STORIES OF THE STAGE
25 Years of Concert History at Scotiabank Arena
Daniel Tate
PRESENTS
STORIES OF THE STAGE
25 Years of Concert History at Scotiabank Arena
Daniel Tate
PRESENTS
STORIES OF THE STAGE
25 Years of Concert History at Scotiabank Arena
Daniel
Tate
PRESENTS
STORIES OF THE STAGE
25 Years of Concert History at Scotiabank Arena
Daniel Tate
Copyright © Daniel Tate, 2024
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise (except for brief passages for purpose of review) without the prior permission of the copyright holder. Permission to photocopy should be requested from daniel@theflyervault.com
Publisher: The Flyer Vault Inc. | Designer: ARTXINDUSTRY | Printer: Marquis Cover, design, and layout: William Selander
In partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication
Title: Stories of the stage : 25 years of concert history at Scotiabank Arena / Daniel Tate ; Names: Tate, Daniel, 1980- author.
ISBN: 978-1-7382480-1-8
Subjects: LCSH: Concerts—Ontario—Toronto—History. | LCSH: Concerts—Ontario—Toronto— Posters. | LCSH: Music—Ontario—Toronto—History. | LCSH: Music—Posters—Ontario—Toronto. LCSH: Advertising—Music—Ontario—Toronto—History. | LCSH: Music-halls—Ontario—Toronto—History.
Care has been taken to trace the ownership of copyright material used in this book. The author and the publisher welcome any information enabling them to rectify any references or credits in subsequent editions.
The publisher is not responsible for websites or their content unless they are owned by the publisher.
Designed, printed, and bound in Canada.
NOTE TO READER
You are about to embark on an incredible journey revisiting a quarter century of amazing concert moments at Scotiabank Arena (formerly the Air Canada Centre).
The book features numerous stories and comments from fans, promoters, and artists alike. When you see this logo that indicates a comment mined from our Instagram account.
In order to preserve the authenticity, integrity, and character of submitted stories, we have, for the most part, maintained original spelling and grammar, slang, acronyms, and other traits (in all their imperfect glory). Unless otherwise attributed, all writing is by the author.
The book is arranged in chronological order so that you can easily reference a show you’re looking for. This book is half-encyclopedia, half-scrapbook, or as Sum 41 said, “All killer, no filler!” Enjoy!
I myself have been pressed against the cold front rail of an arena rock show…Arm in arm, I have sung at the top of my lungs with people I may never see again. All to celebrate and share the tangible, communal power of music.
-Dave Grohl
Introduction
Acknowledgments
GENESIS 1997-1999
THE EARLY YEARS 1999-2009
Confessions of a Rock-A-Holic I
Confessions of a Rock-A-Holic II
Beyond the Mat: 1999-2009
The Art of Rock: Kevin Tong
COMING OF AGE 2010-2019
Halftime
The Art of Rock: Andrew McCracken
The Art of Rock: Tom Pandi
Confessions of a Rock-A-Holic III
Man Machine Poem tour
Hello Scotiabank Arena
A-Pop Takeover
Beyond the Mat: 2010–2024
The Art of Rock: Miles Tsang
Dallas Green: Of Space and Time
The Art of Rock: Pat Hamou
THE NEW ERA 2020-2024
October's Very Own Arena
Welcome to Scotiabank Arena
The Art of Rock: Lori Nelson
Scotiabank Arena 25 Word Map
CREDITS/WORKS CITED
It was March 10, 1999, and I remember walking into the newly built Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arena) to see my first-ever arena rap show: Jay-Z and DMX. I was only eighteen but lucky enough to get complimentary tickets through a concert company I worked for called REMG. I recall walking the halls of the building, a mere three weeks after its grand opening, and noticing how state-of-the-art everything was. The concourse was wide and sweeping, the bathrooms were spacious, and everything was shiny. It even had that brand new building smell. And when I walked through the tunnel to find our seats, I found myself mesmerized by the view.
When the ACC opened, it truly felt like Toronto had arrived. Before then, Maple Leaf Gardens hosted most arena rock shows in the city. The Gardens was a beloved Original Six building that first opened in 1931, but for our rapidly growing city, it had reached the end of its shelf life. The newly born Raptors needed a home court, the Maple Leafs were outgrowing their home at Carlton and Church, and the world’s biggest artists needed a venue with a bigger capacity and more capabilities for larger and more sophisticated tours. The Air Canada Centre heeded the call. A new venue at the right place at the right time.
But back to that night in March. I remember how thrilling it was to be in a room of 10,000 other fans who, like me, loved hip-hop. Watching in wonder as Method Man and Redman flew through the air on strings. Feeling the raw energy of DMX only feet away from me. High-fiving strangers and belting lyrics at the top of my lungs when Jay-Z played Hard Knock Life. It was an unforgettable night that left an imprint on my soul. Since then, I’ve seen many amazing shows in that building: Coldplay, Beastie Boys, John Mayer, Russell Peters, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, and many more.
There’s an old adage I’m sure you’ve heard: if those walls could talk. It’s a phrase I think about a lot. If those walls could talk, they would tell you about The Hip’s first concert there or CSNY’s reunion shows. Or that time Bono joined Pearl Jam for an electrifying encore or when Drake invited 21 Savage to the stage by royal decree. Or how an entire building was in tears for Gord’s goodbye in 2016. But walls can’t talk, and so I endeavoured to make sure these pages could.
Luckily, through my Instagram account The Flyer Vault, I had access to a vast network of artists, promoters, and fans who are passionate about live music. Tapping into this resource, I embarked on a mission to find as many people as I could who saw shows at the venue. Instead of writing a pedantic description of past events, what better way to illustrate those moments than by the people who experienced them? And so, across the next 400 pages, you will read some incredible firsthand accounts from the artists who graced the stage, the promoters who booked the shows, and most importantly, the fans, some of whom had life-altering experiences that night at Scotiabank Arena.
After every show, there’s a moment when the house lights go on. That’s the cue to start making your way to the exits. But that’s also the moment I look up and marvel at how the physical fabric of a building absorbs the energy of a concert. It’s like all those memories are not only imprinted on us, but also on the banners, the walls, and the seats. There’s an aura that lingers. You’ll see it in the last couple of pages of the book: the aftermath of an Olivia Rodrigo show. And to me, that’s what makes the building legendary. It’s become a sanctuary where we sang, laughed, cried, danced, moshed, headbanged and found connection in the transcendent power of live music. A place where we can momentarily disconnect from the stresses of daily life and lose ourselves in the bass grooves, guitar riffs, and falsettos that resonate so deeply. Thank you Scotiabank Arena for an amazing 25 years. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next twenty-five.
-Daniel Tate April 2024
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book would not have been possible without the essential contributions of countless people who believed in the vision and were happy to help me produce this most important body of work. Knowledge outlives us all, and thanks to these people, the story of Scotiabank Arena’s first 25 years will forever live on:
The entire MLSE organization (Adam Armit, Daniel Klein, Celina Torrijos, Justin Rodrigues, Jay Cianfrini, Emilie Corbo, Tricia Silliphant, Cole Madore, Corrado Vivilecchia, Melissa Bubb-Clarke and the whole gang), Adam Burchill, Joel Carriere (Dine Alone), Toby Wang photo, Robbie Lackritz (Feist), Jake Gold (The Management Trust), Mark Vreeken, Brad Smith (WWE), Clayton Peters (nobody got a hurt), Jamil Kamal and Sam O’Connor (INK), Live Nation (Arthur Fogel, Brad Wavra, Erik Hoffman, Riley O’Connor, Jaclyn Singh, Adam Gill, Cat Hrmo, Gerry Barad, Joey Scoleri, Joe Fleischer, Adrian Walker, Omar Al-Joulani, Miranda Liu, Hasan Ansari, Mark Russell, Coburn Blair, Ryan Burton, Marc Gertner, Ben Pearlman, Stephen Riff, Colin Lewis and the whole team), HISTORY crew (Steve Biasutti, Laura Kaidar, Johnny Clutch, Bianca Horne, Alannah Wride and the whole team), Patti-Anne Tarlton, Cyrus Songad, David and Tamar Zakin (Kabbalah Centre), MRG Live (Jacob Smid, Julian Staniewski, Ryan Maguire, Aaliyah Bowers), Oliver El-Khatib, AEG Presents (Elliott Lefko, Jonathan Ramos, Gord Berg), Jake Cohl, Patrick Guay (Evenko), Abby Tobias (Solepower), Alan Jones (Tool), Christina Stewart (University of Toronto), Joshua Ostroff, Brian Lusczki (Stratus Enterprises), Meg Symsyk, Joel Baskin and Jessie Silverstein (The Feldman Agency), ARTXINDUSTRY (Michael Steele, Ariane Laezza, Vivian Kwong, Ashu Singh), Bobby Bharwani, Terence Leung (SDGC, OG DP), Said Yassin and Nigel Hernandez (itsOK), Paul “Mastermind” Parhar, Peter Yozell (Tour Manager, Radiohead), Professor Rob Bowman, Dennis King (Poster King of Berkeley), Neil Forester (Substance), Mikey Watterson (Brixton Creative), Daniel Kuster (Getty Images), Doug Tripp (The Globe and Mail), Brittany Rassbeharry (PARS International) and Peter Mifsud. Rock on!
