Personal note: thanks directly to readers of this newsletter, who responded to months of my bell-ringing and personal pleas, I no longer need to have this song in my head 24/7:
THANK YOU. To celebrate, let’s do this:
There’s a new Gossip record, BTW, their first in 12 years, and we’ll talk about that soon. But today we’ll kick out some different kind of jams. Briefly. Because I’M BUSY.
The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis — s/t
(Anti-)
Supergroup of the year. James Brandon Lewis is a Buffalo saxophonist who’s having a moment, releasing four acclaimed albums in the last 12 months, including a trio record for L.A. rock label Anti-, a quartet album for Swiss label Intakt, a tribute to Mahalia Jackson (with Chicago all-stars William Parker and Chad Taylor).
Now there’s this full-on collaboration with the Messthetics, a D.C. band best known for featuring Fugazi’s rhythm section, but which should be known primarily for the work of guitar wizard Anthony Pirog, who should be on the radar of any fan of Marc Ribot, Nels Cline and, uh, maybe even Tom Morello at times. (Me like jazz, but me speak rock.)
This could be a stunt collaboration, but it’s not. It’s perfect. Sure, the groove of “Emergence” definitely sounds like the same rhythm section responsible for “Waiting Room,” but this album travels through various territories, and does so very well. And I’m not a guy who’s willing to listen to something just because dudes from Fugazi are in it—I was never a fan (and I just lost about 25% of my friends for saying that out loud).
The Messthetics are their own thing, and obviously Lewis is his whole thing, and I don’t have a hell of a lot to articulate about this record because I’m incapable of writing about jazz, but holy hell, it’s good. (This video, not so much:)
The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis are playing the Velvet Underground (the club) on May 14. They’re also at the Hillside Festival the weekend of July 24.
Langendorf United — Yeahno Yowouw Land
(Black Sweat)
Like I said, I can’t write about jazz, so there’s little possibility I’ll convince you that this sax-driven Norwegian band with what sounds like a spooky Farfisa player, who together delve into Ethiopian modes and other decidedly non-Scandinavian areas, is going to blow your socks off—but it will. This came out more than a year ago, but hey, it’s not like you’ve read about this anywhere else (except Aquarium Drunkard, where I found it).
Population II — Électrons libres du québec
(Bonsound)
This heavy Montreal psych-prog band has a new EP out tomorrow—it’s fine, but it’s this, their second album, released last fall, that should get your full attention. For starters, the trio boasts an insanely talented drummer who sings in French. The entire unit, however, make an unholy racket that’s captured wonderfully here — like a mix of Can and Voivod, but better — although I’m really looking forward to witnessing this majesty live.
Population II play the Garrison this Tuesday, April 23, opening for the Meatbodies from L.A. (who, frankly, don’t seem that impressive, especially compared to these franco freaks).
Disaster Pony - s/t
(Lovetown)
New Toronto jazz-rock band fronted by sax player Gordon Hyland, with members of Born Ruffians and July Talk in tow. Hyland, who gigs with popular cover band Dwayne Gretzky, isn’t a rock slummer in this world; he holds a master’s in jazz performance from U of T. This is meant to be a dance record, and there are more than a few hints of early ’90s Knitting Factory here, or late-’90s Ninja Tune-adjacent jazz — in a good way. Bug out to this video:
Live and let live
I went to see Lightning Dust last week at Axis, opening for Destroyer. They were as mesmerizing and dreamy as I’d hoped, playing as a trio. I had low expectations for Destroyer: I’m a huge fan and have seen him a dozen times but, for a variety of reasons, have never enjoyed Dan Bejar playing solo, which this tour was. Kind of—he was joined by Dave Carswell (of production duo JC/DC, and formerly of the Smugglers). Bejar’s voice and lyrical avalanche don’t really work alone at the microphone. His songs require an instrumental foil, whether it’s the glorious cacophony of his band, or, in this case, just one lead guitarist. And Carswell’s presence made all the difference in the world. Plus, the over-50 Bejar finally seems somewhat comfortable with a solo shtick — maybe? Who knows with that guy. But this set was an extremely pleasant surprise.
