Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: 5 Seconds of Summer Turned Fame Into a Spectacle at Montreal’s Centre Bell
Over the past decade, 5 Seconds of Summer have accomplished something that many bands struggle to achieve: they’ve successfully evolved without losing the qualities that made fans fall in love with them in the first place. From their early 2000s days as energetic teenagers playing pop-rock anthems, their rise to fame opening for the world-renowned (ex) boyband One Direction, to their current status as seasoned musicians exploring increasingly experimental but captivating new sounds, the quartet consisting of lead singer Luke Hemmings, lead guitarist Michael Clifford, drummer Ashton Irwin and bassist Calum Hood, have proven their talent of continually reinventing themselves while maintaining an unmistakable identity.
On June 3, 2026, the Australian pop-rock band brought their “Everyone’s a Star” tour to Montreal’s Centre Bell, transforming the arena into a tongue-in-cheek celebration of fame, fandom, and the absurdity of life as a globally successful band. With the theme of the performance centred around the idea of the group’s “last show”, (premise that was obviously not true, since they’re on tour!), the show functioned as both a concert and a theatrical parody of celebrity culture, complete with award ceremonies, fan participation, and enough self-aware humour to keep the concept engaging and the audience laughing throughout the night.
First off, however, was an opening performance by The Band CAMINO, a rock band from Tennessee. Known for their hits such as “See Through” and “I Think I Like You”, the band did an excellent job of setting the tone for the night through their energetic set.
From the moment 5 Seconds of Summer stepped onstage, it was evident that the show was more than just a “get up, perform, and on to the next” type of show. The production presented an alternate reality in which 5 Seconds of Summer were navigating the final chapter of an impossibly glamorous career. Every “act”, as the band called it, of the show fed into that narrative, allowing the band to poke fun at their own success while celebrating the community that helped create it. These acts were Act 1: The Peak, Act 2: The Fall, Act 3: The Yearning, Act 4: The Breakup (the band member’s solo music was played here), Act 5: The Rise, Act 6: The Beginning, and finally, Act 7: The Return. To make the gag more believable, the band recorded fake news segments, fake controversies and fake interviews to bring fans even deeper into the world and narrative they created with this tour theme.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came during “Boyband,” when a VIP fan was invited onstage to present the band with an award. The ceremony played like a mock awards ceremony tribute, reinforcing the show’s satirical take on fame while simultaneously acknowledging the fans who have supported the band throughout their career. While “accepting” the award, the band took turns thanking different Canadian icons, with Michael Clifford thanking Celine Dion for “teaching us everything,” and lead-singer Luke Hemmings who yelled nothing but “SIMPLE PLAN!”
Another part of the show that earned a lot of laughs was when the band showed the crowd the way they “became a local” during their day in Montreal. They recounted how they visited Montreal’s Underground City, tried to find the best poutine, and even had Luke Hemmings try (badly, sorry!) to speak a few common French phrases.
The relationship between artist and audience was a recurring theme throughout the night, and another great example was during the surprise song segment, where fans voted for a surprise song out of 4 choices before the show started. The announcement of “Don’t Stop” sent the Centre Bell into a roar of cheers, and helped add a sense of uniqueness to each show when the setlist remains otherwise the same.
Another highlight came during Act 4, the section dedicated to the members’ solo work. Rather than presenting themselves solely as a collective, each member was given an opportunity to showcase material from their individual projects. These songs were “Starting Line” by Luke Hemmings, “Don’t Forget You Love Me” by Calum Hood, “Have U Found What Ur Looking For?” by Ashton Irwin, and, my personal favourite, “enough” by Michael Clifford. Although they are recognized as part of a band, it was inspiring to see how each member found their own identity, and didn’t let being part of the band solely define their music.
Musically, the band sounded confident and comfortable throughout the 27 song set. Elaborate lighting, dynamic video screens featuring 2000s graphics, and a unique stage setup featuring a car for Ashton Irwin’s drum kit elevated the show without distracting from the music itself, highlighted as well through the use of props like giant inflated balls, blow up dolls, and most notably, confetti during “Not OK,” “Bad Omens,” and their closer “Youngblood.”
Perhaps the most impressive achievement of “Everyone’s a Star” is how effectively it balances irony and sincerity. The tour openly mocks the conventions of celebrity culture, but beneath the jokes lies a genuine appreciation for the fans who have accompanied the band throughout its journey. As Michael Clifford said; “Real bands save fans, real fans save bands.”