Shoutout to all the passionate concert fans and followers of The Flyer Vault who made priceless contributions including David Mathews, Adhimu “Mindbender” Stewart, Waynie Ragoo, Jonah Goodman (Toronto Beer Club), Thomas Foster, Jennifer Keith (Rockaholic!), Scott Leone (you’ve been to more concerts than God), David McFarlane, Brad Sage, Craig Mailman, Dan Warry-Smith, Jackson Main, Corey Chaltas, Jesse Parkinson, Claudia McCormick, Michael Parke-Taylor, Randy Gilbert, Ariana Perez, Liz Park, Clayton Maddix, Leslie Elliott, Kayla Hillier, Dale Gago, Dov Beck, Mike Bax, Tyshon Williams, Gianni Santin, Mike Paris, Jenna Godin, Shannon Gray, Katelin Ezra, Misha Rosolak, Serena Golden, and everyone else who contributed fan memories and artifacts, thank you.
Big gratitude to all the talented poster artists who contributed their stories and masterpieces: Pat Hamou, Munk One, Dan Donwood, Kevin Tong, Miles Tsang, Lori Nelson, Doublenaut Design (Andrew and Matt), and C.J. deFreitas Wilson for your incredible word map.
Humble appreciation to the amazing artists who took the time to share their perspectives: Avril Lavigne, Rob Baker and Johnny Fay (The Tragically Hip), Leslie Feist, Brendan Canning, Russell Peters, Steven Page, Max Kerman, Adam Copeland, Dallas Green, Glenn Lewis, Trish Stratus, and Chantal Kreviazuk.
Personal thanks to Jeff Brandman, Adam Morris, Jon Pottins, Patrick Lopez, Jordan Applebaum, Lonnie Goldstein, Melysa Gorlicky, Kevin William Grant, Gordi Sabados, Jhoanna Ada, Tzvi Rosen, Andrea Bolley (6Mom), Daniel Kirsch, Ron Kaidar, Janelle Dabucol, Jordan Goodman, Jay Cohen, Gary Tate, Elana Tate, Leora and Bryan Reisler, and Jonathan, Jenny, and Abby Tate.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special Thanks:
Thank you to the vaunted and elite SETLIST NINJA GANG (Edward “Snackman” Mair, Scott Herkes, Mark Razmov, Mark Matusoff, Ryan McNairn, and Marc Winer). Your contributions took this book to a whole new level.
A special thank you to my friend Elliott Lefko whose guidance, support and words of encouragement provided me with the energy and motivation to do my best work.
Much appreciation to two people whose contributions were critical to the book: Richard Beland and Tom Pandi. Thank you for opening your photo archives and letting me share your amazing work. Your contributions were priceless, and your shots were timeless.
Thanks to book designer ARTXINDUSTRY's William Selander who seamlessly translated my creative vision onto paper, and whom I realized early on was the perfect man for the job. Your feedback, creativity, and ideas elevated the book greatly.
Lastly, an arena-sized thank you to Daniel Klein and Adam Armit of MLSE for sponsoring the project and thinking of The Flyer Vault. Your support and collaboration were instrumental to the success of the book.
See you at the next show!
-Daniel Tate
For almost six decades, the Postal Delivery Building at 40 Bay Street was the nerve centre of Toronto’s rapidly expanding mail system. By the late 1980s the building had outlived its usefulness, and for several years lay dormant. In the early 1990s, amid negotiations for a new expansion team, the site was acquired with plans to transform it into the future home of the newly established Toronto Raptors. Construction on a basketball-only arena commenced in early 1997.
At the same time, the Toronto Maple Leafs were outgrowing their arena, the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens, and were in search of a new home. For a period, there was talk of two separate arenas: one for hockey and one for basketball. After a lengthy negotiation process, the newly formed Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) took ownership of the building to create the city’s first multi-purpose sports and concert facility.
Although the design plans had to be changed to accommodate hockey after construction had commenced, the project stakeholders were able to complete the building on time. Through important work by agencies such as Heritage Toronto and Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects, the structure retained the spectacular south and east art deco facades of the original building. This blend of old and new makes Scotiabank Arena not only a world-class entertainment destination, but also a unique architectural gem of downtown Toronto. When the arena opened its doors on February 20, 1999, it marked the dawn of a new era for Toronto. It gave the city newfound confidence and optimism as it entered the new millennium.
1997 - 1999
In many cities, building an Air Canada Centre would have been conceived as a part of a larger attempt at urban renewal. In Toronto, however, it’s a sign that the city is alive, well, and still on course. It’s a win-win situation regardless of the outcome of the game.
-enRoute Magazine, 1999
We were making commitments in here, everything from the colour of the seats to chopping off rakers before we even owned the building. So you’re talking about things that required a whole pile of trust, a whole pile of relationship, a whole pile of commitment, that goes long past contractual stuff. Obviously that would have been impossible without the cooperation of everyone involved.
-Tom Anselmi Former VP, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
This project has been a great experience. Its success represents truly a team effort and team victory and a victory for each individual member of our team. Our success depended on the ability of our teammates to be able to rely on the other teammates and most importantly it was achieved by our field staff, our trademen, our foremen and our superintendents.
-Ian Stewart Construction Manager, PCL
CONSTRUCTION FACTS:
The amount of dirt excavated from the new Air Canada Centre site could fill 2,000 household pools
Total concrete poured was 27,128 cubic meters – enough to make a five-foot-wide sidewalk from the Air Canada Centre to Niagara Falls
2,000 tons of steel were used in construction - equivalent to 2,000 average sized cars
Ten kilometres of steel piping were installed for the ice rink alone
There was enough wire in the arena to stretch from P.E.I. to Vancouver
The construction of the Air Canada Centre took one million hours of labour to complete
Pictured, Leo DeJesus, March 1998
Built in 1939 the Postal Delivery building was among the first in Toronto to incorporate an international style combining elements of art modern and art deco. The building was also famed for a series of bas relief sculptures carved by late Toronto artist Louis Temporale Sr. Under an agreement with Heritage Toronto, the Raptors agreed to incorporate those walls into its Air Canada Centre design replete with the original Temporale sculptures, which depict the history of communication and transportation in Canada.
-Mitch Potter Toronto Star, May 13, 1997
We were contacted early on that morning and I couldn’t get our usual ten there so we had to make do with eight members. Bandworld got us because we have a big, high fidelity sound and in fact many sound checks, when the band isn’t present, are made playing Steely Dan because of their impeccable production. We’re also the first to play the concert rooms at Casino Rama and Casino Windsor for that same reason. We loved the tour of the dressing rooms and how everything in the Raptors room was on a big-man scale. You actually had to hoist yourself up to the toilet!
-Peter Mifsud vocalist, Pretzel Logic
The opening of the ACC was certainly a game changer for the Toronto concert venue landscape. It provided artists and event producers the opportunity to present shows in a stateof-the-art , fan-friendly arena. There have of course been so many great shows there over the years. Having had the opportunity to present numerous shows myself there over those years, U2, Madonna, Lady Gaga and many others has been a great experience in my hometown.
-Arthur Fogel President, Live Nation Global Touring
THE TRAGICALLY HIP
PHANTOM POWER TOUR
FEBRUARY 22 & 23, 1999
Being the first band to play at the ACC was a gigantic thrill and an honour. I was born a Leaf fan. It’s in my DNA. I had the flannel Leafs pyjamas and I’m told my first word was Keon, so to be playing in their new temple was mind-blowing. That first show there was a moment when we walked onstage and were completely drowned out by the crowd. They sounded like a jet engine taking off. We looked to each other with a sort of manic, panicked laughter as we couldn’t hear a note we were playing. It was only a few moments but it was both terrifying and thrilling. Watching, with everyone else in the building, as the spotlight hit Bill Barilko’s banner, while we played 50 Mission Cap was so intensely emotional. I got chills at the time and still do when I remember it.
-Rob Baker guitarist, The Tragically Hip
In 1999, the first concert that was going to be taking place at the (then) Air Canada Centre was the Tragically Hip. I was playing guitar in the opening band, By Divine Right, so by my count and by default, we became the ACTUAL first band to play there. I remember that night after our show, I had a shower in one of the hockey change rooms that was our dressing room, hearing the bass thumping through the cement walls and feeling so alone in a building so pressed full of joy and lights and drama. That feeling was also one of joy and left its mark.
-Leslie Feist guitarist, By Divine Right
The Tragically Hip with By Divine Right was the inaugural concert at ACC, Feb 22 & 23, 1999. The Hip were touring Phantom Power and BDR supporting Bless This Mess. Our then manager Skinny Tenn (RIP) thought it would be a good idea for the band to wear the pajamas that we wore in the Come for a Ride video. God bless Skinny, but this was a terrible idea as the jammies were ill-fitting, hideous and about as un-rocknroll as it gets but we obliged. By nights end I was looking around for my green Fender Precision bass backstage which was in a gig bag and not a proper case for some reason. Probably because I couldn’t afford an actual guitar case at the time. Turned out someone had helped themselves to my instrument and it was never seen again. Gord D assured me this matter would be taken care of which it eventually was and I bought myself a new bass with the insurance money, but it was terribly annoying at the time. Gord Sinclair kindly offered his MusicMan bass which was bittersweet as I really don’t like that instrument. On the way out of the building, myself and my now estranged older adopted brother Ted ran into Darryl Sittler in the hallway. That’s the only other mild point of interest. I’m sure I drank plenty of gin and tonics and visited the dessert table in catering at least twice that night. At the end of the tour I paid for my indulgences and passed kidney stones.
