Concerts Photos
Bôa Brings ‘Whiplash’ Tour to the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver
British alternative rock band Bôa closed out the North American leg of their Whiplash tour with a memorable sold-out performance at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom on June 27. Making their long-awaited Vancouver debut, the trio was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd that had clearly been waiting years for this moment.
Opening the evening was Vancouver-based Taiwanese-Canadian singer-songwriter Jia. Blending dream pop, indie rock, earthy Americana, and cinematic influences, her set created the perfect atmosphere before the night’s headliner. Songs from her album Technicolour showcased her haunting vocals and thoughtful songwriting, earning warm applause from an audience that quickly settled into the evening.
When Bôa took the stage, the room erupted. Frontwoman Jasmine Rodgers immediately drew the audience in with her effortlessly expressive vocals, balancing softness and strength throughout the band’s set. Her voice remains the defining element of Bôa‘s sound, carrying emotional weight that translated beautifully in a live setting.
The band moved through fan favourites including “Twilight,” “Fool,” “Drinking,” and newer material from Whiplash, proving that their recent resurgence is built on far more than nostalgia. During “Drinking,” phone lights illuminated the Commodore, creating one of the night’s most memorable moments as fans swayed together.
One of the night’s biggest surprises came when legendary classic rock singer Paul Rodgers, best known as the frontman of Free and Bad Company, made a brief appearance on stage. Joining his daughter Jasmine Rodgers for a touching father-daughter moment, the special guest appearance was met with loud cheers from the Commodore Ballroom crowd.
Despite it being the final stop of a lengthy North American tour, the band played with remarkable energy. Smiles were constant across the stage, and it was clear they were enjoying every minute of their Vancouver debut.
The encore delivered exactly what fans had hoped for. As the opening notes of “Duvet” rang out, the entire venue seemed to sing in unison. The song’s renewed popularity may have introduced a new generation to Bôa, but hearing hundreds of voices fill the Commodore proved its emotional impact has never faded.
For a first visit to Vancouver, Bôa left a lasting impression. Their final North American show was equal parts intimate and powerful, ending the tour on a high note while leaving fans hoping they won’t wait as long before returning.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
bôa
JIA
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Photos
Buffalo Traffic Jam at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto
There is something magical about voices matching the season. The excitement of walking up to the Danforth Music Hall on the perfect autumn night, only to be engulfed in raw, emotive rasp.
Lydia Maes really pulled me in. There’s such an emotional quality to her voice. The way she incorporates the saxophone and the way she hypnotizes the crowd. She played a beautiful set and then later came out with her fiddle, to join Buffalo Traffic Jam.
Colin Lynch completely caught me off guard, with a voice that sounds like he sells out stadiums. He’s young, but that soulful, raspy, depth speaks to every age.
Then came the one and only Buffalo Traffic Jam. Gritty, earthy harmonies took over the Danforth and the crowd was electrified. There’s something about their sound that feels both stripped down and warm at the same time, and the moment they started, we were all at their mercy.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
BUFFALO TRAFFIC JAM
COLIN LYNCH
LYDIA MAES
All Photo Credit: Bailey Morgan
Concerts Photos
Sabaton Bring Fire and Fury to Vancouver on North American Tour Finale
After many many years away from Vancouver, Sabaton returned to the PNE Forum on October 8 for a fiery night of heavy metal, military-themed theatrics and massive sing-alongs. The Swedish metal band chose the city to close out its North American tour, and it went out with a bang.
Opening the night was Pop Evil, whose modern hard rock offered a different sound from the headliner’s power metal. Tracks like “Trenches” brought plenty of energy, giving the crowd a reason to get moving before the main event. Their heavier riffs and commanding stage presence made for a solid start to the evening despite the low lighting.
Sabaton wasted little time making its return count. Kicking off with “Ghost Division,” the band delivered a wall of sound backed by pounding drums, sharp guitar riffs and bursts of fire that lit up the Forum. The stage, complete with military-inspired hardware, gave the performance the feel of a full-scale production rather than a standard metal concert.
Frontman Joakim Brodén led the charge with his unmistakable voice and natural sense of showmanship. Songs like “The Last Stand,” “Stormtroopers” and “Night Witches” showcased the band’s knack for turning historical stories into anthems built for thousands of voices. The crowd happily did its part, singing along throughout the night.
The spectacle never distracted from the music. Flames punctuated the band’s heaviest moments, adding extra intensity to “Bismarck,” “Fields of Verdun” and “The Attack of the Dead Men.” For the latter, the band leaned into the song’s subject matter with gas masks, adding another theatrical touch to an already explosive set.
The closing stretch was pure Sabaton. “Swedish Pagans” brought another huge audience sing-along before “Primo Victoria” and “To Hell and Back” sent the Forum into the night at full volume.
After seven years, Sabaton gave Vancouver plenty of reasons to welcome them back. Closing the North American tour with a performance this tight, loud and entertaining was a fitting end to the run. With commanding vocals, memorable choruses and enough pyro to warm the entire Forum, the band left little doubt that its next visit cannot come soon enough.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
SABATON
POP EVIL
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer