Concerts Reviews
Still Loud, Still Raw: Jet Takes Off in Montreal
It was a very different world the last time the Aussie band Jet played in Montreal. I, for one, was living in Mexico in the late 2000s, just preparing to go to college, my life constantly changing as I went through the motions of growing up. One constant? My first-gen iPod, always plugged into my ears, with Jet on heavy rotation.
Now, 20 years later, they finally returned to the city ahead of their first album release since 2009.
Opening the show was Band of Skulls from England, a true heavy hitter who more than warmed up the crowd. The English band, also formed in the early 2000s, is currently helmed by Russell Marsden. Their grungy garage rock was the perfect way to kick off a night full of heavy riffs and raspy vocals. They played to a quickly filling venue, treating the audience to fan favourites like “Sweet Sour” and “Something.”
Personally, I was especially enthralled by Marsden’s performance. He headbanged through riffs, darted across the stage, and rarely interacted with the crowd, not in a bad way though. You could see how lost he gets in his own world while playing music, and that kind of immersion radiated energy that was truly something to behold. It was my first time seeing them live and I enjoyed it so much that I went straight to the merch booth after their set.
At 9:00 PM, the P.A. music cut out and the Olympia crowd erupted, horn signs in the air, as the Australian natives walked onto the stage, each with a big smile. Last on was Nic Cester, rocking a white shirt, black-and-white striped pants, and brown boots to match his iconic Gibson guitar. He strolled to center stage, lowball glass in hand (likely whiskey), took a sip, put it down, picked up his guitar, and kicked off the set with Get Born’s opener: the iconic “Last Chance.”
Heavy riffs filled the venue alongside Cester’s signature raspy vocals. It was genuinely stunning how sharp and powerful he sounded, more than 20 years after the album’s release. Next came “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” from their second album Shine On, a song that starts slow and builds toward a ferocious, howling chorus.
The night roared on with “She’s a Genius” and “Get What You Need.” The band was incredibly tight, clearly seasoned pros delivering pure rock and roll with every beat, riff, and bassline. About halfway through, they played my personal favourite, “Black Hearts (On Fire).” The chorus explodes with raw power. Back in 2010, this was my alarm clock song. I needed that punch to wake up after too many drinks and a 7 a.m. class. Hearing it live was surreal. By the time the last riff rang out, I thought, Anything else from here is just gravy.
After a few more songs from Get Born, the pace slowed down with the anthemic “Bring It On Back,” followed by the ballad “Look What You’ve Done,” a song about emotional pain and betrayal. It showcased the band’s range beyond their usual grungy sound.
But just in case we forgot this was a rock show, they launched into their most famous song: “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” Back in 2006, this song was everywhere: radio, MP3 players, TV. The crowd responded accordingly.
Before heading offstage, they closed the main set with the explosive “Cold Hard Bitch,” another fan favourite that had the entire room shouting every word alongside Cester. After a short break, he returned alone to address the crowd.
He thanked everyone for spending the night with them after two decades away from Montreal. “We owe it all to you. Thank you. We love you,” he said, before performing a gorgeous acoustic version of “Shine On.”
He followed with a more bluesy acoustic number, “Move On,” also from Get Born. Midway through, the band rejoined him, adding texture as Cameron Muncey layered in electric guitar flourishes and Mark Wilson played the harmonica.
Finally, to cap off the night, they gave us one last song, a cover of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll).” It was the perfect send-off for a set that had been 20 years in the making.
It was truly special to witness one of the great rock bands of the early 2000s, from the same era when The White Stripes, The Vines, and The Hives ruled the indie rock world. Jet had been a “bucket list band” for me, one I never thought I’d get to cross off.
Here’s to not waiting another 20 years to see them again.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
JET
BAND OF SKULLS
All Photo Credit: Andres Amaya
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: Black Veil Brides Close Out the First Leg of the Vindicatour in Dominant Fashion
One of modern rock’s most influential bands made their return to the Washington, D.C. area on May 29th, bringing a night full of nostalgia, energy, and some of the strongest material of their career. The Black Veil Brides brought the Vindicatour to The Fillmore in Silver Spring, joined by From Ashes to New, TX2, and As December Falls, for a stacked lineup that kept fans on their feet from the first note of the night until the final encore.
The evening began with a milestone performance for British rock outfit As December Falls. The tour marks the band’s first run through the United States, and they wasted no time making an impression on the Maryland crowd. Opening with “Carousel,” the band immediately brought an infectious groove to the stage. Their blend of soaring vocals, heavy guitars, and catchy hooks proved to be the perfect way to kick off the night.