-Brendan Canning bassist, By Divine Right
xomissjillyxo Epic night. Just as epic as their NYE 1999 show to ting in the new millennium. Miss them so much - RIP Gord Downie
kevindougan I was there standing directly underneath the scoreboard with the Canada Flag on the bottom of it!
tylerguitarherro14 50 Mission Cap with the spotlight on Barilko was epic
mary_m_kelly Was there! The best!!!! Especially when you played 50 Mission cap and the entire arena exploded for the Leafs! will never forget it.
pardyanimal I was at that show. What a night. Still have an unworn concert shirt. With the comic book cover on the front and the tour dates on the back.
bassguytony I was at one of those shows. It was unreal energy! The band was on fire, and so was the crowd.
kimklipping I was there both nights. One in a box and the other in the stands. Was awesome.
almost_hip Night #2 was my first of around 50 Hip concerts. Good old stand in line at Sunrise Records days to get tickets.
nyhipfan My first show with my new girlfriend who eventually became my wife, was such a good memory.
As the band members navigated the backstage labyrinth, I stationed myself in the shadows, my camera ready to capture candid moments of camaraderie and intensity. In the days of film photography, a conscious decision had to be made between black & white and colour, and in this case, I felt as if the timeless allure of monochrome added an air of nostalgia to the scene. Minutes later, out in the photo pit, with the first chords of Phantom Power’s Something On, I clicked away, capturing the raw energy that defined The Tragically Hip.
-Richard Beland Photographer
STONES
FEBRUARY 25,1999
premadasa108 I believe my first gig there was The Rolling Stones on the No Security tour. It was an awesome way to christen a new venue! Rock! Peace, Love & Joy
SHANIA TWAIN
COME ON OVER TOUR MARCH 23,1999
I might be one of the very few people out there who can vividly remember a moment from when they were three, but my first ever concert was one of them. As a little girl born and raised in Toronto, I was like many who were in absolute awe with Shania Twain! My parents had a difficult time trying to get me to speak phrases that weren’t just lyrics to her songs, or listen to anything other than the Come On Over album (on repeat). Then in 1999, the news reported that there would be tickets to the Shania Twain concert at the Air Canada Centre, and my parents knew exactly what little girl had to be in attendance. Spending hours in line, the tickets were in hand. A few days before the concert, my parents and cousins scavenged the city for any cheetah print inspired outfit that had a similarity to the iconic ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ video. The outfit consisted of a cheetah print set, headband, pleather jacket and black combat boots. The most important accessory was my ear-to-ear grin from being the world’s happiest kid ready to see their idol take the stage.
I remember walking with my parents to our seats. Having never been to a concert, or even a building that big for that matter, there was contagious energy from the thousands of people cheering, clapping, and singing. As the concert began, she comes out walking towards the stage… and coincidentally enough in the exact outfit my parents had dressed me in. After a few songs, and a few rounds walking around the stage, she leaned in to shake my hand. A quick double take later, she too noticed the coincidence. She kept signaling to my dad whispering ‘bring her up!’ I remember being lifted onto the stage. Moments later I was hand in hand, strolling with my idol listening to my favourite songs in front of thousands. A core memory I know I’ll never forget!
-Katee Ezra, fan Toronto, ON
JAY-Z & DMX
HARD KNOCK LIFE TOUR
MARCH 10, 1999
The Hard Knock Life tour was more than just a star-studded package with the era’s hottest rappers. It broke new ground on what a successful arena rap tour could be. Damon Dash’s bold vision for a professional rap tour that would move with precision was met by many skeptics as a pipe dream. But he was a visionary and was able to package rappers from hip-hop’s three hottest camps (Roc-A-Fella, Wu-Tang, and Ruff Ryders) into a professional, issue-free tour. Not only did the tour gross a record $18 million at the time, but also smashed stereotypes that a large-scale arena hip-hop tour wasn’t viable.
On March 10, 1999, the 54-stop tour steamrolled into Toronto. With each performer having a Billboard charting single at the time, the tour featured some of the most prominent figures in hip-hop. Headlining was Jay-Z at the top of his game, fresh off the release of his classic Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, and DMX who had a prolific six months releasing It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, and Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood - both platinum-selling releases. They were joined on stage by Method Man & Redman, and DJ Clue. A hip-hop fan’s dream lineup.
With the energy of Meth and Red’s on-stage presence, and their hit Da Rockwilder - they were the perfect warm-up acts for the co-headliners. DMX was up next and did not disappoint. He burst onto the stage with his trademark growl and launched into his high-energy hits including Ruff Ryders Anthem, What’s My Name, and Party Up. His intense stage presence and raw lyrical delivery captivated the crowd, drawing praise as the tour’s most electrifying act.
Finally, it was time for Jay-Z to take the stage, and the anticipation in the arena was palpable. He opened with Hard Knock Life, the song that had given the tour its name. Jay then proceeded to perform many of his other hits, including Can I Get A..., Jigga What, Jigga Who, and Money Ain’t a Thang. And to show and prove that he knew exactly where he was at, he proudly rocked the Charles Oakley Raptors jersey #34. A night to remember for the more than 10,000 fans in attendance.
brzzzle I was at the show, it one of the greatest tour lineups of all time! So thankful I got to experience X in his prime. Truly one of a kind! #RIPDMX
mastermindlive I hosted/intro’d this concert...First time on that big a stage in front that many people...Had me shook and excited at the same time...Backstage taking a pic with everyone there (no Ja or Eve) and being told that it was quite an accomplishment because that was the first time (up to that point) that they were able to get everyone in ONE room for a picture. pauljassal30 This was my first concert I went to I was 13 and took the subway down with my cousin. Legendary concert #ripdmx
archvalenz I was at the show! I skipped school to buy tickets at Ticketmaster at the Sunrise in STC. Even though we didn’t have camera phones back then, I can vividly remember the show in my mind. The best hip-hop concert I’ve ever attended
DJ Clue? autographed ticket
THE TRAGICALLY HIP
DECEMBER 31, 1999 & JANUARY 01, 2000
I was there for the first concert when the ACC opened with The Tragically Hip, then the Y2K New Years. Everyone expected the world to end and nothing out-of-the ordinary happened then either! I was lucky to do the first of the 3 Hip shows on their last tour in 2016 and that was magic.
-Mark
Vreeken FOH Engineer, Toronto, ON
elememinist I was at that Jan 1 show. I’ll never forget the whole crowd singing Courage.
WCW MAYHEM NOVEMBER 21 ANDY LAU NOVEMBER 23 1999
BOSTON POPS DECEMBER 08 1999 MOIST, MATTHEW GOOD DECEMBER 17 1999
THE TRAGICALLY HIP DECEMBER 31 1999
THE TRAGICALLY HIP JANUARY 01
GORDON LIGHTFOOT, BACHMAN-CUMMINGS JANUARY 16
STEREOPHONICS, OUR LADY PEACE FEBRUARY 01 2000
CHER, LOU BEGA FEBRUARY 17
19 2000
TOM JONES MARCH 23
CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG MARCH 30
CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG MARCH 31
CHRIS DEBURGH APRIL 11
MARIAH CAREY APRIL 18
PLACIDO DOMINO APRIL 28
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN MAY 03
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN MAY 04
TINA TURNER, LIONEL RICHIE JUNE 04
KISS, TED NUGENT, SKID ROW JUNE 23
DIXIE CHICKS AUGUST 20
SARAH BRIGHTMAN SEPTEMBER 16 2000
BEN HARPER SEPTEMBER 21 2000
TINA TURNER, JOE COCKER SEPTEMBER 24
TINA TURNER, JOE COCKER SEPTEMBER 26
CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG
REUNION TOUR
MARCH 30 & 31, 2000
daryl.mann Was at this show. Burton Cummings was there checking out the stage and lights for the Guess Who reunion tour.
d_g_gal This was the first and only time I had seen CSNY. Didn’t know what to expect. Although I was a big fan I figured it’d be old guys just going through the motions. WRONG! This band was absolutely tight although Neil was a notch above. Also my first visit to the ACC, RIP David Crosby
mcphersoncomm Saw them twice at Air Canada Centre - first time still ranks as one of my top 5 showswith band playing for 3 hours. Also saw CSN open for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers at the same venue a few years later.
GOOGOOSH
JULY 29, 2000
There’s a Persian pop and folk singer named Faegheh Atashin, but to the world she is simply known as Googoosh. In the 1960s and ‘70s she was the most famous Iranian on the planet, and the pride of a nation. When the revolution occurred in 1979, her passport was confiscated by the new regime. As hundreds of thousands of her fellow citizens emigrated, Googoosh made the conscious decision to stay, but was prohibited from performing any of her songs live or risk imprisonment. Googoosh no longer appeared on TV, movies, or radio. She was silenced, banished from the stage, and disappeared from the public eye. For two decades the entire country now under a brutal theocracy wondered what had happened to their dear Googoosh.
In the year 2000, after twenty-one years, the moderate Khatami government returned her passport and allowed her to board a plane. The destination: Toronto, Canada where Googoosh, to the surprise of the entire Iranian people made a resounding comeback with a sold-out show at the Air Canada Centre.
The spirit of the Iranian nation was lifted as they saw their hero for the first time in two decades. This began a new chapter in her life – in exile from her homeland – travelling the world performing Persian standards for the diaspora who longed to return to the home they once knew. Googoosh made the impossible choice of trading her homeland for the stage. She knew she couldn’t return. This year is 2024, and after decades of performing, she says goodbye with her final tour. Googoosh represents the aspirations of an entire people, and a symbol of a better future for the Iranian nation.
AC/DC
STIFF UPPER LIP TOUR
AUGUST 10 & 11, 2000
Who knew seeing a grown man strip on stage would be one of my life’s greatest moments. I’ve seen a lot of things in my life but witnessing the power of the mighty AC/DC in person was awesome.
