
Das Ich
Assemblage 23
Pride and Fall
XP8
FGFC820
Necessary Response
Astyplaz
Mmmmm, hmmmm.... that's Pitchfork! I could go on and on for pages about how insanely amazing that was! Kiley and I got there early and fought for the front row. I may have had a tall girl in my way so I did some incognito hair tugging to get to the front row (shh... lol). I stood there trembling slightly and the thought that PROJECT PITCHFORK was about to come on stage... the feeling was so surreal I can't even decribe it. Ive been waiting to see these guys for what seems like a lifetime!
Then they came out. Holy crap. Just, wow. I'd try to explain the feeling, but it just wouldn't be possible. I was (and still am) speechless, really. It just made me want to run away with Peter Spilles and have his perfect babies, lol. Think Chris would mind? It's always such an amazing feeling when you finally get to see a band that you love so much live for the first time. Peter was actually walking around the festival the night after the concert, but we weren't there that night. Kiley got a nice photo with Peter, though... lucky girl.
Aside from Pitchfork, alot of the other bands were good. Assemblage 23 and Icon of Coil put on great sets. Das Ich made my life, too... what an incredible performance! All dressed and painted gold... angry German industrial. Got a good pic or Chris with the lead singer. He's pretty adorably short and sweet looking when he's not performing. I heard XP8 for the first time and fell in love.... topless sex on stage singing 'Want it'. I was hooked immediately.
On the nights between the shows we went to strip clubs and also this crazy awesome metal bar call FouFounes Electric for $2 beers! I can't wait for next year!
VNV Nation w/ War Tapes: June 19th, 2009
This show was June 19th/09 @ The Phoenix. I almost didn't go having been pretty disappointed with Ronin's raspy live voice, but was pleasantly surprised when he actually sounded good! I've already seen them twice and both times his voice was pretty crappy. One other time the lights were crappy. What can I say? This time was by far the best of the three. The opening band, however, wasn't really that great to me.
I went with Chris, Rachel, Marek and Kiley. Kiley also brought 2 friends whose names escape me (Anne and Hagen?). Anyways, we had a few beers and loved the show. They played everything I wanted to hear and I got some pretty amazing pics, also! Here's hoping that the next time (and there'll likely be a next time) will be as good as this time. VNV at their absolute best! I almost didn't go having been pretty disappointed with Ronin's raspy live voice, but was pleasantly surprised when he actually sounded good! I've already seen them twice and both times his voice was pretty crappy. One other time the lights were crappy. What can I say? This time was by far the best of the three. The opening band, however, wasn't really that great to me.
I went with Chris, Rachel, Marek and Kiley. Kiley also brought 2 friends whose names escape me (Anne and Hagen?). Anyways, we had a few beers and loved the show. They played everything I wanted to hear and I got some pretty amazing pics, also! Here's hoping that the next time (and there'll likely be a next time) will be as good as this time. VNV at their absolute best!
This show was June 19th/09 @ The Phoenix. I almost didn't go having been pretty disappointed with Ronin's raspy live voice, but was pleasantly surprised when he actually sounded good! I've already seen them twice and both times his voice was pretty crappy. One other time the lights were crappy. What can I say? This time was by far the best of the three. The opening band, however, wasn't really that great to me.
I went with Chris, Rachel, Marek and Kiley. Kiley also brought 2 friends whose names escape me (Anne and Hagen?). Anyways, we had a few beers and loved the show. They played everything I wanted to hear and I got some pretty amazing pics, also! Here's hoping that the next time (and there'll likely be a next time) will be as good as this time. VNV at their absolute best!
Dethklok w/Mastodon, Converge, High On Fire: October 23rd, 2009
This show was at Sound Academy on October 23rd/2009. I went with Chris, John, Marek, Kiley, and a few friends of theirs. I remember waiting outside in line for what seemed like forever, in the rain, on a cool fall night. We were frozen, but there was good energy so we were still feeling pretty good.
For the record, Dethklok is a cartoon band from a show called 'Metalocalypse.' That alone made this concert pretty unique for me... and like for everyone else, too. How often do you go to see a fictional band perform live? Well, they were excellent. The real musicians performed on stage, and there was a huge drop screen behind them displaying the fictional band performing the songs. The sound was pretty good and it was an absolute blast. Smoking in the rain, drinking overpriced beer, listening to a live soundtrack to an amazing adult cartoon.
Kinetik Festival 2010: May 12th-16th, 2010
Kinetik 3.0 was from May 12th-16th 2010 at Usine-C in Montreal. This was our second time going, and it was again, a great time. We got an apartment to stay at this time so it was much more pleasant... Le Simmone.
COMBICHRIST [US]
Absolute Body Control [BE]
Alien Vampires [IT]
Decoded Feedback [CA]
Synapscape [DE]
FGFC 820 [US]
SAM [DE]
Komor Kommando [CA]
Edgey [US]
Iszoloscope [CA]
Aliceffekt [CA]
Covenant [SE]
Rotersand [DE]
Melotron [DE]
Frozen Plasma [DE]
Lights of Euphoria [DK]
Faderhead [DE]
Run Level Zero [SE]
Unter Null [US]
Cesium 137 [US]
Fractured [CA]
Glenn Love [CA]
Detroit Diesel [CA]
As always, Combichrist put on an amazing performance. Andy really has a way of getting the crowd going. Their set was really loud, though, and the bass went through me. We got to get right up in the front of the stage, right beside the speakers.
Covenant was fun to watch. It was a little lacking 'performance' wise, but I love the songs so I couldn't really complain. The stage was really dark so I didn't get many good photos of them. Lights of Euphoria were better performers.
Kinetik has always been a blast. More Foufs for cheap beer.
Kinetik Festival 2011: May 19th-23rd, 2011
This year, Kinetik 4.0 ran from May 19th-23rd 2011. We stayed in Hotel Elegant again because we weren't on top of booking things early enough. I went with Chris, Angelina, Shanda, Marek and Kiley.
Phase 1:
FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY [CA]
DIE KRUPPS[DE]
FUNKER VOGT [DE]
IVARDENSPHERE [CA]
ISZOLOSCOPE [CA]
EVERYTHING GOES COLD [US]
CORRUPTED SUBURBS [CA]
DJ? ACUCRACK [US]
Phase 5:
SUICIDE COMMANDO [BE]
FGFC820 [US]
AESTHETIC PERFECTION [US]
PAINBASTARD [DE]
DECODED FEEDBACK [CA]
CONTINUES [US]
ALICEFFEKT [CA]
I was really excited about seeing Funker Vogt as I've liked them for a long time and have never seen them live... they also happened to be on sort of early in the night. It took us forever to get to Montreal, and we luckily arrived JUST before they went on stage. I am so glad that we managed to make it because it was such an energetic show. Everyone couldn't help but to move to the music. They played many of the songs that I love by them. We missed Frontline Assembly, though, which was a bit of a disappointment.
It was only Chris, Shanda and I who went to see Suicide Commando. The show was absolutely incredible... dark, loud, eerie... just as it should be. The lights and everything just went so well with the music. We heard everything we wanted to hear and got many blurry photos. After the show we met Johan, the lead singer. I thanked him for coming to perform and told him that I've been waiting awhile to see them... then I got a picture with him. He was very nice.
Fill the blanks in with Foufs for $1 drinks, Club Saphir for sweaty dancing, random metal bars for Jagerbombs and all other sorts of debauchery.
Tommy James and the Shondelles: September 3rd, 2011
This was a banshell concert at the CNE. I went with my dad, Gabe, Chris, Pam (our neighbour and Nathan's mom), and Nathan (Gabe's friend). My mom and Peter met us at the show as they had spent their day shopping in all of the buildings. We tired ourselves out watching the kids go on rides then found a nice spot on the grass to watch the concert.
