Concerts Photos
One Ok Rock Kickoff Detox Tour in Vancouver
One OK Rock kicked off their North American Detox tour with a bang in Vancouver, playing to a loud and loyal crowd at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre on May 13. The Japanese rock powerhouse is celebrating 20 years as a band, and their new album (their 11th!) shows they’re nowhere near slowing down. If anything, they’ve doubled down on their global sound: big riffs, emotional hooks, and that signature blend of Western alt-rock influences with their own polished edge.
The night started strong with Aussie pop-punk outfit Stand Atlantic, who brought high energy getting the crowd jumping early. But the minute the blue flag of the Detox album appeared on screen and One OK Rock launched into “Puppets Can’t Control You, the mood shifted from warm-up to full-on frenzy.
Takahiro Moriuchi’s vocals were razor-sharp as usual. He climbed down from the stage and sang through the crowd mid-show. Later, the band brought a few fans and a Canadian flag onstage, waving a Canadian flag.
The setlist was a tight mix of new and old, with emotional highs on “The Beginning” and “Renegades,” and wild chaos on “NASTY” and “Dystopia.” By the time they closed with We Are, the crowd was sweaty, smiling, and ready to follow the tour to its next stop.
Upcoming Detox Tour Dates:
5/16 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
5/18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre
5/19 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre
5/22 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
5/23 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
5/25 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live Orlando
5/27 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
5/30 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
5/31 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
6/1 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
6/3 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
6/4 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
6/6 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
6/7 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
ONE OK ROCK
STAND ATLANTIC
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