If the goal of “Everyone’s a Star” was to make every audience member feel like part of the story, then Montreal’s June 3 performance succeeded spectacularly. From old hits like “She’s Kinda Hot” and “Youngblood,” to new songs like “Everyone’s A Star!” “Evolve” and “istillfeelthesame,” even casual fans had a song that met their taste. Equal parts concert, comedy, nostalgia trip, and love letter to the 5 Seconds of Summer fandom, it was a show that understood exactly what has kept 5 Seconds of Summer relevant for so long: not just great songs and a unique sound, but a genuine ability to make fans feel seen. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of starting your summer by screaming the lyrics to “She Looks So Perfect”!
Click here for more information on the tour and upcoming dates!
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
5 SECONDS OF SUMMER
THE BAND CAMINO
All Photo Credit: Ashley Bellam
Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: Jimmy Eat World Brings Bleed American Back to Life in Vancouver
There are some concerts you go to with no idea what you’re going to get. A 25th anniversary tour built around one of the best albums out there is not one of them. You know the songs, the order, exactly when the big moments are coming ; the only real question is whether the band can make those songs feel as alive as they did the first time you heard them. Jimmy Eat World had no trouble answering that question.
On July 19, the Arizona rock band finally returned to the Vancouver area for the first time since 2017, bringing the Bleed American 25th Anniversary Tour to the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre. It had been a long wait, and the packed room made it clear that fans had not forgotten what they had been waiting for.
Motion City Soundtrack opened the night, giving the crowd a strong dose of early-2000s nostalgia before Jimmy Eat World took the stage. It was a fitting pairing. Both bands came of age during a period when alternative rock, pop-punk and emo could still find a home on mainstream radio, and both have built careers that outlasted the era that first made them famous.
For me, though, the night carried a more personal weight for a different reason: this was my first time seeing Jimmy Eat World live. After more than three decades as a band, and nearly a decade since their last Vancouver appearance, the fact that it took until 2026 for me to finally see them live made the wait feel even more significant.
Jimmy Eat World began the evening with songs from Clarity, their 1999 breakthrough album, including “Clarity,” “Your New Aesthetic,” “Blister,” and “Lucky Denver Mint.” It was a smart choice. The band could have gone straight into Bleed American and given everyone exactly what they came for, but those opening songs made a point: Jimmy Eat World did not suddenly become a great band in 2001. They had already been doing this for years.
Then they switched to “Bleed American,” and the stage itself transformed. A large wall that had kept the full production hidden from view moved aside, revealing the expanded Bleed American stage setup behind it. The lighting rig opened up across the width of the stage, giving the band a much bigger canvas for the album that had changed their career. It was a smart bit of theatre without feeling overproduced.
The album was performed from beginning to end, and hearing it in sequence made one thing very clear: Bleed American is an unusually complete record. The obvious hits are there, but so are the songs that tend to get pushed aside when a band is working with a limited setlist.
“A Praise Chorus” remains an absolute rush. “The Middle,” one of JEW‘s biggest and most recognizable hits, turned the venue into a massive singalong. “Sweetness” took that energy even further, with thousands of people shouting every “whoa-oh” back at the stage. “Get It Faster” brought the aggression. “Your House” offered one of the night’s more affecting moments. And “Hear You Me” remains one of those songs that can stop you in your tracks, even after you’ve heard it hundreds of times.
The beauty of hearing Bleed American played from start to finish is getting the full picture. The album has explosive highs, quieter emotional moments and everything in between. Songs that don’t always get the spotlight in a regular setlist suddenly have room to breathe.
Jim Adkins remains a compelling frontman, delivering these songs with the same sincerity that made them work in the first place. Tom Linton’s guitar playing was sharp and energetic, while Rick Burch and Zach Lind continued to provide the steady foundation that has held this band together for more than three decades.
There was no sense that the band was simply going through the motions of an anniversary tour. They looked like they were having fun and so did the fans.
That crowd was one of the best parts of the night. Fans who discovered Bleed American when it was released stood beside younger listeners who weren’t even alive when the album came out. Everybody seemed to know the words.
The main set ended with “My Sundown,” bringing the album to its quiet conclusion before the band briefly left the stage.
Jimmy Eat World returned for a five-song encore that moved beyond Bleed American, opening with “Disintegration” and continuing through “Pain,” “For Me This Is Heaven” and “(Splash) Turn Twist” before closing with “23.” It was a fitting reminder that Bleed American may have been the record that changed the band’s career, but it is only one piece of a catalog that has kept giving fans reasons to stick around.
Twenty-five years after Bleed American changed everything for the band, these songs haven’t become museum pieces. They’re very much still capable of making a room full of people lose their voices.
