Concerts Reviews
Lainey Wilson: A Night of Southern Charm and Rock-Infused Country in Vancouver
Country music fans gathered at Rogers Arena on September 26 for a night of entertainment headlined by Lainey Wilson, fresh off a successful year as CMA’s Entertainer of the Year. But before the star herself hit the stage, the audience was warmed up by two openers, Jackson Dean and Zach Top, both of whom offered contrasting styles that set the tone for the evening.
Jackson Dean brought a rock-forward set that leaned more into heavy guitar riffs and reverb than traditional country music. He opened with the soaring “Big Blue Sky” and continued with tracks like “Trailer Park” and “Duct Tape Heart.” His performance of “Train” showcased his vocal range. His set peaked with the energetic “1971” and “Don’t Come Lookin’,” rounding off his time on stage with a raw, rock vibe that had the crowd energized for Wilson.
On the other hand, as the first act of the night, Zach Top stayed rooted in classic country. His traditionalist approach began with the toe-tapping “Sounds Like the Radio,” and “I Never Lie,” from his new album Cold Beer and Country Music. Top’s set highlighted his ability to navigate between upbeat tunes like “Bad Luck” and slower ballads such as “Use Me.” His set acted as a perfect homage to country’s deep roots.
Then it was time for Lainey Wilson to appear on stage. The Louisiana native kicked things off in true country style—complete with the sound of a truck horn and engine revving, as a red/orange pickup truck became a focal point of her stage design. This wasn’t just any ordinary set piece; the truck, rotating to match scenic backdrops of country roads, deserts, and sunrises, added a theatrical touch that complemented her energetic entrance and set the mood for the night.
Wilson, perched on top of the vehicle’s cab opened with “Hang Tight Honey,” launching into a set packed with both fan favourites and new songs from her latest album, Whirlwind. Her breakout hit, “Things a Man Oughta Know,” and the nostalgic “Watermelon Moonshine” were crowd pleasers, drawing singalongs from the audience and a galaxy of phone lights. Her performance was supported by the band’s rock-influenced sound, especially on “Heart Like a Truck,” where she invited a young girl on stage who nailed the lyrics! The production, paired with her denim bell-bottoms and cowboy hat, gave off a blend of country authenticity and modern flair.
Wilson also took a more personal turn during the performance, pausing before “Whirlwind” to reflect how busy her life had become, alluding to the inspiration behind her new album.
After the slower, heartfelt moments, Wilson picked up the pace with a crowd-rousing rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary.” She also incorporated some unexpected but entertaining moments, like singing into a voice-modulating walkie-talkie during “Ring Finger.” During the feminist anthem “Atta Girl,” she invited a young woman on the stage to crown her Cowgirl of the Night.
Lainey Wilson closed the show with “Country’s Cool Again.” Her encore featured a medley of collaborations, including “4 x 4 x U” and the uplifting “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” sending the audience home on a high note. Throughout the night, Wilson kept the crowd engaged with her mix of heartfelt ballads, Southern rock, and nods to classic country.
While Wilson’s set was light on traditional country compared to her openers, it was a dynamic and visually impressive performance, offering a little something for every fan in the audience.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
LAINEY WILSON
JACKSON DEAN
ZACH TOP
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: Let Your Freak Flag Fly: DEVO and The B-52s Bring the Weird to Rogers Arena
If there was ever a concert where you could show up wearing a red energy dome, a giant lobster costume, or something covered in sequins and somehow feel underdressed, it was Sunday night at Rogers Arena. DEVO and The B-52s brought their Cosmic De-Evolution Tour to Vancouver on September 27, turning the arena into a colourful, wonderfully weird collision of new wave, dance music, retro-futurism and pure camp. It was less like watching two bands from another era and more like being dropped into a very strange party that somehow never stopped being cool.
DEVO kicked things off with their signature visual style firmly intact. The yellow jumpsuits and unmistakable red energy dome hats made an appearance, along with a seriously impressive light show that turned the stage into a constantly shifting wall of colour and movement. There was a lot to look at, and the band clearly understood that half the fun of DEVO is the spectacle. At one point, they took things a step further by throwing red energy domes from the stage into the crowd, sending fans scrambling to catch one of their own. “Uncontrollable Urge” had the arena bouncing, while “Whip It” brought one of the biggest reactions of the night. Watching thousands of people lose themselves to a song that has been living in the cultural bloodstream for decades was pretty great.