Growing up playing hockey in Canada, AC/DC’s Thunderstuck was the soundtrack to warm ups and in the dressing room. The simple beat and power cords and no bull attitude got you pumped up. AC/DC was the foundation of my music taste growing up and then I gravitated to punk rock. I went to punk shows in the city but never went to a big rock show. Then in high school AC/DC announced a show that they were coming to Toronto’s Air Canada Centre. Holy Shit - I have to be there.
I quickly recruited friends that wanted to go and then readied myself for the Ticketmaster battle. This was before internet sales, so we had to be there in person. Ticketmaster announced same day random draw for ticket sales, meaning that everyone in line would be given a number and then the number drawn would start at that number. Day of the ticket sales, me and my crew plus various group of friends that just wanted to cut class joined me outside Sunrise Records. We spread out in line and got numbers, and sure enough, my buddy ended up second in line. I then handed over a hat that seemed like a million dollars cash for six tickets ($600), but it was the most cash I have ever handled. I was then handed my golden ticket, row 8 on the floor! Unreal.
The concert couldn’t come soon enough. Day of the show the buzz was in the air. Slash’s snakepit opened with the mighty Slash from Guns N' Roses and Myles Kennedy just mere feet away from me. Then the lights went down and then the boys of AC/DC appeared. The roar from the crowd was unlike anything I have ever heard before at the ACC, not even for the Leafs or Raptors. Then the guitar riff from You Shook Me All Night Long kicked in and the party just erupted.
The entire night was just packed with hits, lights and theatrics. Angus was the possessed devil roaming the stage with his guitar and then during Bad Boy Boogie his guitar solo was one of most amazing things I have ever seen or heard. Angus then proceeded to strip down to his Canadian boxers saluting Toronto! You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. During Hells Bells, a giant AC/DC bell was lowered from the roof and lead singer Brian Johnston swung right over top of us. It all came to an end with For Those About to Rock, with cannons shooting off inside the ACC, shaking the ACC foundations and my soul. I haven’t seen or felt anything like it since. A perfect concert for the perfect time of my life by the best damn band. What a time.
-Dave McFarlane, fan Milton, ON
MARIAH CAREY
THE RAINBOW TOUR
APRIL 07, 2000 WITH CYPRESS HILL THE CONSPIRACY OF ONE TOUR
THE OFFSPRING
DECEMBER 05, 2000
PEARL JAM
BINAURAL TOUR
OCTOBER 05, 2000
May 11, 1999
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Alanis Morissette, Crash Test Dummies & Esthero
I got tickets through Core Audience for this show and went with a friend. I don’t think we saw the CTD’s set as we were more keen to see Alanis. Her album Jagged Little Pill had always been a staple in our rez house at U of T. This was her Junkie tour in support of her 4th album Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie. She would go on to play Woodstock ‘99 in July.
September 17, 1999
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Celine Dion & Cory Hart
I got tickets for my Mom and I to go see this show. It was rescheduled from April due to Rene Angelil’s cancer diagnosis. He was actually at this show way up in the stands, and she pointed him out via spotlight when she addressed the situation. She put on a really great show and even did a cover of Stayin’ Alive to which she did some Travolta moves. The Gibb brothers appeared on a big screen! She played a few more shows after this (including a second in Toronto the following night) and then took a 2 year hiatus from the biz to spend time with her husband & to start a family. I was SUPER excited that Corey Hart opened up the show! I never thought I’d see him live. He played all of his hits and when he pulled those infamous sunglasses out of his pocket everyone went nuts!
June 4, 2000
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Tina Turner & Lionel Richie
Yup you got that right! Attended this spectacular sold out performance with Mom! The Twenty Four Seven Tour was originally dubbed TT’s last stadium tour in support of said album but she would hit the road 8 years later for her Anniversary Tour. 24/7 is also said to be the highest grossing tour of 2000. Lionel Richie opened up the first leg of this 3 leg tour and he performed solo AND Commodores material including Brick House. We all danced on the ceiling! Actress Gloria Reuben sang backing vocals & danced for Tina & her set included a mix of OG songs & covers, one in particular was Prince’s Baby I’m a Star. The dancing, the legs...it’s all you’d expect from TT & more! I’m so happy that I was lucky enough to see this show with my Mom.
By Jenn Jett
Part One
June 23, 2000
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Kiss, Skid Row & Ted Nugent
Yup back to the Farewell Tour! I bought a single ticket for this one so I could get a decent seat. I managed to get close enough to get some shitty pictures with the disposable camera that I snuck into the show. Also close enough for Paul Stanley to actually notice me & try to throw me a pick (see said shitty pictures)! After several attempts and all the people in front of me grabbing them up (lucky for them), he finally asked one of their crew guys to walk over & hand me a pick. I was shocked! Freaking PAUL STANLEY!!! The crew guy handed it to me and I thanked him profusely. He walked away & I looked down at it only to see that it was actually and Ace Frehley pick. As disappointed as I was that it wasn’t of the Starchild, I was equally stoked that it was the Spaceman’s. Kiss opened their set with Detroit Rock City followed by all the classics. This was also around the time that Skid Row reunited with new singer Johnny Solinger. It was weird to see them sans Sebastian. Oh! And that Paul autograph on my ticket stub? I did not get that at this show but at a charity brunch that he hosted for the About Face Foundation of which he was an ambassador.
August 10, 2000
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
AC/DC & Slash’s Snakepit (Night #1)
This was the first of 2 nights in Toronto on AC/DC’s Stiff Upper Lip Tour and they played mostly classics from both the Bon & Brian eras to a sold out crowd after making an appearance at MuchMusic earlier in the day. My friends & I just went to the show and while we were there we spotted our pal that worked on the tour amongst the AC/DC crew and he told us to come back the next night. We were so excited!
August 11, 2000
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
AC/DC & Slash’s Snakepit (Night #2)
As previously mentioned my friends & I were invited to come back for a double dose of AC/DC the following night. Of course we couldn’t pass up the opportunity! This show wasn’t sold out as was the previous night. We picked up tickets at will call and discovered after show passes left for us too! Doubly stoked! As soon as SSP finished their set the crowd started chanting AC/DC, AC/DC in anticipation of them taking the stage. They were introduced by a radio contest winner & Angus came out with a familiar salute to the crowd & mayhem ensued. They played Safe in NY City which they hadn’t done the night before. After the show we waited to see what others with after show passes were doing. We saw our friend Chris again but he was busy at work breaking down the equipment. We were ushered back to the Maple Leaf lounge with a small group of
other people. Upon entering we saw Malcolm Young. The tiny little man that he was (RIP), but didn’t approach. We were just hanging out, trying to play it cool, when a group of fans armed with records and other memorabilia moved close to us. Suddenly I felt a nudge & a heavily accented voice ask would you mind holding this for me? I turned to see where this majestic accent came from and to my surprise it was Brian Johnson! Of course I held the records that he was holding out to me so that he could sign things for those waiting. Anything to help out Brian Johnson! He was polite & thanked me. I think I was either in shock or was trying to play like it was no big deal because I didn’t even walk away with an autograph or a photo myself. Something that I do regret. Ugh! I blew my chance but I will never forget that moment in time.
November 27, 2000
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Bon Jovi & Less Than Jake
The Crush Tour that was named after their seventh studio album which was released earlier that year. It was their first after a four year hiatus & it earned them two Grammy nominations & a VH1 video award. Flashback to when Slippery When Wet came out in 1986 and I heard Bad Medicine (along with GnR’s Welcome to the Jungle) on the radio for the first time my musical taste took a sharp turn from pop artists like Michael Jackson, Wham & Cindy Lauper right into the world of Rock & Metal where I discovered bands like AC/DC, Metallica and Poison (just to name a few). What were these strange & exciting heavier guitar sounds all about? 12 year-old me wanted to know more and I dove down that rabbit hole head first! I never saw Bon Jovi back then so 26 year-old me wanted to check them out. Their music had certainly shifted to a lighter sound to my ears but I went anyway. Jon Bon Jovi had cut his hair & Richie Sambora was still in the band. Two things I took away from this show were 1. Cougars LOVE Bon Jovi. And 2. Bon Jovi loves to play encores...they did 3 closing the show with an acoustic version of Never Say Goodbye.
Paul Stanley autographed ticket
December 5, 2000
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
The Offspring, Cypress Hill & MXPX
The Conspiracy of One Tour
The Offspring’s 6th studio album of the same name was released earlier in November of that year. I don’t believe that we actually saw them play at this show though because my friend & I and I opted to hang out with Cypress Hill in their room backstage (one of the ACC locker rooms). I have to say that this experience was way better than when I first met them in the 90’s. Sen Dog has to be one of the nicest humans. He had started up his clothing line Latin Thug Wear and gave each of us his cards.
May 25, 2001
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
U2 & PJ Harvey
The Elevation Tour in support of U2’s 10th studio album All That You Can’t Leave Behind. This was the second of 2 back to back shows in Toronto. I’m surprised that I didn’t go to both actually considering I roomed with a U2 fanatic & fellow concert goer. After the spectacle that was the Pop Mart Tour, U2 stripped down their stage show and this one featured the heart shaped catwalk that Bono strutted about on. My friend did her traditional hopping of the barrier to get an up close look right when he pulled a female audience member up onto the catwalk and came back to report that she wasn’t even very pretty haha! This tour was the highest grossing tour that year.