And after waiting nine years to see Jimmy Eat World back in Vancouver, I can say this with complete confidence: it was worth the wait.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
Upcoming Tour Dates:
July 22 –– Sandy, UT –– Sandy Amphitheater
July 24 –– Concord, CA –– Toyota Pavilion at Concord
July 25-26 –– Long Beach, CA –– Vans Warped Tour
August 14 –– Halifax, UK –– The Piece Hall
August 15 –– Cardiff, UK –– Cardiff Castle
August 16 –– London, UK –– Gunnersbury Park
August 22 –– Montreal, QC –– Vans Warped Tour
August 23 –– Toronto, ON –– RBC Amphitheatre
September 6 –– Phoenix, AZ –– Chase Field, supporting My Chemical Romance
September 9 –– Austin, TX –– Moody Amphitheater
September 10 –– Dallas, TX –– The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
September 12-13 –– Mexico City, MX –– Vans Warped Tour
November 12 –– Nashville, TN –– TBA
November 14 –– Tampa, FL –– MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
November 14-15 –– Orlando, FL –– Vans Warped Tour
More information here.
JIMMY EAT WORLD
MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: Screaming All Around Me – Flyleaf Live in Silver Spring
What started as a string of festival appearances over the past few years has turned into a reunion tour over a decade in the making. When Lacey Sturm left Flyleaf in 2012, it left an enormous hole in one of the defining bands of the 2000s. The band continued touring with a new vocalist while Sturm took some time off, eventually returning to the stage with her solo project. In 2022, the band’s social media pages were reactivated, and they took to the festival circuit, with Sturm once again at the helm.
Earlier this year, the band’s self-titled album’s 20-year anniversary tour was announced to much fanfare, with thousands of likes and comments adorning the post. The tour finally reached Silver Spring and could not have come sooner. Fans filled into a sold-out Fillmore just a few miles from Our Nation’s Capital on Wednesday night for one of the shows of the summer.
The show was opened by two very capable bands. Tiny Ships, an alt-rock band native to New Jersey, took to the stage first. They brought a great sound and strong stage presence. Although they are a little rough around the edges, they will likely grow into a solid band as they gain more experience. Opening for Flyleaf on a sold-out show definitely says something about their future and gives a good indication of where their career is heading!
Ohio Christian Metalcore band Convictions played next and absolutely dominated every corner of the Fillmore’s stage. Unclean vocalist Michael Felker made his way from side to side with what seemed to be the goal of screaming in the face of every front row fan. The band has a very gritty sound that just makes you want to jump twenty feet in the air and then go for ten-mile run through the desert. They played a ten-song set and really stole the show. If Flyleaf was not headlining, the band would easily be the best band on any bill they open for. I would not be surprised if the band is earning some prominent festival slots and headlining their own sold-out shows soon. Check Convictions out if they are playing a show near you. You won’t regret it!
After the extreme adrenaline of Convictions started to wear down, the energy picked right back up as Sturm and crew made their way onto the stage. It is very common for some fans who came for the openers to leave early when the headliner comes out, but not a single person left the venue early on Wednesday night. They were all there to relive the songs of their teenage angst years all over again.
After a preshow prayer from Sturm, drawing on her religious roots, the set started right off with a bang of a back-to-back dosing of “In the Dark and Chasm.” It is a lucky thing that I wear really good earplugs at shows, or else I might have some hearing damage from how loud the screams were inside the Fillmore. Sturm commanded the crowd with a masterful control. Every movement she made was followed by thousands of eyes awaiting the next great moment on an already amazing evening.
The crowd’s voice was warmed up by the time Sturm requested some participation on Fire Fire. The 2012 track from the band’s last release with Sturm was a huge favorite and a big highlight from the early part of the set. “Cassie,” “Freedom,” and “Stand” filled out the ending part of the first half of the show. Even though the show was half over, it seemed to just be kicking into gear.
The back half of the night was filled with all the songs that a Flyleaf show would be incomplete without. “Cage on the Ground” kicked off the second half, followed by “This Close” and “Saving Grace.” It was extremely hard to hear the bass of Pat Seals, or the guitars of Sameer Bhattacharya and Jared Hartmann with how much the crowd participation filled the venue with noise. James Culpepper’s drums cut right through the noise though and gave a thumping kick to keep the Fillmore on beat.
“Fully Alive” started to signal that the show was unfortunately close to an end which was met with calls for the night to never end. After a sermon from Sturm following “I’m So Sick,” the band launched into one of the most defining songs in rock music, “All Around Me.” The bumping chorus juxtaposed with the soft and sweet vocal melody showcase Flyleaf’s superior musical composition skills and ensured that a new generation of Flyleaf fans would be born with the large number of kids in attendance.
Overall, the show was just top notch. Sturm and Flyleaf’s reunion was well worth the wait. Unfortunately, if this review convinced you to purchase a ticket to the closest Flyleaf show, you may be out of luck as like the Fillmore, every other venue on the tour has sold out as well. Hopefully this tour was not a one-off for the band though and will lead to new music and another decade of shows around the world.
Check out our favorite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
FLYLEAF
All Photo Credit: Ryan Renger