In a blazing showcase of Latin music mastery, Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena was set alight as Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, and Pitbull took center stage, delivering a night of pulsating beats and infectious energy that left the audience in awe.
Akon’s Electrifying Performance at Rebel, Toronto: A Fusion of R&B and Hip Hop Mastery
The vibrant city of Toronto became a haven for music enthusiasts as the iconic Rebel venue played host to Akon’s sensational live concert.
Danna Paola Enchants Toronto at History: A Mesmerizing Concert Experience
On a vibrant summer night in Toronto, music aficionados and fans of Latin pop sensation Danna Paola
Back to the ’80s: Culture Club, Berlin, and Howard Jones Rock the Night Away
On a balmy Toronto summer night, music enthusiasts from all walks of life gathered at the Budweiser Stage for a nostalgic journey back to the ’80s. The stage was set, and the atmosphere was electric, as three iconic bands – Berlin, Howard Jones, and Culture Club – took the stage to deliver a night of unforgettable performances.
Highway Of Heroes Tree Campaign
On November 2nd, downtown Toronto at Fort York National Historic site the goal of Highway Of Heroes Tree Campaign 2.5 millionth tree had been planted. Surpassing the initial goal of 2 million set back in 2014.
PHOTOS: Lamb Of God, Killswitch Engage, Spiritbox and Fit For An Autopsy Conquer Vancouver
Vancouver’s UBC Thunderbird Arena was shaken to life this long weekend, thanks to a stacked lineup of some of metal’s heaviest hitters of the modern millennia.
As if a night headlined by the southern brutes in Lamb of God, backed by the iconic Killswitch Engage wasn’t enough to get Vancouverites headbanging to the point of whiplash — up-and-coming deathcore act Fit For An Autopsy and the return BC’s own, Spiritbox, left us all sore and smiling for Thanksgiving Monday.
From breakdowns and blast beats to gutturals and near operatics, Lamb Of God’s ‘Omens’ tour kick-off, had everything a metalhead of any age could wish for. The pyrotechnics, strobes, stage banter, and hit-spattered setlists, were the cherries on top of a perfectly hellish evening.
DURAN DURAN = Best Toronto Concert Of The Summer
Simon Le Bon Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure
One of the worlds biggest pop glam rock bands took over Toronto on August 22 2022 to a sold out audience, that band was DURAN DURAN. Touring in honour of their latest album release Future Past, and to give their devoting fans a well deserved night out for classic hits and fun post COVID 19! But was Toronto ready for the “Wild Boys”? Because Duran Duran was there to put on an unforgettable performance. Leading into the night it appeared that the show wasn’t going to go on with a massive storm rolling through just as showtime was to commence. Pausing the evening, the staff at Budweiser Stage had everyone on standby under the canopy as it was unsafe to leave the venue. With crashing winds and torrential downpours DURAN DURAN fans weren’t going anywhere, besides the fact that they couldn’t leave… they wouldn’t have! But just as fast as the storm rolled in, it rolled out and Nile Rodgers their long life friend/co-writer/producer/inspiration had to reduce his set to a few classical hits with his band Chic so the night could go on!
John Taylor Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure
Starting the night off right with their opening song “Wild Boys” leading into the song that everyone knows “Hungry Like The Wolf”! Ending the night with capped it off with their most famous song RIO and playing everything in-between those songs from Notorious, A View To A Kill, Come Undone, Ordinary World, Planet Earth, The Reflex, Girls On Film, Save A Prayer, White Lines, and even some new songs like Anniversary, Invisible, Give It All Up and Tonight United!
Nick Rhodes Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure
Simon Le Bon (Left) John Taylor (Right) Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure
Its easy for fans to notice the chemistry on stage whether its good or bad or in-between. Its always fun to see the band members look back over their shoulder to acknowledge their band members like when Simon Le Bon peers back to the “Keyboard God” Nick Rhodes and gives him a wink, or on the way passing by of John Taylor whispering something in Dom Browns ear to then have him laugh on stage. These guys are still really great friends and you can see that on stage! Being with the band since 2004 Dom Brown replaced Andy Taylor in the band and they haven’t looked back since. So can you really call him the new guy still? World class guitar and entertaining performing from the “new guy”! That new guy has also worked with acts such as Elton John, Lionel Richie, Liam Gallagher, Justin Timberlake and many more so lets just say that he’s good!
Dom Brown Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure
John Taylor (Left) Dom Brown (right) Duran Duran / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure
If chemistry on stage wasn’t enough, then the hits and performing would do it! Simon Le Bon’s singing is the best it’s been in years, bringing the youth to youthfulness back to the stage. Having spent many nights in performing venues across GTA I will have to state that DURAN DURAN put on the best overall performance for Toronto this summer! It was fun, entertaining, exciting, surprising and so much more, even the hurricaine that came through couldn’t take down the stage like DURAN DURAN did! I would highly recommend making an effort to seeing them if they pass by your town or city and if they don’t, make the drive because they are more than worth it!
Nile Rodgers Chic / Budweiser Stage / Photo: Elliott Deseure
Travelling with Duran Duran is their long time ghost member of Duran Duran that you will hear on their albums and see live for a few songs each night! Accompanied by his world class band Chic, playing all the hits… except for Torontos show that got cut short due to a severe storm front that came through. But saying that, we all got to dance and sing along to “Chic Cheer”, “Dance, Dance, Dance”, “I Want Your Love” and “Everybody Dance”! One of the kings and godfathers of funk and a newly appointed honouree of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Nile has been creating hits for generations for artists such as Duran Duran, David Bowie, Sister Sledge, Queen, Lady Gaga, Diana Ross and the list could go on and on, appearing on over 500 million in record sales albums and on over 75 million singles sold worldwide, this “chucking” guitar player/singer has the chops to play with anyone from anywhere! I think you would be surprised to learn the songs that you know originated or were inspired by Nile! A must see for sure!
Reviewer Elliott Deseure
Insta @Elliott.Photog
@Soundcheckentertainment
THE WIGGLES ARE FINALLY COMING BACK TO CANADA
– First tour since 2019 will introduce the new Yellow Wiggle –
TICKETS GO ON SALE BEGINNING FRIDAY, JULY 22nd AT 10 AM
Canada Day Live Again in Ottawa!
This year marks the 155th anniversary of our nation and also the return to a live show in the capital after a few long years of pandemic restrictions!
OMD Return to Toronto
Last night, Toronto was thrilled by the return of veteran 80s synth pop acts Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). OMD are Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, and they are one of the original pioneers of 80’s synth pop, alongside bands like Depeche Mode, Human League and Kraftwerk. After signing to Richard Branson’s label Virgin in the early 80s, the group racked up 13 Top 40 hits and sold over 40m records. They are now celebrating their 40th birthday with this tour.
The concert last night had a strange yet familiar aura of excitement to it. It reminded me of the 2018 gig at the Danforth Music Hall. The venue was packed as the concert was sold out. You knew you were going to get a great live show. We were in for a treat.
As the house music stopped the groundbreaking song “Atomic Ranch” announced OMD’s arrival on stage. With a cold war reminiscent movie playing in the background the band took to their instruments and started what would be an amazing night of music and memories. It didn’t take McCluskey long to get his legendary moves on and by the start of “Stanlow” he was dancing all over the stage. McCluskey performed his signature arm grasping, almost ballet like dance techniques.
The vigour of McCluskey and the band astounded me. Lets not forget that these chaps are all on their 60’s. Without missing a beat, the band demonstrated why their music is still filling concert halls after more than 40 years. The crowd was dancing, applauding, singing along with the songs, and having an amazing time. OMD rocked History (The venue) and made history by making everyone feel part of an unforgettable evening. “Souvenir”, “Joan of Arc”, “Maid of New Orleans”, “Tesla Girls”, “Almost”, “Dreaming”, “So in Love”, “Locomotion” were highlights of the night. Obviously an OMD concert could not be without a rendition of “Enola Gay”. Always a crowd favourite.
The band wrapped up the main performance with “Enola Gay”. Obviously an OMD concert couldn’t be without a rendition of “Enola Gay”. Always a crowd favourite. History erupted into a maelstrom of clapping, cheering, and stamping as the lights went down once “Enola Gay “ was over and the band departed the stage. The crowd started asking for more and after a few minutes that felt like an eternity, the band came out to deliver. They treat us to a three-tune finale: “If you Leave”, made famous in the 1986 film Pretty in Pink, “Secret” and the immortal pop diamond that is “Electricity”. They managed to cram in a total of 22 songs in I don’t remember how many minutes.
It’s awesome that, over forty years on, Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark can be so lively, captivating and fun. Once again I came away from an OMD concert smiling and having loved the stage show and music. See them perform live if possible.
A special thanks to Live Nation Ontario for the accreditation.
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
English band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) performed a sold out show at History in Toronto. In picture: Andy McCluskey (vocals, bass guitar) and Paul Humphreys (keyboards, vocals)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Perform in Toronto
