While the majority of Ottawa’s music lovers were at Canadian Tire Centre to take in the legendary Bon Jovi, the sold out Bronson Centre partied with BC rockers Theory, formerly known as Theory of a Deadman.
Theory is currently on a North American tour and promoting their sixth studio album Wake Up Call, which has generated huge radio hits such as RX (Medicate) and Straight Jacket.
The band entered the stage to massive cheers after the openers Falling Through April and Attica Riots.
Singer Tyler Connolly noted one of their first shows at Zaphod’s in Ottawa fifteen years ago, and chuckled at the memory of having just handful of people at the venue at the time in addition to the bartender and the opening band, and was clearly taking in the absolutely packed venue this time.
Mid show Connolly hopped behind the keyboard for the band’s goose bump inducing rendition of Chris Isaak’s dreamy Wicked Game, and provoked some steamy comments from the female fans to the amused front man.
Make up Your Mind got the audience singing along on top of their lungs, leading to bass heavy Drown and Joe Dandeneau’s drum solo.
In between the songs Connolly chatted about weather, hockey, the band’s travels, their Juno award back in 2002, and recording the new album in London, England.
He encouraged not to care about what people think and listen to whatever music you like giving shout outs to Bowie, Petty, and proceeded to perform what he described as his favorite song, Santa Monica, and the audience lovingly agreed.
A few technical glitches towards the end of the show did not ruin the mood, and the band returned on stage for encore, and closed off the show with GNR Intro Paradise City turned into one of Theory’s biggest hits, Bad Girlfriend.
Setlist:
- Lowlife
- Bitch Came Back
- Straight Jacket
- Blow
- All of Nothing
- Better Off
- Wicked Game (Chris Isaak cover)
- Make up Your Mind
- Drown (w. drum solo)
- Echoes
- Santa Monica
- Angel
- Hate My Life
- RD (Medicate)
- Bad Girlfriend (with GNR Paradise City intro)
By Laura Collins.