The Gruesomes at the Horseshoe last Saturday: What does one expect when you go see one of your favourite teenage bands 35 years later? When I saw their last reunion that made it to Toronto, in 2000, the show was… a bit rusty (even though the comeback record was way better than I expected). This time? Firing on all cylinders, in all their goofy garage rock glory. Bobby Beaton still has one of my favourite male screams. The crowd shimmied the night away. And: new songs, with an album on the way.
I did not go see Wheeler Walker Jr. at the Danforth because even if I have a slight soft spot for entirely juvenile redneck humour, I’m not sure that would be a, um, safe space for me. I was right. According to one newsletter reader who did attend, it was very much a non-urban crowd hopped up on a lot of pre-drinking and ready to rumble — there were fistfights, which shocked the younger storyteller (not me, having played bars in the ’90s). And before the encore, during a time when most audiences might chant “One! More! Song!” this crowd instead, without any specific or prompted reason to at that moment, started chanting “Fuck! Tru-deau! Fuck Tru-deau!” You know the last time I heard that at a concert? Snotty Nose Rez Kids—who likely don’t share an audience with Walker. Next election should be interesting. Thanks to Dan for sharing that story.
All news, no snooze
Hugh Christoper Brown, whose new album I reviewed last week, has one of the best, or at least the most provocative, online marketing campaigns I’ve seen in a long time. Check out one installment here.
Hearts on Fire readers, as well as anyone who enjoyed my review of the Village Voice book: Robert Christgau reviewed the new Buck 65 record and calls him “one of the most eloquent rappers ever.”
Here’s an odd fact I learned recently, from
: Leila Hebden, former manager of Toronto’s Born Ruffians and whose brother is Kieran “Four Tet” Hebden, is now managing Shania Twain. ties together the eclipse and the death of O.J. to ruminate on the good and bad of monoculture, or the lack thereof.Last week I mentioned the anonymous Swede with 15 billion streams (which only makes him about $1 million a year, FWIW). Ted Gioia writes about the antithesis of a household name here.
This Narwhal story is total garbage. You should read it.
Even after wading through all the Oscar bait earlier this year, other than Poor Things I don’t think I was as satisfied after watching any of them as I was after seeing Dream Scenario. (I watched it on Hoopla.) Any Nicolas Cage project should be approached with hesitation, but this is a big hit on Cage’s hit-or-miss ratio. Norwegian writer/director Kristoffer Borgli concocts an absurd (but, to me, entirely plausible) situation that starts comic and gets dark, drawing from the best work of Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze. The entire cast is fantastic.
And to my surprise once the closing credits rolled: the music is by Owen Pallett, who I’m told is working on his first album of new songs in almost a decade (2020’s Island was written five years before it came out). The Dream Scenario soundtrack is his third to be officially released, along with Spaceship Earth and the Oscar-nominated Her.
T.O. SHOWS YOU SHOULD KNOW
An entirely subjective and by no means comprehensive look at Toronto’s concert calendar, tailored to musically curious people who are probably (but not necessarily) over 40. My strong recommendations in bold.
Suggestions welcome. So are advertisers!
Don’t live in Toronto? Most of these artists are on tour, so check your local listings. Just kidding! There are no local listings anymore. Check the artists’ websites.
JUST ANNOUNCED (mark your calendars):
Greg McPherson: April 26 at West End Phoenix 7 p.m. Are you a fiftysomething Winnipegger? You should go see all your friends at this show.
Veda Hille: May 1 at Tranzac. Very rare Toronto appearance by this recently reappreciated Vancouver legend.
Miesha and the Spanks, Thunder Queens: May 3 at Collective Arts Brewing. Riot grrrl, Calgarian style.