August 2, 2001
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Janet Jackson & 112, All For You tour
The first concert I ever went to was Michael Jackson & the Jackson Five (Victory Tour) when I was 9 years-old. Naturally I became a fan of Janet’s too so I am thankful that I got to see this show, bondage & all, with a good friend. Earlier in the day she made an appearance at MuchMusic that I was able to attend thanks to a friend.
September 18, 2001
@ Air Canada Centre
Tool & Meshuggah, The Lateralus Tour
I had seen Tool before and was pleasantly surprised that Maynard was much more animated & didn’t have his back to the audience for the entire performance this time out!
October 5, 2001
@ The Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Jane’s Addiction, The Dears & Live
The Jubilee Tour
This was Jane’s Addiction's second kick at the reunion angle, minus Eric Avery who was replaced by Martyn LeNoble of Porno for Pyros fame. At least they kept it in the family.
November 29, 2002
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Guns N Roses, Cky & Mix Master Mike The Chinese Democracy Tour
I had seen GnR way back in the days of the CNE Grandstand in 1992 (with Metallica & Faith No More) so it was great to see them again even though the band’s line up had changed somewhat. Axl was the only original member at that point. He came on stage wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey which was of course met with screaming acceptance from the audience. Axl had enlisted Buckethead to play guitar on this tour which was entertaining, nunchucks included.
ROXY MUSIC
SADE LOVERS ROCK TOUR
AUGUST
08, 2001
joelcarriere I remember this show so vividly. I remember how much I loved the subtle and tasteful production. Funny story is later on in life I co-managed a band called you + me with Sade’s manager. Sade heard their cover of No Ordinary Love and let the band know she loved it. It was a really cool moment.
avril_ewing_officiant I had front row seats….incredible show! India Arie opened and it was pure magic!
lumber_dog We were there…India Arie opened with a low volume opening set and killed it as well. So musical. Sade were awesome.
michelle.jobin I was there! She was amazing.
karen5keller I saw this show. It was beautiful and transcendent. Sade is such a goddess.
ilango I was there! Way up in the nosebleeds, but I was there
BACKSTREET BOYS
BLACK & BLUE TOUR
SEPTEMBER 12, 13 & 14, 2001
September 12, 2001, will go down as one of the most somber moments in the history of the arena. In the midst of their ‘Black and Blue’ tour the Backstreet Boys had played Boston on September 10th when the band and tour began making their way up to Toronto for a three-night stand. By September 11th, Nick, A.J., and Howie had arrived in the city ahead of their bandmates and crew. That morning, Brian Littrell’s wife Leighanne was slated to fly on Flight 11 from Boston to L.A., but in a moment of serendipitous intuition cancelled her flight. However, in a truly heartbreaking twist of fate, the band’s head carpenter Daniel Lee boarded the same flight to be with his wife who was in labour. He never made it home. Somehow Brian and Kevin were able to make it to Toronto in time for the opening show the following night.
The band decided that the show must go on, and led fans in a moment of silence paying respect to their departed comrade and all the victims of 9/11. In one of the great all-time moments for a Toronto concert crowd, not a single person in the 10,000+ audience made a sound during that moment. Fifty cents from every ticket that night was donated to the Red Cross, with promoter SFX matching the donation. A truly poignant moment in the history of the band and the building. Rest in peace, Daniel Lee.
TOOL LATERALUS TOUR
SEPTEMBER 18, 2001
Tool were playing a show on September 18, 2001, yes that’s right - one week after 9/11. There was a lot of uncertainty whether the show would go on but we didn’t get any cancellation news so my group of friends and I caught the GO bus from Brampton downtown and spent the afternoon smoking up around the city. I was in grade 10 so about 15-16 years old. The city had an eerily empty sense of dread and paranoia about it and we were all hesitant to take our allocation of 2.5 grams of mushrooms, but did anyways. Man the show rolled out in a haze. The crowd was clearly hesitant but there was something fitful and cathartic about it. They did this one long ass 20 minute version of Pushit, my fav Tool tune. They had their acrobats out going up and down on ropes and we were all just hypnotized from the visuals. Pulling on the heaviness of what we were all experiencing Maynard spoke a soft short line as the tune finished up - ‘take what you just felt and use it to heal the world’. Man. It shaped who I am today. Anyways kind of an anticlimactic story lol but it was formative and the first time I really felt and understood art as a universal connection to suffering and healing.
-Andrew Manson, fan Toronto, ON
One highlight was, just after 9/11 , we played the Music Without Borders show for Warchild and the Red Cross, and we decided to close the evening with Neil Young’s Keep On Rocking In the Free World. We invited Bruce Cockburn to play with us, so we set him up with one of my Teles and plugged him into my second amp. I got to stand back and chug support while Cockburn ripped off a couple of face-melting solos. What a treat!
-Rob Baker guitarist, The Tragically Hip
MUSIC WITHOUT BORDERS
9/11 BENEFIT CONCERT
OCTOBER 21, 2001
I grew up going to concerts at Maple Leaf Gardens (my first being Queen with Billy Squier in 1982), and I never got to play there, which always felt like a blow to my adolescent Rock fantasies. But, I was lucky enough to be at the peak of my career right as the ACC opened, and Toronto was finally home to a state-ofthe-art concert and sports venue. I got to play the ACC/Scotiabank Arena several times: headlining with Barenaked Ladies in 2000, 2004 and 2007, and also back in 2001, when we played at the Music Without Borders benefit concert, right after 9/11. Along with The Tragically Hip, Alanis Morissette, Our Lady Peace and Choclair, Bruce Cockburn played a solo set and invited me to join him for a duet version of Lovers In A Dangerous Time, a song of Bruce’s that had been a hit for both of us. It was my first time performing with him, and it was a thrill I’ll never forget.
-Steven Page singer-songwriter
In 2001, newly stricken with panic and sadness by September 11th, the company for which I was a Marketing Manager quickly mobilized to do something.
Core Audience was a small, scrappy and nimble newcomer to the concert promoter scene, whose leadership team and employees made up for it in years of experience (except for me who was keen and green!) and grit. The best part about working at Core Audience in those early days was there never seemed to be a shortage of ideas or passion. In response to this world changing event, and with many hands on deck, Canada’s top talent quickly assembled to perform at the Air Canada Centre, raising funds to beneft United Nations agencies and refugees. I don’t remember the exact timeline, but it was a very quick turnaround. Calls were made, meetings were had and before you know it on October 21st, 2001, Alanis Morissette, The Tragically Hip, Our Lady Peace, Bruce Cockburn, the Barenaked Ladies, and Choclair put on a show that those who attended will never forget.
My favourite band was (and still is!) The Tragically Hip, an iconic Canadian group that I had written my university thesis about. Somewhere in the excitement of the night, my boss, Steve Herman, told Jake Gold, The Tragically Hip’s manager, just how much they meant to me. As the fnale to the show, the artists had congregated on stage to perform Neil Young’s legendary, Keep On Rockin’ In The Free World. It was fantastic.
After the show, high on emotion, Jake took me to the band’s dressing room where they each greeted me with a handshake and thanks for helping to execute the show. Touched by genuine gratitude and exhaustion, I remember choking back tears. Gord Downie, with his soft-spoken voice, then presented me with a song sheet he had provided all the artists; his hand written lyrics to ‘Keep On Rockin’ In The Free World’. The band had all signed it, but the signature that struck me most and a gesture that I will always treasure, read ‘Sweet Melissa, thank you dearly, Gord Downie.’
-Melissa Bubb-Clarke Senior Vice President, Music & Live Events
Maple
Leaf Sports & Entertainment
NOVEMBER 05
DREAM WITHIN A DREAM TOUR
COLDPLAY A
RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD TOUR
SEPTEMBER 21, 2002
Nick_e_jeffery Great show. Sears theatre, green eyes came on and rushed down from my seats and made it to front row centre on the floor. @ash_1977 were amazing too, #ohyeah
Jennifermjuniper I was there! Amazing show!! I believe they had part of the ACC blocked off so it wasn’t the huge stadium crowd
monkeygonetokevin I was at this show, mainly because I was a huge @ ash_1977 fan, and they hadn’t played Toronto since 1996. I lost my shit during their set. It was one of those weird cut the ACC in half’ shows. I vaguely remember Coldplay being good, but having seen them before at the Warehouse, it was weird seeing them in that venue.
THE STROKES
IS THIS IT TOUR
OCTOBER 09, 2002
shitshow_shannon Does the Sears theater count? I saw The Strokes there in October 2002. I just met Julian and Albert at the Edge studios (on Yonge St) and then ran to the ACC and stood in line for hours and ended up getting front row. I still have pictures somewhere. Sloan and Har Mar Superstar opened up. They played on October 9th 2002 and played a bunch of songs from Room on Fire which wasn’t released until a year later. It was a great show.
STONES
AVRIL LAVIGNE
TRY TO SHUT ME UP TOUR
APRIL 09, 2003
I have so many great memories from Scotiabank Arena. It’s my home show arena so I always have so many family and friends show up for me that it becomes a very memorable experience every time. I played here on my Best Damn Thing tour and the Blackstar Tour, and I can’t wait to return for the Greatest Hits! Hearing all my fans sing Girlfriend and Complicated always takes me back and I love the nostalgia and comfort that Toronto continues to serve. Thank you to Scotiabank Arena and Toronto for always bringing it!
-Avril Lavigne singer-songwriter
OZZY OSBOURNE
JUNE
11, 2003
420vapeologist Ozzy Osbourne when he was was the first artist to return to Toronto after Sars and played a 3hr set.