Chris didn't know who they were and I kept telling him that he would recognize their songe when he heard them. Sure enough, he did. It was a great ending to a great day, and was also a full blast of nostalgia as I remember listening to that CD growing up. Good energy. I'm writing this post 11 years later so I don't remember the details beyond what I have already written, but I do remember having a great time.
Prince: November 26th, 2011
Chris and I went to this show on November 26th 2011@ the ACC as part of our 4th anniversary. We searched forever for tickets but ended up realizing that we'd be paying hundreds if we wanted to go to the show and have good seats. IT WAS WORTH IT!
Our seats were incredible. We were in the 6th row from the stage, directly beside where he came out and went on stage. When he walked by we could practically touch him. He played all the hits... like, so many good songs. There was only one that I wanted to hear that he didn't play: Darling Nikki. I think he's over his 'raunchier' stuff, though, so I wasn't really expecting it. There was no photography allowed, but being the rebels that we are, we snuck the camera in and took a bunch of shots when security wasn't looking. I mean, there for our own personal collection... not like we're going to try to sell them or anything.
Buzzing from the amazing concert, we went bar hopping, met up with friends, went to a hause party, then back to our Downtown ritzy hotel for the night, only to wake up with the hangover from hell. Good Times!
Metric: May 18th, 2012
This show was on May 18th 2012 in Montreal. I happened to be on Facebook when the band announced that they were going to be doing a top secret invite only show in Montreal, and the 1st 100 people to respond would get 2 tickets. I responded right away and got 2 free tickets. Luckily I was going to be arriving in Montreal on the 17th for the Kinetik festival, so the timing couldn't have been better. I brought my dear Angelina along since I don't see her much since she moved to Montreal and she is a Metric fan. It was great to see it with her!
It was a short show, just over an hour, and they were playing mostly songs from their upcoming album 'Synthetica'. It was good, but I really like their old stuff best. Their sound seems to have completely changed away from what I liked about them.
That being said, the performance was very entertaining. Emily, the lead singer, was so adorably nervous, but her voice sounded lovely and she looked absolutely stunning. They closed the night off with an acoustic rendition of their song 'Gimme Sympathy', and the whole crowd sang along. It was a nice concert.
Kinetik Festival 2012: May 17th - 20th, 2012
Kinetik 5.0 this year... May 17th-20th 2012. This year it was a much larger crowd. I went with Chris, Shanda, Sarah, Stacie, Marek and Kiley. Marek and Kiley brought their friend Dee. Angelina lives there so we spent much of our time with her, though she didn't attend any of the shows. We stayed in a spacious 5 bedroom apartment with a patio downstairs and a small balcony up the fire escape.
Phase 1:
Projekt F
Adversary
Orphx
Nachtmahr
winterkaelte
Combichrist
E-Craft
Phase 4:
Aliceffekt
End.User
C-Lekktor
FGFC820
Noisex
Hocico
Iszoloscope
Again... as always... Combichrist was awesome. Actually, this was probably my favourite show that I've seen of theirs. I'm not sure as to why, exactly. They had on all this body paint that was sort of silly, but they put on a very entertaining and stellar performance. Trevor wasn't there... there was some dude dressed as a chick filling in. Whatever. We accidentally got drunk this night and that made it ever better.
Hocico is a band that I saw before I really fully developed my liking of their music. I'm a much bigger fan than I was the last time I saw them, and my enjoyment of this show was a real reflection of that. Chris and I went to this show alone and we couldn't stop moving to he music. I've never seen Chris have more fun at a live show. We were right up front, chugging gin from a flask, cheering and sweating and having a good ole time. We were definitely feeling the energy. Well, the energy and also a great buzz because it was $1/beer night a Foufs which was right next door. That was also where all of our friends were. We were able to conveniently run to the show then rejoin everyone.
The Spinners: August 23rd, 2012
This was another free concert @ The CNE Bandshell on August 23/2012. I went with my dad and Gabe. This show was actually quite packed. They added additional seating with some portable rafters, but as far as I am concerned it only blocked the lawn off, making it impossible for people to enjoy the show from the lawn (as I prefer to do). Luckily for us, after finding a half decent spot to stand for the show, a gentleman who was reserving some spots on the rafters for family found out the weren't going to be able to make it, and gave us the spots... yay! Gabe just had to mostly sit on my knee, lol.
I've wanted to see The Spinners for awhile, but at every opportunity things don't ever seem to work out. I listen to their music alot, so seeing it live was pretty amazing. I think that there was only 1 original Spinner alive, which is sort of sad. At least the people they has singing the part of the other members did a great job. Gabe even recognized alot of the songs from hearing me play them all the time. We were keeping the beat by clapping our hands together. It was pretty amazing to have us grooving together... 3 generations of Spinners fans.
There was alot of witty banter and joking around with the crowd, and of course they were dancing along too every song. For the song' Rubber Band Man' they brought out the human sized rubber bands and began dancing inside of them and then threw them into the crowd at the end. My dad told me about how he saw them perform in their prime, and they did the same rubber band thing and my aunt caught one of the rubber bands in the audience. I guess you can't teach old dogs new tricks, lol. Still, I thought they were very good at getting that old Motown vibe out there.
The Tea Party w/ The Standstills: August 31st, 2012
Every summer I loom forward to going to the CNE to see the free shows @ The Bandshell. Talk about a wayback playback! This show was on August 31st, 2012. I was eager at the opportunity to get nostalgic with Chris with a beer in hand (I even got carded!).
The opening band, unlisted, were called The Standstills... not so good. A girl drummer and a guy singer made up the whole band. Neither were really talented as far as I was concerned. They did a cover of Black Betty that made my ears want to bleed. At this point I was very glad to have the beer, and a view of a girl who thought she could dance. Chris and I did not agree, lol.
The Tea Party, on the other hand, did not disappoint. They played all of the songs I remember hearing on the radio in my teenage years. The lead singer (Jonathan, I think?) had a voice which surely has stood the test of time. It was flawless, seamless, perfect. It's truly rare to hear a lead singer who sounds just as good live as they do in a studio. Very good show.
As I Lay Dying, The Devil Wears Prada, For Today, Chariot: March 23rd, 2013
This show was on March 23/2013 @ Sounds Academy. I bought the tickets as a birthday gift from me to Chris, with his birthday being on the following Wednesday. This was my second metal show, however, my first on the floor and not on that cushy VIP balcony. My first time on the floor with all the sweaty, riled up metalheads... and I loved it. Our favourite spot for the show was at the bar to the left of the stage. We had a kind bartender man who was taking good care of our drinking needs.
Chariot played first. They sounded, to me (perhaps the untrained ear), very noisy, uncomposed, and loud. I really couldn't get into it. I didn't feel too bad, because Chris couldn't either. Actually, I think he liked them even less than I did. The only time I enjoyed this performance was when there were 2 drummers/drumkits playing for one song.
For today was next. I enjoyed this band much more. Quite a few songs has a sound that I could bob my head to. They were a hardcore Christian band, basically preaching Jesus through music. The lead singer did a little preaching between songs a few times, but it seems that much of the audience was receptive to it. I thought that was pretty unique.
The Devil Wears Prada were next, and weren't for me either. Not as bad as Chariot, but still pretty bad. They seemed to have the second largest fanbase at the event, after As I Lay Dying, of course. Meh... to each their own.
The final band of the night was As I Lay Dying. As soon as they hit the stage the whole energy changed. Everyone started bopping around and getting right into it, myself included. I instantly became extremely hyper, excited, and happy to be there. That mood lasted well beyond when the concert ended. If they ever come back, I'll be there.
