Today is all about the different live music experiences I’ve had the blessing to witness in person. Whether it’s the sheer immensity of the concert, or the little tidbits that the artists tweak in a song, or even something I noticed in the crowd, experiencing live music is worth it. I’ve been to a lot of shows this year, but here are the moments that really stood out.
All of the photos on here are my photos taken from the show. I don’t have anything from Wayhome because I was trying to conserve my battery, but enjoy the other photos!
BADBADNOTGOOD – Danforth Music Hall and Wayhome, Oro Medonte – 12 March 2016 and 23 July 2016
Yeah I saw them twice. I’ve seen them so many times, and each time is just as memorable as the previous. The first was part of their launch of their new album, IV (2016), and to announce that “Chompy Lee” — Leland Whitty — would be joining them as a full time member of the band. But I can never forget the time at Wayhome when the band played a cover of Adele’s “Hello”… and fans were moshing.
Kamasi Washington – NxNE, Danforth Music Hall – 17 June 2016
I don’t ever think I’ve seen a crowd that hyped, chanting so hard for an encore that we all knew would never come – thanks to NxNE’s strict regulations. One of the best shows with one of the greatest crowds I’ve ever had the pleasure to be a part of.
LCD Soundsystem – Wayhome, Oro Medonte – 22 July 2016
I was there. When I first started listening to LCD Soundsystem, it was after they had already ended the project. I was always disappointed that I would never be able to see them live and experience the joy, the thrill and the emotion of their music in person. That’s why I had to go to Wayhome – I jumped at the experience of Wayhome almost solely because of LCD Soundsystem. I was afraid I would never be able to see them again.
And they made it all worth it. It was by far the most emotional show I’ve seen in 2016. I danced my heart out to every song. I screamed, “US V. THEM!” I lost myself when the beat dropped on “Dance Yrself Clean”. I cried when James Murphy sang, “You spend the first five years trying to get with the plan, and the next five years trying to be with your friends again.” I hugged my friends when he sang, “Where are your friends tonight?” My friends were right there, experiencing this with me.
Arcade Fire – Wayhome, Oro Medonte – 23 July 2016
Each of Wayhome’s headliner performances were iconic in their own way, with LCD Soundsystem’s being the most emotional. But it’s Arcade Fire’s set that will come away as the most memorable. I’ve never seen a set end with fireworks. I was in awe at the sheer immensity of the entire performance. You’ll never be able to get that with a small, intimate show. FIREWORKS!
Kanye West – Air Canada Centre – 31 August 2016
I saw Kanye West. I geeked out and rapped to every song. Is there anything more to say?
Jimmy Eat World – Toronto Urban Roots Festival, Fort York – 18 September 2016
The highlight of my weekend at TURF was seeing a young family with little kids—two of them who looked like twins around three years old and a one year old—that were full out dancing to Jimmy Eat World with their parents. The mom was singing every word to her one year old son in her arms. I sang “Sweetness” like a geek as well, but I couldn’t keep up with the little kid, who seemed to know every word. This is what music is all about—bringing people together to collectively enjoy emotion through sound, whether you’re young or old.
Chance the Rapper – Echo Beach – 28 September 2016
Chance the Rapper’s show was a spectacle and absolutely worth the inaccessibility, the crowds, and the money. Chance just wanted to have a good time and tell his story. It came with the theatrics with the life-size puppets, but it resonated with the emotions of the crowd. The real crescendo of the show occurred when Chance ended his set with the reprise of Blessings. At one point, it seemed that Chance was holding back tears, brushing something off from his eyes. In an almost prayer-like speech, he emphasized that true blessings were not in his album or in his show. The blessing was not him. It was never about him. The blessings and better times were still to come, a testament to this young 22-year-old’s hard earned wisdom and growth.
With the CN Tower lighting up the night in the background in yellow and red and blue and green, the night was truly colourful and magnificent.
Sigur Rós – Massey Hall – 3 October 2016
There’s just something about Massey Hall that makes concerts at the venue absolutely magical.
I was treated to a light show and a beautiful soundscape, crafted by the Icelandic post-rock band. It was dazzling. It was ethereal. It felt like time and the galaxies were all moving slow, reminding me of the W.H. Auden poem, “The years shall run like rabbits… O let not Time deceive you, You cannot conquer Time.”
Dream Serenade – Massey Hall – 22 October 2016
The hallowed walls of the legendary Massey Hall keep many secrets. They hold countless stories, each one special and unique. It may sound like hyperbole, but there truly is something extraordinary about Massey Hall. The Third Annual Dream Serenade, hosted by Hayden to benefit the Beverley School for special children, left its own mark.
From the very beginning, the night was special as Gord Downie made a surprise appearance to play songs off of his new album, The Secret Path about the story of Chanie Wenjack. Legendary acapella band The Persuasions played. And if you told me as a kid that I would go see the Barenaked Ladies live and would absolutely love it, I wouldn’t believe you. In a short set, they proved why they were so beloved – they’re both talented and absolutely hilarious. I think I’ve known the words to “If I Had A Million Dollars” since I was around five, and the band made me feel like a happy-go-lucky kid again.
At intermission, while meeting a friend on the first floor, we saw Kevin Drew standing around near the back. I courageously went up to him to say hi. I told him that I had met Justin Peroff – the drummer and founding member of Broken Social Scene – the week before at Harrison’s Velvet Underground show. I said I was excited to hear them again and I wished him good luck, and he graciously thanked me. As I was walking away, I just noticed that George Stroumboulopoulos was walking by. Without thinking, I just reached out my hand and greeted him. I was absolutely starstruck.
And then there was Broken Social Scene — my favourite band reunited. They only played four songs: “Lover’s Spit”, “Anthems for a Seventeen Year Old Girl”, a new song called “Gonna Get Better”, and 7/4 (Shoreline). But it was everything I needed. Seeing them play again made me excited for the future of hearing new Broken Social Scene music.
Tokyo Police Club – Mod Club – 8 December 2016
There’s a pause on “Favourite Colour” that they hold just a little longer live when they go, “Well your knees are scratched and your eyes are…” Pause. For just half a second longer so it’s partly excruciating, partly exhilarating. “… BLACK!” Those small moments are what make live shows all the better for me.