Eamon McGrath: May 30 at Dakota Tavern. A now-rare appearance by this new Windsorite.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids: June 10 at Allied Music Centre (inside Massey Hall). Headlining the International Indigenous Music Summit.
Barenaked Ladies, Sam Roberts Band, KT Tunstall: June 27 at Sobeys Stadium. #HaveNotBeentheSame #NeverEndingPresent #HeartsonFire. What is Sobeys Stadium, you are undoubtedly asking? This is the 9,000-capacity tennis venue at York University, home to the Toronto Open. It’s hoped that it will be a new Toronto concert venue, easily accessible by highways, to serve the suburbs. In which case: what better band to open it? (Even though it’s not Scarborough.)
Jhené Aiko: July 2 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Band of Horses: July 5 at History. Huh: I guess Mariposa doesn’t have a radius clause. This band is one of the festival’s headliners this same weekend.
Future, Metro Boomin: Aug 11 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Mike.: Aug 18 at History. Guys, I made it.
Charlie XCX and Troye Sivan: Sept 18 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
The Marley Brothers (including Ziggy, Damian and Stephen): Sept 29 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Maggie Rogers: Oct 22 at CNE Coliseum (a.k.a. Coca Cola)
Ben Caplan: Oct 29 at Allied Music Centre (inside Massey Hall)
Chantal Kreviazuk: Nov 9 at Massey Hall. Celebrating 25 years of her second album, Colour Moving and Still, to be re-released on vinyl.
Shakira: Nov 30 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Choir! Choir! Choir!: Unsilent Night: Dec 21 at Massey Hall
Tonight and every night!:
The Tranzac and Drom Taberna, the two venues closest to my heart, boast several acts a night and have the most eclectic lineups — just go! The equally busy Cameron House has mostly roots vibes; jazz is always happening at the Rex Hotel. Jazzintoronto.ca’s Instagram page has daily jazz listings at various venues. For the best in Toronto’s Latin and Caribbean scene, check Lula Lounge.
Coming this week:
Corin Raymond: April 18 at Cameron House 6 p.m.
Nyssa, Quarterback Baby, Michael Peter Olsen: April 18 at Lula Lounge. Wrote about Nyssa here. Don’t miss this! Tickets here.
Steve Mason (Beta Band): April 18 at the Horseshoe
Charles Wesley Godwin: April 18 at History
Nicki Minaj: April 18 & 30. at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Buddy Guy: April 19 at Massey Hall. No, really, this is absolutely his last show here. After three sold-out shows at this venue in 2023 on his farewell tour, this is really, positively and, er, probably maybe Buddy Guy’s final Toronto show ever.
Crystal Method, Rabbit in the Moon: April 19 at Danforth Music Hall
Queensryche: April 19 at the Phoenix
Freeman Dre: April 19 at the Cameron 10 p.m.
Donné Roberts: April 19 at Drom Taberna 11.30 p.m.
Kevin Breit & Don Rooke: April 20 at Tranzac 9.30 p.m.
Cadence Weapon, DijahSB: April 20 at Allied Music Centre (inside Massey Hall) #HeartsOnFire. New album out the day before. Wrote about him earlier this week here.
Oumou Sangaré: April 20 at Koerner Hall
Sandro Perri, Masahiro Takahashi, Anne Bourne: April 20 at Tranzac. Fundraising concert for the essential venue.
Matthew Good: April 20 at History
Biblical, Roy, Animatist, Hobby, Kris Siddiqi: April 20 at the Garrison
Nathaniel Rateliff sings Leonard Cohen: April 20 at Roy Thomson Hall
Bodega: April 21 at the Garrison. The current Brooklyn band, not the ’90s Toronto band. Which is weird, because this Brooklyn band reminds me of Toronto’s Barcelona Pavilion in the early 2000s.
Moskitto Bar: April 21 at Drom Taberna 8 p.m.