Then came The B-52s, and suddenly Rogers Arena felt less like a hockey arena and more like the world’s biggest dance floor. Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider and Cindy Wilson brought the kind of energy that makes it impossible to simply sit and watch. “Planet Claire,” “Roam,” “Private Idaho” and “Love Shack” had the crowd singing and dancing along, but naturally, everyone knew what was coming. “Rock Lobster.” And yes, there was an actual lobster on stage. The giant crustacean made its appearance as the band tore into their gloriously bizarre classic, perfectly summing up what makes The B-52s so much fun. They have never seemed particularly interested in being normal, and thankfully, they still aren’t.
Their fans are just as committed. There was a definite cult-like devotion in the room, with plenty of retro outfits, dancing, big hair, wild accessories and people who clearly knew every single word. The crowd ranged from longtime fans who have been following the bands for decades to younger concertgoers discovering the music for themselves. That might be the most fun part of the Cosmic De-Evolution Tour. These songs have somehow escaped their original era. They still work. They still make people dance. And the bands themselves seem perfectly happy to keep letting their freak flags fly.
DEVO and The B-52s may have been formed nearly half a century ago, but there was nothing particularly nostalgic about the night. This wasn’t a museum piece or simply a trip down memory lane. It was loud, colourful, ridiculous and incredibly fun. With DEVO‘s futuristic visuals, flying energy domes and The B-52s‘ wonderfully unhinged stage presence, Rogers Arena got a little weirder on Sunday night, and Vancouver was better for it.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
DEVO
THE B-52s
All Photo Credit: Heather Horncastle
Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: AC/DC – Hell’s Still Bellin’
AC/DC. Christ. What’s left to say? Everything’s been said, screamed, tattooed on someone’s bicep already. Doesn’t matter. That’s the whole racket, they never changed, never blinked, and more than fifty years later they’re still the loudest gang in the room.
Growing up, they felt ancient already. I am a 2001 kid. Turns out the joke’s on me: they’re still out there, riffing like it’s ’79, refusing to retire into legend status.
Princess Auto Stadium was packed with about 35000 attendees. Everyone was wearing red twinkling devil’s horns. To warm up the night, The Pretty Reckless started with one of the hits “Death by Rock and Roll.” Some support acts play like they’re grateful for the slot. Taylor Momsen played like she owns the stadium. The hair falling forward, somehow the less you can see of her face the more magnetic she gets. Stage presence isn’t something you learn. She’s just got it.
The band didn’t sound like an opener. Every riff landed with the swagger “Going To Hell” and “Since You’re Gone” kept it burning, and “About You” brought it down to something rawer before the lights cut. By the time The Pretty Reckless walked off, the audience were already screaming AC/DC! AC/DC!
Winnipeggers stood stunned through AC/DC‘s whole set. Angus Young, 71 years old still in that signature blue schoolboy uniform and yellow-and-blue cap, ran wild across the stage, duck-walking like no time had passed at all, genuinely, a dream come true to watch in person.
Meanwhile, the rest of the band, rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, bassist Chris Chaney and drummer Matt Laug stayed largely in the background, keeping the engine running for Angus and Johnson to tear apart.
The production matched the legend, “Hells Bells” arrived with an actual giant bell hanging over the stage. The setlist ran deep: “Thunderstruck,” “Have a Drink on Me,” “Shot in the Dark,” “Stiff Upper Lip,” “Highway to Hell,” “Jailbreak,” “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” Almost every song sounded just as good as the album version. The crowd tore their vocal cords apart singing along to “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “TNT.” “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” closed things out with cannons blasting into the night sky.
The house lights came up and nobody moved right away. Smoke still hanging over the stage, ears ringing, horns still lit up red across the stands. Bands this old aren’t supposed to sound this dangerous. They aren’t supposed to still mean it. But AC/DC never got the memo about slowing down, and honestly, thank God for that. I walked out hoarse, deaf, and completely satisfied.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
AC/DC
THE PRETTY RECKLESS
All Photo Credit: Nischal Karki