Concerts Photos
Porter Robinson at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver
On November 1, American DJ Porter Robinson SMILE! 😀 World Tour brought serious energy and nostalgia to the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver, BC, with a mix of new tracks, throwbacks, and eye-popping visuals.
This tour’s special twist? It’s the first time Porter’s performing with a full band, which gave his set a fresh, fuller sound that hit a different level of intensity.
But before Robinson took the stage, American hyperpop and digicore artist, Ericdoa, opened the night, performing tracks on his three albums COA, Things with Wings, and DOA.
Shortly before 9pm, Porter Robinson kicked things off with “Knock Yourself Out XD” from his latest album, Smile! 😀, transforming the venue into a trippy, neon-lit skyline. The stage was set with a massive pink billboard that doubled as a screen for lyrics and visuals, so everyone could sing along while getting lost in the virtual city. A giant inflatable anime-style cat sat off to the side, adding a playful vibe. During the high-energy track “Russian Roulette,” Robinson had the whole crowd raising their hands just before confetti cannons launched heart-shaped confetti everywhere, in a big, joyful moment.
The show flowed into the Nurture section, where he took us back with hits like “Something Comforting” and “Look at the Sky.” The visuals and colourful lights matched the emotional depth of these tracks, creating a mix of nostalgia and excitement. It was clear Robinson was having a blast on stage, dancing around, and sharing his energy with the crowd.
The third act was all about Worlds, celebrating the album’s 10-year anniversary. Hearing “Sad Machine” and “Divinity” live felt like stepping into a time machine for longtime fans, while new fans got a taste of Robinson’s roots. Just when you thought it might be over, the screen lit up with Rin, the character from the “Shelter” video, drawing a massive cheer. For the final song, Robinson came back out with his signature red and black wings, ending the night with “Cheerleader” as the crowd went wild and confetti rained down again.
This show had something for everyone—whether you’re into EDM, pop, rock, or just love a crazy light show. The Smile! 😀 World Tour was a full-on celebration of Robinson’s career.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
PORTER ROBINSON
ERICDOA
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