I was feeling sick on the day of the Ozzy concert, but I had to still go to the show, it’s Ozzy! My sister and I had GA floors, and got as close to the front as we could. Finger Eleven went on first and seemed to play a really short set. That’s when we heard word spreading that Ozzy was planning on breaking his record for the longest show he’s ever played. I don’t know if that’s true, but that’s what people were saying. Voivod was next, and then Ozzy. The show was amazing, over 3 hours long. It’s the encore, Paranoid, and that’s when I started to see stars. I thought this is the last song, I can make it, but of course they extended the song with crowd participation, guitar solos, and that’s when I was like I can’t do it, we made our way to the side of the floor. Right then I collapsed. I woke up up on a stretcher beside the stage. Two paramedics were yelling at me what did you take today, what are you on?, I’m just not feeling well today, I didn’t take anything. I said. They gave me some water and I slowly started feeling normal again. The show just ended and Jason Newstead of Metallica who was playing bass for both Ozzy and Voivod saw me on the stretcher so he grabbed a handful of his bass picks and gave them to me. The takeaway message of that story is that I was 21 and a frail, old Ozzy Osbourne outlasted me.
-Mark Matusoff, fan Toronto, ON
CHRISTINA AGUILERA
JULY 31 2003
JOHN MAYER
HEAVIER THINGS TOUR
NOVEMBER 05, 2003
DAVID BOWIE
A REALITY TOUR
APRIL 01, 2004
I met my future wife in August 2003 and was instantly enamoured with her and could commit to any adventure that would come our way. That first adventure would be a David Bowie concert scheduled for December 12th 2003. With our hourly retail wages we saved our pennies and booked a flight from Halifax to Toronto. We arrived the day before the show only to learn David Bowie was ill and would have to reschedule till April 1st. Of course we would continue to soldier on to scrimp, save and grow closer all in the name of the greatest show we would ever experience. We have since moved to Ontario and made Scotiabank Arena a second home.
-Darryl Mosher, fan Halifax, NS
MADONNA THE RE-INVENTION TOUR
JULY 18, 19 & 21, 2004
In 2004, Madonna played the Air Canada Centre. And so, I made a bet with a certain ticket person who shall remain nameless. The bet was that she would sell-out all three shows before noon on the day of the on sale. At the time, I was a Raptors season ticket holder, and if you remember, they used to have these amazing prime rib sandwiches. So, I bet the ticket person that if Madonna sold-out all the shows before noon, he would have to buy sandwiches for the entire row at the next game and personally deliver them in a chef’s hat. Well, the shows sold out in an hour. That was a great night, haha.
-Gerry Barad Executive Vice President, Live Nation Global Touring
timleyes Was there front row. I was encouraged to join the New Power Revolution ( I think it was called that) and then have the pre sale code. Logged in right away on was granted tickets …. but I did not know where. And you only got your tickets from the box office day of show like 6 months later. It helped curb scalping. When I got them Row A sounded pretty good. Sure was. An amazing night! Was lucky to see him 4 times.
green_tea_ice_creem Great show! I remember him saying you don’t even know how many hits I have!
local_t I was at this show. It was literally a 3+ hour jam session. They wheeled Prince inside a wardrobe trunk through the crowd. The wardrobe trunk bumped into me on its way to the stage.
msvalerieslife I’ll never forget Prince playing solo acoustic Little Red Corvette at this show. It was my fave Prince performance ever. Still makes me shiver thinking of it.
rikmaclean It was an awesome show. He played a cover of Whoel Lotta Love and he ordered pizza to give to the audience. He opened with Musicology from the new album at the time, and then he played Let’s Go Crazy and a suite of songs from Purple Rain, and even after all that the set just kept getting better and better!
premadasa108 I was there, he gave us all a copy of his new record for buying a ticket to the show. It was a very classy move and I believe the first of its kind at the time. Needless to say, it was an awesome show!
jessemarkowitz Was there, in addition to the Much More Music interview and performance earlier that day and the show the night before. Sacred days of my life.
feliobrien YES!! He ordered pizza pizza and everyone passed around the boxes! I loved his light up heels and going from the drums to guitar to piano like nothing. Epic concert.
BEASTIE BOYS
PAGEANT TOUR
NOVEMBER 08, 2004
I’m not a big venue person but the Beasties put on a spectacular show. They played everything. They started with a set of material and then Mix Master Mike did a short DJ set. Mike was on top of a huge platform which then spun around to reveal a smaller stage and the Beasties played an instrumental set in powder blue prom suits with Money Mark. Then they came back out for a 2nd set of hits and then disappeared only to reappear at the soundboard in the middle of the crowd to do Intergalactic. They encored with Sabotage and everyone went nuts. It was an incredible show. Talib opened and the Beasties invited Jenn Hollet from Much Music to breakdance with her crew. After the show my best friend Hugh and I had so much adrenaline, we hit Speakers Corner to yell drunkenly into the camera about the Beasties. Fantastic night.
-Jackson Main, fan Toronto, ON
artjamesmottola Front row. Shook MCA’s hand. Later crossed the border to see ‘Awesome I F–kin’ Shot That’ in theatres. Then got it on dvd at HMV on Yonge with a free t-shirt. Best tour. Top of their game. Just sayin’. Bye.
peavey_h I was there. It was the first of many concerts my new girlfriend and I went to together. We are still together, thanks in part to this amazing concert!
olmugsy The only time I saw them. Glad I got the chance. What a show. #RIPMCA
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaxonmain One of the best shows I’ve ever seen. They played everything and did an instrumental interlude. If you want to see what it was like watch Awesome I Fukin’ Shot That doc, very similar show on the same tour.
June 11, 2003
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Ozzy Osbourne, Finger 11 & Voivod
Despite the fact that SARS was in Toronto & other bands had canceled their shows because of this, Ozzy decided We’re going to show all these fucking pussies what a rock-and-roll band it all about and play the show anyway. Although he chose to stay in Ottawa where his show was taking place the following night.
By Jenn Jett
July 27, 2004
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Prince, The Musicology Tour
This was the first of 2 nights that Prince played at the ACC on the third leg of this tour. I was lucky to see Prince at Massey Hall in 2002 (and I scored a sweet Prince guitar pick thrown from stage). Prince never puts on a bad show.....ever.
Part Two
U2 & Dashboard Confessional The Vertigo Tour
This was the second of 4 sold-out shows in Toronto that kicked off the third leg of this tour. U2 went with a more stripped down stage show again this time but included an ellipse-shaped catwalk this time that circled around some of the audience. Before the show my friend/ roommate/super U2 fan were waiting outside to get into the venue along with a very long line of other concert goers, when suddenly a van pulled out and a guy in a beanie style hat jumped out. It was The Edge! He actually spent some time greeting fans & signing some autographs so I got him to sign my ticket! This seems to be something that U2 liked to do as we also met Bono once in Buffalo NY in a similar fashion.
U2 VERTIGO TOUR
SEPTEMBER
12,14,16,17, 2005
nwontario I was at night four. I was in the midst of seeing Pearl Jam seven times in eleven days, so it made all sorts of sense that Eddie Vedder would show up!
premadasa108 I was at both shows and remember Daniel Lanois joining them on stage! It sounded fantastic!
john_carere Went. Eddie Vedder showed up at a U2 show and then Bono showed up at the PJ show.
momo_photo66 My uncle told my dad if you can get to Toronto by 8pm I have a U2 ticket for you. My dad drove his grandmother and parents all the way from Thunder Bay to Toronto and made it just in time.
melpeyts I was at September 17. The first and only time I’ve seen U2; they were one of my favorites for many years. My dad got me the tickets through a connection because I was so stressed they’d sell out and I wouldn’t be able to get any. Dashboard Confessional opened.
dismantling2016 Four sold out U2 shows in 2005. Bono rolled down his window to say hi to the fans waiting in line. And got stuck in traffic on Bay Street. lol. Mayhem ensued. lol
TWISTED LOGIC TOUR
PAUL MCCARTNEY
OCTOBER
10, 2005
Seeing Sir Paul McCartney at 11 yrs old on Canadian Thanksgiving in ‘05 & sitting literally behind the stage looking at the back of his head all night and still being probably the best show I’ve been to in my entire life. Also it was the first time I cried because of music (during Hey Jude). Also my dad saw The Beatles when he was 11 yrs old at Maple Leaf Gardens, so it was a full circle moment.
-Katie Tymochenko, fan Toronto, ON
OASIS WITH ARCTIC MONKEYS
DON’T BELIEVE THE TRUTH TOUR
mike_p_raine I was there. Great show by Oasis though not the Arctics best. It is the only time they ever played together though. Both bands just happened to be in Toronto at the same time so Oasis invited them to join for the gig. AM were clearly uncomfortable in that environment - think it was their first time playing in an arena. They were amazing at the Kool Haus on that tour though. Side note, AM’s first Toronto gig was Lee’s Palace the prior year.
charysimp We were there! This was British Invasion Week! We also saw Coldplay with Richard Ashcroft perform!!!
tunesiding Was there! Was the moment I realized how much I loved Oasis.
PEARL JAM
AVOCADO TOUR
MAY 09 & 10, 2006
The Avocado/Pearl Jam tour launch in May 2006, they delivered the goods for sure, there was extra excitement as they had fnally played Letterman/SNL again for the frst time in years. Night 1 was great, but night 2 completly blew it away. The band was clickin, the crowd was super amped up and into it, deep cuts, new songs, the hits, all bases were covered. Then suddenly, during the ultimate closer, Yellow Ledbetter outro, lights up, crowd on its feet, no one wanting it to end; Mike McCready breaks into beast of burden with the crowd takin over the vocals! Eddie sings a few bars and the crowd roars its approval. One of my favourite concert memories.