The Mary Wallopers: April 22 at Opera House. Their new album is called Irish Rock’n’Roll. Attention Pogues fans: that about sums it up.
Spanish Love Songs, Oso Oso: April 22 at Axis Club
Waxahatchee, Good Morning: April 23 at Massey Hall
Meatbodies, Population II: April 23 at the Garrison. See above.
Gustaf: April 24 at the Garrison. New indie rock sensations. They’ll be playing bigger venues sooner than later, and not just opening for Sleater-Kinney.
Black Crowes: April 24 at Massey Hall
Busta Rhymes: April 24 at History
King’s X: April 24 at Axis Club. When researching The Never-Ending Present, I was trying to find out which commercially successful bands had lasted the longest with the original lineup heard on the first recording, with no breaks or temporary substitutions. The Tragically Hip were 30 years. ZZ Top went 51—hard to top that. King’s X, like U2, celebrates 45 this year.
Moon King, Lee Paradise: April 25 at Monarch Tavern
Eucalyptus, Isla Craig, Colin Fisher: April 25 at Tranzac
Coming sooner than later
Kyp Harness album release: April 26 at the Cameron 6 p.m.
Actors: April 26 at the Garrison
Stephen Stanley Band: April 26 at Horseshoe
Alex Cuba, Raul Midón: April 26 at Koerner Hall
Land of Talk: April 27 at the Great Hall
The James Clark Institute: April 27 at the Rivoli
Rebecca Hennessy Trio (Michael Herring, Kevin Breit): April 28 at Sellers & Newel
Belle & Sebastian, the Weather Station: April 29 at History
Jon McKiel, Louie Short: April 29 at Baby G
Mike Boguski Trio: May 1 at Sellers & Newel
Architects: May 2 at Rebel
Ilana Glazer (Broad City): May 2 at Elgin Theatre
The Hold Steady: May 2-3 at Great Hall. May 2 with Ducks Ltd., May 3 with Mall Crimes is sold out.
Ty Segall: May 3 at Danforth Music Hall
Teenage Fanclub: May 3 at the Concert Hall. Note: original member Gerry Love is no longer in the band, and has been replaced by Euros Childs of Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci.
Gwen Stefani: May 3 at Great Canadian Casino Resort (Woodbine Racetrack)
The Hold Steady, Pkew Pkew Pkew: May 4 at Concert Hall.
The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie: May 4 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
The Decemberists, Ratboys: May 6 at History
Jenny Omnichord, Spruce Needles: May 6 at Bar Orwell
Hot Water Music, Quicksand: May 7 at Danforth Music Hall
Kamasi Washington: May 7 at History. New “dance” album out earlier that week.
Suzie Ungerleider: May 8 at the Rivoli.
Kronos Quartet: May 9 at Koerner Hall. 50th anniversary tour.
TransCanada Highwaymen: May 9 at Burlington Performing Arts Centre #HaveNotBeentheSame
Art of Time Ensemble: May 9-11 at Harbourfront Centre Theatre. Tribute to Joni Mitchell featuring Hawksley Workman, Sarah Slean, Abigail Lapell, Jasmyn, more. Final shows for the AoT, packing it in after 25 successful years.
Chastity Belt: May 10 at Great Hall
The Sadies, Skydiggers, Paul Langlois Band: May 10 at Concert Hall #HaveNotBeentheSame #NeverEndingPresent #HeartsOnFire
Craig David: May 11 at History
Ichi-Bons, the Kewpie Dolls, the Slow Drags, Fuzz Vultures, Thee Rogue Telstars: May 11 at Owl’s Club (Dovercourt and Shanly)
Jann Arden & Rick Mercer in conversation: May 12 at Roy Thomson Hall (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
Julia Holter: May 13 at Great Hall
The Alarm, Gene Loves Jezebel, The Blow Monkeys, Belouis Some: May 13 at El Mocambo.
