The Glorious Sons Bask in the Glory

The Glorious Sons, along with guests The Blue Stones, brought their Glory tour to a packed TD Place on Thursday night.

The pulse of Canadian rock vibrated through TD Place in Ottawa last Thursday, a venue that had been longing for the return of live music post-pandemic. The headliners, The Glorious Sons from Kingston, and the opening act, The Blue Stones, a two-piece powerhouse from Windsor, Ontario, delivered an evening soaked in energy and vibrant melodies.

The Blue Stones, 2020 Juno Award nominees, stepped onto the dimly lit stage, instantly setting a moody atmosphere that matched their blues-rock aura. Tarek Jafar’s gritty vocals and mesmerizing guitar work, complemented by Justin Tessier’s thunderous drumming, showcased their prowess as Canada’s own answer to the Black Keys. Their stage presence, though commanding, took a slight hit when negatively addressing the crowd’s energy level, an attempt that might have missed the mark for an opening act.

The Blue Stones perform at TD Place in Ottawa. Photo: Renée Doiron

But the night truly erupted when The Glorious Sons stormed the stage, greeted by an ecstatic sea of fans. Lead singer Brett Emmons, barefoot and in his element, thrashed around with infectious fervor, leaping onto speakers to bridge the gap between stage and floor. The backdrop simply proclaiming “Glory” set the stage for an electrifying performance.

From the anthemic call of “My Poor Heart” to the infectious groove of “Mama,” they strung together a setlist that resonated with every corner of the packed venue. The crowd erupted into a chorus of voices during hits like ‘S.O.S. (Sawed Off Shotgun),’ ‘Heavy,’ and ‘Everything Is Alright,’ creating an atmosphere that encapsulated the unifying power of music.

The Glorious Sons perform at TD Place in Ottawa. Photo: Renée Doiron

As the night drew to a close, the promise of The Glorious Sons’ upcoming New Year’s Eve performance in their hometown of Kingston hung in the air, teasing another explosive celebration.

Despite The Blue Stones’ minor misstep in crowd engagement, both bands brought their A-game, delivering an unforgettable night. TD Place, though quieter in recent times, roared back to life, reminding everyone of its legacy as a haven for live music. The pulsating beats and roaring chants served as a testament to the enduring magic of live performances, leaving the audience eager for more.