-Clayton Maddix, fan Hunter River, P.E.I.
A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH TOUR
BOB DYLAN WITH
FOO FIGHTERS
NOVEMBER 07, 2006
the_zinman I was at this show! Foo Fighters were fantastic and in classic Dylan fashion he changed the tempo classic songs, some were unrecognizable
sean.scott185 I liked Dylan’s shout out to Ronnie Hawkins and the Band during the show
illifero I was there! Bob said a few nice words about close friends from Toronto… The Foo’s were fantastic w/ Dave’s mom in the audience. Fun night!
ENDLESS WIRE TOUR
BEYOND THE MAT
1999-2009
BY JUSTIN RODRIGUES
MAPLE LEAF SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
When it comes to the legacy of professional wrestling in North America, few cities can rival the rich history of Toronto, Canada. Wrestling roots in Toronto date back to the 1930s, and over the decades, the sport's popularity in the city only grew. Maple Leaf Gardens became the herding ground for fans, who eagerly awaited the appearances of legends like the Iron Sheik, Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes, regulars of the Maple Leaf Wrestling federation. The pinnacle of wrestling fever in Toronto arrived in 1986 when the newly established WWF drew over 70,000 fans to Exhibition Stadium for The Big Event, featuring the main event between defending champion Hulk Hogan and Paul Orndorff. Fast forward a few decades, and Toronto's love for pro wrestling led to the city hosting not one but two WrestleManias at what was then called the Skydome. The iconic match between The Rock and Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 18 in Toronto remains one of the greatest in the event's 40-year history. An impressive fact still stands: Toronto remains the sole city outside the United States to host a WrestleMania. The unmatched passion of Toronto fans for the wrestling business found a home with the opening of the Air Canada Centre in 1999, solidifying the city as one of the sport's great meccas worldwide.
jpower38 Raw after the invasion (2001) me and a buddy met RVD outside the ACC just hanging, listening to music. Spotted us in our ECW shirts and let us past security to come say hi. Been to Raw and Smackdown, watched someone almost fall through JBL’s limo at summerslam when he jumped the rail, forbidden dorm nxt takeover with that tag team match of the year. Great venue for wrestling. They ran a NJPW meet and greet before Collision and got to meet all my faves from Japan.
I remember being home with a broken ankle in 2001 when WWE frst debuted at the ACC and being so bummed that I couldn’t be a part of it. But, the next time WWE was at the ACC was May 13, 2002 for Raw and I competed in a winner get all the belts type stipulation match where both the WWE Hardcore Championship and the WWE Women’s Championship were on the line. I won the match with my partner and I became the Women’s Champion for the second time and I got to do this in front of my family which made it that much more special.
-Trish Stratus WWE Hall of Famer
gdizzy44 I was at the Raw show early 2000’s…….I’ll never forget The Cashman, Oliver Jeweller running around and handing out hundred dollar bills to the audience. Needless to say I watched him get pummeled in the process. A stunt gone bad
caffeinatedbychoice WCW pay per view, probably somewhere around 2002. We’re on the floor like two rows back from Bret Hart’s family (he got the title that night). David Flair is fighting someone and it spills outside the ring. Everyone stands up and I’m partway in the aisle. Some a-hole bumps into me hard and I turn around to give them shit. That’s when I see it was Flair.
jadams3131 I’ve seen many great moments in that building. WCW’s debut in ‘99, Orton beating Benoit at SS, Edge and Cena from Unforgiven and NXT Takeover, DIY vs FTR 2 out of 3 falls. Still the greatest match I’ve ever seen live.
WWE SUMMERSLAM
AUGUST 14, 2004
When delving into the rich history of wrestling at Scotiabank Arena, one cannot overlook the significance of the major PPV events held in this iconic venue. In 2004, SummerSlam marked the arena's debut as a host for major wrestling PPVs, with the main event etching itself into history as future Hall of Famer Randy Orton clinched his first of fourteen world titles, becoming the youngest world champion in professional wrestling at that time.
navirankin My first event was Summer Slam 2004. I remember
walked by
WWE UNFORGIVEN
SEPTEMBER 17, 2006
Fast forward to September 2006, WWE presented the PPV, Unforgiven, a pivotal moment for two beloved hometown wrestling heroes. Trish Stratus bid farewell to her full-time WWE career by defeating Lita and securing her recordsetting 7th Women’s Championship. Meanwhile, in the main event, John Cena and hometown hero Edge, continued their storied rivalry in a legendary Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match, culminating in Cena reclaiming his World Title.
My retirement match took place in 2006 at a pay-per-view called Unforgiven at the Air Canada Centre and boy, was it a bittersweet ending. Although I was closing the book on a successful career and moving on to enjoy the fruits of my labour so to speak, with travel booked and days flled with R&R ahead of me. I was also leaving the business that I loved and had given my body to for the last 7 years and leaving my wrestling family, whom I was on the road with for sometimes up to 300 days of the year. However, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting to sail of into the sunset. For my fnal match, I was competing for the the WWE Women’s Championship at the ACC, in my hometown of Toronto, in front of my hometown crowd with family and friends in attendance, against my career long nemesis and best friend.
My opponent and bestie put on a spectacle of a match, a journey that was made even more remarkable by the fully invested crowd who ooo’d and aww’d every step of the way. The match culminated to me locking on the ‘Sharpshooter’, paying homage to Canadian Superstar Bret Hitman Hart, and the Canadian crowed erupted! Lita submitted and I won my retirement match and made history by becoming the only 7-time Women’s Champion. It’s what some have called a Fairy-Tale ending, and I would concur, and add - that dreams really do come true.
-Trish Stratus WWE Hall of Famer
There is nothing like wrestling at home. The hometown love is palpable. The pop of the crowd is just a little louder, a little more excited, a little more sweet. Not to mention the chance to perform in front of your family, your friends, perhaps (unbeknownst to you) even old colleagues or schoolmates! So very special.
-Trish Stratus WWE Hall of Famer
My ties to the ACC/Scotiabank Arena run deep. I was born and raised in Orangeville then moved to the Big City for college. Hence, it’s always been my hometown arena. Add to that the fact that I bleed the blue and white, and it makes coming home extra special. Every time I perform there I take a moment during the day to soak in the history of the franchise. The Stanley Cup banners. The retired numbers. Clarke. Sittler. Salming. Kennedy. Keon. Armstrong. Bailey. It’s never lost on me how amazing it is to perform in the same arena as The Leafs.
-Adam Copeland (Edge) WWE Hall of Famer
matthewkelly_ Edge Vs Cena 06 was my first event at 10 years old. I was the only one in my class that hated Cena and it was so refreshing to see the ACC boo the hell out of him and go ballistic for Edge. Cena broke my young heart that day when he threw Edge through two tables stacked on top of each other, and I became a wrestling fan for life
_brendanmolloy Unforgiven 2006, Edge/Cena TLC was insane. Crowd was electric. I saw The Rock wrestle there on RAW in 2001, and when Goldberg squashed Brock at Survivor Series in 2016.
theslickestrick Unforgiven ‘06 was amazing to attend live. RAW before SummerSlam (Austin vs. Angle) feud, Smackdown before Taker/Brock Hell in a Cell, Smackdown with Benoit vs. Orton main event (SummerSlam rematch) and WCW Mayhem PPV (tournament for the heavyweight championship) with Bret winning on home soil.
NELLY FURTADO
GET LOOSE TOUR
APRIL 04, 2007
MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE
THE BLACK PARADE WORLD TOUR
MAY 11, 2007
My brother Cameron and I have always been big music fans; live shows especially. Our Mom took us to our first concert, and although we had the time of our lives, my Mom is fairly certain that is when her hair started turning grey. Fast forward to 2007. My Chemical Romance were touring their newest release The Black Parade. The album felt like a rock opera. Which I think is also the reason my Mom loved that album. I guess the trauma from that first show had finally worn off and she was excited to attend this one with her boys.
We arrive at the Air Canada Centre where my Mom’s beloved Toronto Maple Leafs play their home games. All of us had tickets for a general admission floor. We weren’t planing on sticking together the whole concert so the natural choice for the meeting spot would be the mixer at the end of the night. The house lights cut out and the pulsing of what sounds like a heart monitor starts beeping. The red and white strobe lights engulf what looks to be a hospital gurney, complete with an I.V. drip at its bedside. This really was a rock opera. Complete with costumes, lighting and a simple yet very effective opening that was just right in my opinion.
As the band wraps up the set, Bob Bryer (their drummer at the time) chucks his his drumsticks in to the crowd. One goes stage right and totally out of my range. Second one flies out in to the air right at me. And I caught it! I was so stoked I hurried back to the mixer. Now I honestly should not have been surprised at what happened next. Cameron strolls back to the mixer and shows us he caught the other stage used stick that flew way over to stage right! Unreal show and an unbelievable experience I’ll never forget.
-Ryan McNairn, fan London, ON
RUSSELL PETERS
JUNE 18 & 19, 2007
I remember being backstage, when the lights went down in the arena, and I heard 16,000 people just screaming, and I started getting really emotional because I’m like “holy shit” that’s just for me. That’s my hometown screaming for me. It was very emotional. My chin started quivering, I was like fuck, fuck I’m going to cry. And I don’t want to cry before I go on stage –this is a comedy show.