Mk.Gee: May 13 at the Phoenix
Ride: May 14 at Concert Hall
James Brandon Lewis, the Messthetics: May 14 at Velvet Underground. Are you an aging Fugazi fan who’s now into jazz? This is a can’t-miss show for you. They’re also playing Hillside this summer.
Hermanos Gutiérrez: May 15 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Dudes, chill.
Laura May Grace: May 15 at Axis Club
Colin Stetson: May 16 at Axis Club
Cindy Lee, Freak Heat Waves: May 17 at Longboat Hall. Sold out, after an unusually high Pitchfork score for the new record.
Metz: May 17 at Danforth Music Hall.
Trey Anastasio & Classic Tab: May 18 at History.
P’tit Belliveau: May 18 at Garrison
Neil Young & Crazy Horse: May 20 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre. Also playing same venue on July 8.
Nana Mouskouri: May 21 at Massey Hall
Buck Meek (of Big Thief): May 22 at Horseshoe Great Hall
Kaia Kater, Abigail Lapell: May 22 at Allied Music Centre (inside Massey Hall)
Celebrating Gordon Lightfoot: May 23 at Massey Hall. Featuring Blue Rodeo, Allison Russell, Aysanabee, Burton Cummings, Meredith Moon, Sylvia Tyson, the Good Brothers, Tom Cochrane, William Prince, and more TBA. Most likely will not suck. Sold out.
Echo & the Bunnymen: May 23 at History
Saga, Harlequin, Images in Vogue: May 23 at Classic Bowl Mississauga
Honeymoon Suite, Streetheart, Lee Aaron: May 24 at Classic Bowl Mississauga
Brainiac: May 24 at the Horseshoe
Art of Noise (!!!!), Spoons: May 25 at Classic Bowl Mississauga. Details here. The current Art of Noise lineup is founding members J.J. Jeczalik and Gary Langan (Paul Morley and Anne Dudley were in recent one-off reunions, but not this tour; Trevor Horn is presumably focusing on his recent Buggles reunion). Joining them is Neal X from Sigue Sigue Sputnik—another name I didn’t expect to see in 2024 live music listings.
Limblifter: May 25 at Horseshoe Tavern
Bruce Cockburn: May 25 at Massey Hall
Shannon & the Clams: May 25 at the Concert Hall
Looking ahead
Gary Clark Jr.: May 26-27 at History
The Damned, the Ichi-Bons: May 27 at Danforth Music Hall
Ken Tizzard & Music for Goats: May 27 at Cameron House 6 p.m. Album release party
Loony: May 31 at Opera House
Khruangbin: May 31 - June 2 at History.
Camera Obscura: June 1 at the Concert Hall
Walk Off the Earth: June 1 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Glass Beams: June 2 at the Phoenix
Okkervil River, the Antlers: June 3 at the Great Hall
Katie Tupper: June 5-6 at Drake Underground
Charlotte Day Wilson: June 6 at History
Julie Doiron w/ band, Carson McHone: June 6 at the Monarch Tavern #HaveNotBeentheSame #NeverEndingPresent
Boeckner: June 7 at Horseshoe. The man who once wrote a song called “This #HeartsOnFire.” I wrote about his career here and here.
Pixies, Modest Mouse, Cat Power: June 8 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Allie X: June 8 at Opera House
Róisín Murphy: June 10 at History
Kim Gordon: June 10 at Axis
Spencer Krug: June 11 at Baby G #HeartsOnFire
Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, Warren G: June 12 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Corinne Bailey Rae: June 13 at Danforth Music Hall
Doug Paisley: June 14 at Rivoli
Quasi, Jeffrey Lewis: June 15 at the Garrison
The Budos Band: June 15 at the Phoenix
The Reverend Horton Heat: June 15 at the Horseshoe
Chris Brokaw, Picastro: June 17 at Baby G
Sarah McLachlan, Feist: June 18 at Artpark in Lewiston, N.Y. (Niagara) #HaveNotBeentheSame #HeartsOnFire.
