Concerts Photos
Cameron Whitcomb at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver
Cameron Whitcomb brought his Hundred Mile High Tour to Vancouver on July 17 for the first of two nights at the Commodore Ballroom.
It was a sold-out show, and the 22-year-old former American Idol contestant came out swinging (literally), opening with a full-blast “100 Mile High” and tossing in a backflip before the first 3 songs were over.
Whitcomb’s set was emotional and personal without ever feeling performative. Midway through the night, he shared he’s been sober for two years, and that milestone became the backbone of the show. Songs like “Flower Tattoos” and “Rocking Chair” took on extra weight when he opened up about losing friends to addiction and grappling with grief.
But this wasn’t some heavy-handed therapy session. Whitcomb made sure the crowd had fun, too. The band surprised everyone with a rowdy cover of “Teenage Dirtbag” and a killer “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” He also tested out a few unreleased tracks, like standout song “Problem,” and somehow made the Commodore feel like a basement jam session with his buddies. He even invited a fan on stage to get a tattoo right behind the guitarist.
Vancouver Island band The Shindigs opened the night and performed an upbeat set of indie-rock charm that warmed up the room nicely.
Whitcomb returns to the Commodore on July 22. If you missed this one, fix that.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
CAMERON WHITECOMB
THE SHINDIGS
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