The first 3 bands may not have blown my mind, but the 4th sure did. What a great experience!
Big Wreck w/ The Reason: Aug 28th, 2013
This was a CNE Banshell concert that I went to with Gabe and my dad. I don't know mych about The Reason, but Big Wreck was a big band when I was in high school and hearing them reminded me of all of those nights driving around with Derek or the Alexanders drinking Tim Hortons in parking lots all over Scarborough. It was a soul warming experience, for sure. Gabe knew many of the songs because he has heard me listen to them throughout the years.
My dad didn't know any of their songs but He sort of listened to the musin and wound up loving their sound. He commented on how the singer had a great voice and the band was really talented. I loved that he felt that way. It was definitely a bit of a bonding experience for him and I. From now on, when I hear Big Wreck, I will think not only of my high school coffee cruises, but also about the time that my dad got into a band that I liked.
Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire - Heart and Soul Tour: August 28th, 2015
This concert was at a hectic time. My dad was in the hospital at Mount Sinai getting a diagnosis and spend a good bit of time there while they ran tests and monitored him. Me, my dad, Peter, and my sister were all supposed to go together, but unfortunately my dad wasn't able to come. We tried to plead with the nurses and doctors to release him for a few hours, but they didn't recommend it, and so we didn't take him with us.
After a visit with dad at the hospital, the three of us left on the streetcar to head over to the concert. I remember Peter getting us lunch on the way.
Steph and Aunt LeeAnn were supposed to join us. They drove down and wound up circling the parking lot forever looking for a parking spot. By the time they had found parking, the concert had begun and they couldn't find us. They were there somewhere, but weren't with us.
OK, now this concert was a blast of nostalgia and sadness. We had grown up with these songs but neither of our parents were there with us. We tried so hard to enjoy ourselves... had a few drinks, tried not to think about what was going on with dad... but it was sort of a weird energy. It was the only concert that I had seen with Peter and so for that it was a nice experience.
Chicago put on a great show. EWF blew me away with the sheer amound of people they has in the bacd. Everyone danced around the stage and played their instruments. All sorts of guatars and brass instruments playing in funky harmony. I was bittersweet, but the show was absolutely wonderful.
Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, Of Mice & Men: July 19th, 2016
I've been taking Gabe to shows for years, but this was Gabe's first 'big' concert! Chad and I got Gabe tickets for his (early) birthday present. One of the many perks of liking many of the same bands as your child! This was at Scotiabank Arena/ACC. We decided to drive down a bit early and take Gabe for a nice patio dinner before the show started. It was supposed to start at 7:30pm, beginning with Of Mince and Men.
Our meal was nice and leisurely. Chad and I got a couple pints. When we were done, we slowly made our way over to the venue and were shocked when we walked in and hear Manson playing! Our intent was to come in in the middle of the opener, but wasn't to miss Manson. We figured we miscalculated a bit on time, and watched Manson perfom 'The Dope Show'... but folling that song, the song we entered the arena to, he said thank-you and walked off stange. We had missed missed his entire show. A quick look throuh my phone yielded an email that was receiver within an hour of when the concert was supposed to start informing me that the start time of the show had been changed. Within an hour. Probably when we were heading to dinner. What a bummer.
Slipknot was next. They came out and rocked the house down! They played a really long set... maybe 2 hours. The energy was high, the audience was into it. I don't think that there was a single person there that was sitting still. I couldn't help but to keep peeking over at Gabe to see if he was having fun, and he was. Honestly, as much as I enjoyed the show, I enjoyed watching Gabe enjoy it more. What a joy.
When it was over I was sure to take Gabe to a merch stand to pick out a t-shirt to comemmorate the night.
Rob Zombie, Korn: August 23rd, 2016
This show was just Chad and I at Budweiser Stage / Molson Ampitheater. I can't help but to call it the ampitheater, lol! Anyway, there was supposed to be an opening band before Rob Zombie but they cancelled. I don't remember who it was, but it was a band I had never heard of so I didn't mind. They filled the void with a DJ. Really, it was an excuse to drink way more overpriced drinks, which we happily did.