Sarah McLachlan, Allison Russell: June 19 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre #HaveNotBeentheSame
Los Campesinos!: June 20 at the Opera House
Arkells, Tegan & Sara: June 21 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre #HeartsOnFire
Arkells, Grouplove: June 22 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
The Teskey Brothers: June 22 at Massey Hall (two shows, including matinee)
Preservation Hall Jazz Band: June 22 at Concert Hall
Jill Barber: June 23-24 at Jazz Bistro
The Church, Afghan Whigs, Ed Harcourt: June 24 at Danforth Music Hall
Ian Thomas: June 24 at Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Maren Morris opening for Maroon 5: June 25 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Santana, Counting Crows: June 26 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Andy Haas, Mike Milligan: June 26 at Sellers & Newel
Norah Jones: June 27 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Caifanes and Cafe Tacvba: June 28 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre.
Lake Street Dive: June 28 at History
Pedro the Lion: June 28 at Great Hall
Kurt Vile & Violators, Myriam Gendron: June 28 at Danforth Music Hall. Get there early and pay attention to the opener!
André 3000: June 28 at Massey Hall
Wilco: July 2-3 at Massey Hall. July 2 is with local Katie Cruel; July 3 with Cut Worms.
Daryl Hall, Elvis Costello & the Impostors: July 4 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre.
Janet Jackson, Nelly: July 3 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Orville Peck, the War and Treaty, Goldie Boutilier: July 3 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre.
Future Islands: July 4 at Massey Hall
Mother Mother, Cavetown: July 5 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
City and Colour, Metric, Sloan: July 5 at Born & Raised Festival (St. Catharines) #HeartsOnFire #HaveNotBeentheSame
Alexisonfire, The Used, Counterparts: July 6 at Born & Raised Festival (St. Catharines) #HeartsOnFire
Mariposa Festival: July 5-7 in Orillia. Featuring Band of Horses, Donovan Woods, Okkervill River, Bahamas, Maestro Fresh Wes, Ben Caplan, Bry Webb, Shad, Cat Clyde, Carleigh Aikins, Colin Linden, Jeremie Albino, B.A. Johnston. And a “special performance” by Bruce Cockburn. Tickets here.
Etran de l’Aïr: July 7 at Longboat Hall (Great Hall)
Killer Mike: July 7 at Danforth Music Hall
Neil Young & Crazy Horse: July 8 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre (in addition to May 20 show)
Steve Earle: July 8 at Danforth Music Hall. Also playing London, Hamilton, Ottawa and Kingston that same week.
Tyler Childers, S.G. Goodman: July 9 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Jah Wobble: July 10 at Great Hall. The bassist/bandleader will be toting his new memoir.
Mt. Joy: July 10 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Amanda Marshall, Colin James, Ahi: July 12 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Billy Talent, Cancer Bats: July 12 at Because Beer Festival, Pier 4 Park, Hamilton #HeartsOnFire
Four Winds Music Fest feat. Bahamas, Joel Plaskett, Great Lake Swimmers, Daniel Romano’s Outfit, Terra Lightfoot, Boy Golden, more: July 12-14 in Durham (the town, not the county; between Guelph and Owen Sound, near Flesherton). Info here.
Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett: July 13 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Ben Howard, John Francis Flynn: July 13 at History. I know nothing about the headliner, but the Irish Flynn is often mentioned in the same breath as Lankum and Lisa O’Neill.
Tokyo Police Club, Dizzy, Cuff the Duke: July 13 at Because Beer Festival, Pier 4 Park, Hamilton
Pup, Nobro, Daniel Romano’s Outfit, Status/Non-Status: July 14 at Because Beer Festival, Pier 4 Park, Hamilton
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wand, IronTom: July 15 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Mike Campbell (Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers): July 16 at Danforth Music Hall
Ibibio Sound Machine: July 17 at Adelaide Hall.