Frontwoman Beth Curtis commanded the stage with confidence well beyond that of a band making its American touring debut. Songs like “Mayday” showcased the group’s ability to balance heaviness with melody, while the audience continued to grow throughout their set. By the time they closed with “Therapy,” it was clear that many fans had discovered a new band to add to their playlists. If this first American tour is any indication, As December Falls has a bright future ahead of them in the United States and beyond.
The energy continued to rise when TX2 took the stage. Known for their unapologetic approach to modern rock and alternative music, TX2 delivered a very energetic performance. Opening with “Feed,” they immediately had the crowd engaged as fans packed closer to the stage. Whether people came into the venue familiar with their music or not, it was difficult not to get caught up in the hype of the performance. Songs like “So Numb” had the crowd banging their heads while the band delivered a relentless wall of sound that kept the momentum moving forward. TX2 has developed a reputation for connecting with younger rock fans, and it was easy to see why throughout their set. Their performance concluded with “I Would Hate Me Too,” a fitting closer. By the end of the set, TX2 had successfully prepared the crowd for the heavier portion of the evening.
From Ashes to New took over next and delivered a kick-ass set that proved why they are the band to see on any tour they are a part of. Opening with “New Disease” from the band’s recently released album Reflections, the Pennsylvania rockers showcased the new sound that has propelled them to heights never before seen by some of the humblest people in rock. The energy only intensified as they rolled into fan favorites “Nightmare” and “Heartache.” Matt Brandyberry and Danny Case, joined by Mat Madiro, Lance Dowdle, and Jimmy Bennett, sounded tremendous throughout the set, effortlessly switching between soaring melodies, aggressive screams, and hard-hitting rap sections. The crowd responded by singing every word back to the band.
There was an added emotional layer to the performance as the show took place close to Brandyberry’s hometown. Throughout the night, he spoke about family members being in attendance and reflected on how meaningful the evening was for him personally. One particularly moving moment came when he acknowledged the wife and son of a close friend who had passed away. The heartfelt moment injected a sense of perspective into an otherwise high-octane performance and demonstrated the strong connection the band has with their fans and family.
One of the biggest highlights of the set came when Beth Curtis of As December Falls joined the band for “Barely Breathing.” The collaboration sounded fantastic live and earned one of the loudest reactions of the night up to that point. From Ashes to New closed their set with “Panic,” bringing their performance to an explosive finish and leaving the crowd eager for what was still to come.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived!
As the lights dimmed inside The Fillmore, anticipation reached a fever pitch. The Black Veil Brides have spent nearly two decades building one of the most dedicated fanbases in rock music, and judging by the reaction inside the venue, that loyalty remains stronger than ever.
The band opened with longtime fan favorite “Knives and Pens,” and the reaction was immediate. Fans erupted as Andy Biersack made his way across the stage while Jinxx, Jake Pitts, CC and Lonny Eagleton delivered the massive sound that has defined Black Veil Brides for years. From the opening notes, it was clear the crowd was there for BVB.
One of the most impressive aspects of the performance was the balance between the old and new. The band showcased several songs from its newest era, including “Bleeders,” “Vindicate,” and “Revenger.” While newer songs can sometimes struggle to match the reaction of established classics, that was not the case in Silver Spring. Fans exclaimed their cheers loudly throughout the new material, proving just how well the songs have connected with the BVB community.
As always, stage presence was one of the strongest elements of a BVB show. Biersack spent much of the evening interacting with fans, reading signs, responding to comments from the crowd, and making sure every section of the venue felt involved. In between songs, audience members shouted everything from compliments to completely random remarks, creating several entertaining exchanges that kept the atmosphere loose and personal.
The interaction between the band and the audience is something that has always separated BVB from their peers. Fans were not simply watching a concert; they felt like they were part of the show itself. The second half of the set was filled with some of the biggest songs in the band’s catalog. “Rebel Love Song” transformed the venue into one massive choir as hundreds of voices joined together. “Wake Up” brought another surge of energy, with fans refusing to let the momentum slow down.
Of course, no Black Veil Brides show would be complete without an encore. The band returned to the stage for “Lost It All” before closing the evening with a fitting metaphor for the finale of a show, “In the End.” As the closing notes rang throughout The Fillmore, the crowd erupted one final time. It was the perfect ending to an exceptional night of music.
If this tour is coming anywhere near you, do not miss the opportunity to see it. Nights like this are exactly why live music remains such a special experience.
The first part of the Vindicatour ended on Saturday night in Worcester, MA. BVB will be back in the States for Part II after their trip across the pond for the summer European festival circuit.
Tickets for the Part II, starting in late August, can be purchased on the BVB website linked below. Don’t miss out!
Follow along with the band’s many adventures at their socials:
Website // Instagram // Facebook // TikTok
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
BLACK VEIL BRIDES
FROM ASHES TO NEW
TX2
All Photo Credit: Ryan Renger