Rob Zombie came on a little later than he was supposed to. The rumour around the crowd was that there was some sort of conflict because OP security didn't know who he was as he was looking rather dischevelled in his performance clothing and was a bit more than a little drunk. When he finally came on, the set was elaborately set up, the lights were trippy, and he threw giant alien inflatables into the crowd. The perfomance was more of a party than anything. He kept talking about bing fucked up, forgot some of the words to his songs, and really, we WERE fucked up with him. The vibe was great! It would have been nearly impossible not to sink right into the big party that he created with the crowd. We drank, danced, and bopped. What a great show!
Korn was up last. Their set seemed to go for quite some time, which was great because they were absolutely incredible. Very well prepared and professional. Their sound was akin to their studio recordings. We continued to sing and bop along. To be honest I hadn't listened to much Korn since High School, but this concert rekinled my desire to listed to their music. I would definitely see them again.
Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson - Twins of Evil Tour: July 26th, 2018
This show was again at Budweiser Stage. Chad and I had tickets for ourslves and had also bought 2 for Gabe as an early birthday gift. He brought his friend DJ. We all took the GO Train together and found a nice spot on the lawn to watch the show. Rob Zombie round 2, and Manson attempt number 2!
Manson was up first, followed by Zombie to close the show. Actually, there was an opener but I'm not sure who it was. After the oprning band, we waited for Manson at his scheduled time slot. We waited, waited... then it was announced that Manson would not be playing due to unforeseen illless. Wtf? Seriously? So, this was the second time I 'almost' saw Manson. It suppose it wasn't meant to be.
Rob Zombie was up. He had to play both his time slot and Manson's, aswell. We were concerned that his energy would falter in having to perforn such a long show, but he killed it! He didn't drop the ball once, playing all of hits, and then some. He even did a cover of 'Sweet Dreams' to appease the disappoint Manson fans in the crowd. Honestly, having seen Zombie previously, I had high expectations for him and he absolutely delivered. By the end of it, were didn't even care that Manson didn't perform. We were so impressed by Zombie's stamina to keep his level of performance for such a long set. Zombie is a true showman. If ever he returns to Toronto, we will be there.
Smashing Pumpkins, Noel Gallagher, AFI: August 13th, 2019
Ah, yes. The first show in over a year, and the last before the pandemic. Little did we know at the time, it would be a very long time before seeing another show. This show was at Budweiser Stage and was just Chad and I.
AFI we missed because we didn't really care to see them either way. Noel Gallagher was up first with his band Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. The band was OK. Most of it wasn't my kind of music, but a few songs were good. Noel Gallagher was a bit of a dick. He kept saying things insunuating that Canada wasn't on the map. Or, rather wasn't on the map until we legalized marijuana. Honestly, bands usually hype up the cities that they play for, but he did quite the opposite. It left a bad taste in my mouth. Hey, Noel... how about you just don't come back. You were good in Oasis, but your new band in't that great and you're sort of a wash up. Whatever to him.
Smashing pumpkins were amazing! thay played all of the songs that I waanted to hear, more or less. Their performance was really good. The energy was great and you could tell that it was very nostalgic for many of us. I think it was around junior high that I became a fan and started listening to their music. Anyway, they did not disappoint! I'loved the show and look forward to their next visit.
I was checking my phone while Chad went to the washroom and realized that Kiley was at the show somewhere. We agreed to meet up after the show, so as people were letting out, we found eachother with a big hug and a bit of a catch up. It was so mice to see her after so much time. Definitely one of the highlights of the night.
Ah.... I know there is more I can't think of at the moment, but I'll just have to add them later. I think I'll continue to update this as I go to concerts and tag it so i can find it easily. It's nice to remember things like this.
There will be alot of additions by years end, I guarantee you that.