Unwound (!): July 18 at Concert Hall
Hillside Festival: July 19-21 featuring Richard Thompson, Aysanabee, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings with Daniel Lanois & Terra Lightfoot, Bombino, Messthetics with James Brandon Lewis, Nobro, Patrick Watson, Beings (Steve Gunn, Jim White, Shahzad Ismaily, Zoh Amba), Medicine Singers w Yonatan Gat & Lee Ranaldo, Five Alarm Funk, Land of Talk, Rich Aucoin, Ashley MacIsaac and much much more. Details here.
3 Inches of Blood: July 20 at Danforth Music Hall
Totally Tubular Festival: Thomas Dolby, Tom Bailey, Men Without Hats, Bow Wow Wow, Modern English, New Romantics: July 24 at Great Canadian Casino (Woodbine Racetrack)
Skratch Bastid’s BBQ: July 27-28 at the Bentway
Slash, Warren Haynes Band, Robert Randolph, Keb Mo, more: July 28 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Tinariwen: July 31 at the Phoenix
Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, the Linda Lindas: Aug 1 at Skydome
Heart, Journey, Def Leppard: Aug 2 at Skydome.
Jennifer Lopez: Aug 2-3 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Electric Eclectics Festival: Aug 2-4 at the Funny Farm in Meaford, Ontario. Weirdos unite! Details here.
Sleater-Kinney: Aug 3 at Danforth Music Hall.
Billy Idol, Platinum Blonde: Aug 9 at Raptors/Leafs Arena.
Karan Aujla: Aug 10 at Raptors/Leafs Arena.
Joel Plaskett Emergency: Aug 10 opening for Alan Doyle at Ontario Place Ampitheatre #HeartsOnFire
Avril Lavigne: Aug 12 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
P!nk, Sheryl Crow: Aug 14 at Skydome
Tedeschi Trucks Band, Margo Price: Aug 15 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre.
Avril Lavigne: Aug 16 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Midge Ure: Aug 16 at El Mocambo
Elora RiverFest: Aug 16-18 featuring Fleet Foxes, Violent Femmes, Sudan Archives, Corb Lund, Chali 2na & Cut Chemist, Wild Rivers, Bully, Moneen, Mariel Buckley, Nicolette & the Nobodies, Nyssa, Population II, more. Details here.
Iron & Wine: Aug 17 at Danforth Music Hall
A Flock of Seagulls: Aug 17 at El Mocambo
NOFX: Aug 17-18 at Downsview Park. Final tour.
New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul, DJ Jazzy Jeff: Aug 17-18 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Santigold: Aug 19 at Rebel.
Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Ciara, Timbaland: Aug 19 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Bush (X), Jerry Cantrell, Candlebox: Aug 19 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: Aug 21 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
The Beaches, Dizzy, Valley: Aug 22 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre. Beaches by the beach! Also: tix are only $30.
Passenger: Aug 22 at Massey Hall
Blue Rodeo, Matt Mays, Begonia: Aug 24 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre #HaveNotBeentheSame
Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional, Fefe Dobson, more: Aug 24 at Burl’s Creek (Oro-Medonte)
Billy Talent, All-American Rejects, Silverstein, more: Aug 25 at Burl’s Creek (Oro-Medonte) #HeartsOnFire
Deep Purple, Yes: Aug 25 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
The Gaslight Anthem: Aug 25 at History
Cage the Elephant: Aug 27 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Sean Paul, DJ Premier: Aug 28 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Peter Hook & the Light (performing Joy Division and New Order): Aug 31 at History
Cigarettes After Sex: Sept 1 at Raptors/Leafs arena
Usher: Sept 2-3 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Bikini Kill: Sept 3 at History
Marika Hackman: Sept 5 at Drake Underground
Weezer, Flaming Lips, Dinosaur Jr.: Sept 8 at Raptors/Leafs Arena. The dream of the ’90s is alive!
Stone Temple Pilots, Live, Soul Asylum, Our Lady Peace: Sept 8 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre. The dream of the ’90s is alive! I can’t believe this and the Weezer bill hit town on the same day. Choose your team.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO: Sept 9 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Spoon: Sept 10 at Danforth Music Hall. On sale Friday April 12 at 10am!
Pulp: Sept 10-11 at History. Help the aged!
Paul Weller: Sept 13 at History
St. Vincent: Sept 14 at Massey Hall
The Hives: Sept 16 at History.
Amen Dunes: Sept 17 at Concert Hall
Hans Zimmer: Sept 19 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Frank Turner: Sept 19-22 at Great Canadian Casino (Woodbine Racetrack). Support acts: Henry Rollins on Sept 19, Nobro on Sept 20, the Dirty Nil on Sept 21 and Bedouin Soundclash on Sept 22.
The National, War on Drugs, Lucius: Sept 20 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Idles: Sept 20 at Coca-Cola Coliseum (Exhibition Place)
Wanda Sykes: Sept 20 at Meridian Hall
Keane: Sept 20 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Idles: Sept 20 at CNE Coliseum
Sting: Sept 20-22 & 24-25 at Massey Hall.
Vampire Weekend, Cults: Sept 24 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Korn: Sept 25 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
PJ Harvey: Sept 25-26 at History
Kings of Leon, Phantogram: Oct 1 at Ontario Place Ampitheatre
Herbie Hancock: Oct 1 at Massey Hall
David Sedaris: Oct 2 at Massey Hall (in addition to sold-out April 7, 2024 date)
Stars: Oct 3-4 at Concert Hall. #HeartsOnFire 20th anniversary of Set Yourself on Fire.
Raffi: Oct 5 (2 shows) at Massey Hall
Social Distortion, the Bellrays: October 5 at History
Yard Act: Oct 7 at Axis Club
OMD: October 8 at History
Chromeo: Oct 9 at History
The Black Keys, the Head and the Heart: Oct 11 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
La Luz: Oct 12 at Horseshoe
Air: Oct 12 at Massey Hall. Playing Moon Safari. And completely sold out.
Justin Timberlake: Oct 17-18 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Beat: (’80s King Crimson performed by Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Steve Vai, Danny Carey): Oct 18 at Massey Hall
Drive-By Truckers: Oct 22 at Danforth Music Hall. Playing Southern Rock Opera.
Dwayne Gretzky: Oct 26 at Massey Hall
Iron Maiden: Oct 26 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
Tenille Townes: Oct 26 at Danforth Music Hall
Devonté Hynes with Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Nov 1 at Roy Thomson Hall
Patrick Watson with Orchestre FILMharmonique: Nov 2 at Meridian Hall
Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band: Nov 3 & 6 at Raptors/Leafs Arena. Rescheduled from Nov 14 & 16, 2023.
Kacey Musgraves, Lord Huron, Nickel Creek: Nov 7 at Raptors/Leafs Arena
La Femme: Nov 13 at Opera House
Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams: November 14-16, 21-23, 2024 at Skydome. Good luck! Death to Ticketmaster!
Rich Aucoin: Nov 16 at Longboat Hall
Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief): Nov 16 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Tokyo Police Club: Nov 27-29 at History. Final shows.
The Dead South: Dec 7 at Massey Hall
Aerosmith, Black Crowes: Jan 7 at Raptors/Leafs Arena. Rescheduled for the second time, more than a year after the original date. Apparently Steven Tyler’s vocal cords were in worse shape than originally diagnosed. Original tickets from November 2023 honoured.
Sum 41: Jan 28 & 30, 2025, at Raptors/Leafs Arena. Final show of final tour.
Chilly Gonzales: April 22, 2025 (!) at Massey Hall. This man plans ahead. #HeartsOnFire
Be kind to each other.
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