Lennox Lewis introduced me on that first show and when I walked on stage the entire arena stood up and they cheered even more. My chin started quivering again, and I’m like fuck, “I’m going to cry.” But thank goodness I didn’t. It was overwhelming. I felt gratitude, shock, and straight up emotion. I was very verklempt.
And then I did my show. I got a standing ovation at the end and came out and did an encore with my “Somebody’s Gonna Get a Hurt Real Bad” bit. That’s back in the time I used to do encores.
The second night I had my mom come introduce me. My mom walked out on stage in front of 16,000 people and introduced me. Mom was real cool. She walked out there like it was nothing. I was just as emotional as the first night, but this time I was thinking about my dad not being there. He had died three years prior, so he just missed it. But it still felt like he was there. The main thing about both of those shows in front of my home town crowd, was like this “We made it” moment – all of us. Everyone who had ever seen me at Yuk Yuk’s or performing in a club or grew up in this city.
Two years later we did two nights again. It was great again. It was even better as I was more relaxed. I had done some arenas now, I’m like “alright” we’re doing it again. I was figuring this will be the last time, nobody’s gonna want to come see you again. And then we did it again a couple years later. And then we did it again a couple years later. This is amazing.
My fucking city. You know I grew up and dealt with a lot of racism, so for me to be accepted openly and largely like that was a big deal for me. And to see that the audience was completely mixed, and it wasn’t just people from India or Indian backgrounds. Everybody was there, it was truly amazing to see. You had young to old, and every colour in between – it was Toronto, Brampton, Scarborough, Mississauga. And I picked on them all and they were there for it.
Playing in Toronto hits different. It’s home. You know intricacies about this city that nobody else knows because it’s your city. Unless you’re from there you don’t know these details, so you can go deeper when you’re at home.
-Russell Peters comedian, Brampton, ON
VAN HALEN
REUNION TOUR
JULY 03, 2007
The year is 2007. A friend calls out of the blue. I have an extra ticket to Van Halen. Would you like to come? Of course, I said I would never give up a chance to see a concert. At the time I had just started chatting with a guy online. We chatted about our love for music a lot. Especially about concerts we had seen at the ACC/ Scotiabank Arena. As I was listening to the amazing music that night, I spotted a guy who worked there. I could not keep my eyes off him. He just had the most beautiful energy. He worked there but was truly enjoying his job. A month later I met him in person. We started talking about our love for music and I mentioned I had been to the Van Halen concert. We exchanged details and I realized it was him working at the concert. What are the odds out of almost 20,000 people I would see him there. This is such an amazing memory. To this day he is still the most special person in my life.
-Angela Spagnuolo, fan Toronto, ON
inertia_noel I was there, amazing night! I had never seen them in Roth (or at all as I only liked Roth VH) passed regret- tably on the 1984 tour so I was happy I could see Diamond Dave with Alex and Addie (and Wolfgang)
peavey_h I was there and have the ticket stub to prove it! Cost $100 to witness history. EVH forever!
THE POLICE REUNION TOUR
JULY 22 & 23, 2007
mcvalerieslife I was there with my mom. My mentor teacher in teachers college was a huge Police fan and from the moment they announced the show we were planning our ticket purchasing. It was such a good time and such a good crowd.
konseketa Ron MacLean was in our section at the first of two shows we went to and was getting down.
timleyes I was at that show, it was a blast, that such great chemistry and energy. And because it was the 2nd leg of that tour, we got great seats like 15 row centre floor. First time was in 83 on Montreal on their Syncronicity tour.
noahlove66 Will only say that I’ve never seen as much wine consumed at an ACC/SBA show before or since.
VAN HALEN, THE TRAGICALLY HIP NOVEMBER 15 2007
BON JOVI DECEMBER 06 2007
BON JOVI DECEMBER 07 2007
KEITH URBAN DECEMBER 13 2007
HANNAH
My very concert at Scotiabank Arena (back then it was ACC) was the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers concert in 2007. I was 11 years old and I remember this day like it was yesterday. My grandpa took me to this show and it is a core childhood memory, taking the Go Train with him and he waited in the parents lounge while I went inside and was escorted to my seat by another friends mom that was also attending. I sat in section 109 row 1 and I will never forget the magic and how alive I felt at that show. It really sparked my love of live music and I have seen countless shows at Scotiabank Arena since. It is my favourite venue in Toronto and I have since seen artists such as Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Adele, Carrie Underwood, One Direction, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus and the list goes on. I love Scotiabank Arena and it is a consistent place in my mind that holds some of my best memories.
-Sara DeSantis, fan Hamilton, ON
STEVIE WONDER
NOVEMBER 13, 2007
...it was my Mom’s birthday. Knowing it was coming up, I also knew Stevie was coming into town. So, I called him (saying that still sounds crazy to me to this day) & didn’t get him right away, but he hit me back, the gracious soul that he is, said “I got you on tickets, I’ll take care of you guys.” We arrived, went to will call for our tickets, myself, my mom & my two sons.
Somewhere between the set, he announces me to the audience & invites me to the stage. If you know anything about Mr. Morris, he remembers everything. He remembered I sung ‘I Just Called To Say I Love You’ at my high school talent show at Eastern Commerce. There I was, singing with my biggest musical hero... in front of my Mom on her birthday & my sons... & Stevie fans from my hometown...
God makes dreams come true...
-Glenn Lewis singer-songwriter
FOO FIGHTERS
ECHOES, SILENCE, PATIENCE & GRACE TOUR
MARCH 22, 2008
I have many incredible ACC/SBA concert memories, but one that stands out in my mind is seeing the Foo Fighters perform on March 22, 2008 on their Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace tour. I was lucky enough to score floor tickets, and rocked out just a few feet away from Dave Grohl. They opened with an unforgettably emotional performance of Let it Die, which had the audience instantly hooked. The energy was electric, and the Foos didn’t lose steam for a single second of their multi-hour show. They surprised the audience by bringing Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson on stage with them for a rendition of YYZ. It felt like that night, the Foo Fighters had permanently cemented a special and unbreakable relationship with their Torontonian fans in attendance.
-Claudia McCormick, fan Burlington, ON
JAY-Z & MARY J. BLIGE
HEART OF THE CITY TOUR
JULY 22, 2008
daddydunner When Jigga performed On The Rock rmx - movado the place went nuts and he knew Toronto loves dancehall
romeomontague Took that shift off..and was front row with standing room only seats.. had the baby blue leather on too
waynietdot That was a dope show from start to finish
raoul__nsa Great show ! Fun fact, Ludacris was there too that night, but didn’t perform
brandishdesign That show was fire. I’ve seen Jay-z a bunch of times but that was the best show of them all.
natashaj35 Went to this. Was AMAZING
rambo_rozay Sick show. Mary J opened up with Can’t knock the hustle. Jay came out and performed his verse. Jay had so many hits. Felt like he could go all night. All the ladies were dressed great. I was sitting in the back smoking joints the whole time.
With concert posters, I try to impart a strong sense of a compelling moment that is happening, here and now, much like a live show. That’s different from when I used to base the imagery of of the band’s lyrics. Years ago, I was chatting with someone from a band for whom I did a poster and he casually remarked I love that artists make posters for our shows. The posters that interpret our lyrics are my least favorite though. My favorite posters are when the artist adds something smart, crazy, and new to this whole experience. That really stuck with me and I think about that everytime I do art for a band. A lot of clients don’t want smart, crazy, or new, but bands sure do!
KEVIN TONG ARTIST
AUSTIN, TX
NEIL YOUNG
DECEMBER
04, 2008
official_merht_thermpsen I saw this show in Winnipeg. Death Cab for Cutie replaced Wilco. Couldn’t have cared less. Neil was fucking awesome. Amazing stylist. Powderfinger, Cortez the Killer. One of my favourite concerts I’ve ever been too
orgopholies411 I WAS! It ws fucking magical! Wilco were awesome. When Cortez the Killer played. Fucking chills and lots of herbs lol lemonjimmy LOVED this show, watched from a few rows back
herodhimself He also delivered a blistering Cortez The Killer too.
kruppanick I was, and still have the Toronto Sun full page poster!
geeoofff @wilco had drummer issues that night, so a bunch of contest winners got the honour of playing with the band.. it’s was a fantastic show..!
cfresh7 I was there. Got my ticket off craigslist from this guy who was like 1000 years old it was legend
sandifjm I was. I’d missed him SO many times before, and he was a bucket list act for me. I remember he closed with a version of A day in the life by the Beatles.
WAYNE
JANUARY 15, 2009
Ascending to nauseating heights with ‘The Carter III’... these were some of the most pinnacle days of The Weezy F. Era. Energetically, he declared: I am nothing without you so make noise for what you created. Ladies & gentlemen, I am music. 15-foot smoke pillars shot out the ground between flames, a 30-piece orchestra in crescendo, sonic chaos swelling. Then, Wayne’s eyeball appeared on screen, huge and peering into the stadium, like how he was overlooking the rap game. BOOM! Weezy F. in the fucking flesh, running out in black & white flannel jacket & all black everything else, dreads out the back. At the count of eight: BLAOW! It’s showtime.
His sonic serving swerved between mixtape delicacies and the pop tarts that brought him up the charts, for nearly two hours straight. ‘A Milli’ was second. Errbody rapped along to the infinitely explosive Bangladesh banger as Weezy spit borderline bars like tougher than Nigerian hair, word to Dennis Rodman. Other smashes like ‘Swagga Like Us’, ‘Mr. Carter’, ‘Go DJ’ and ‘Fireman’ got rinsed, and the crowd loved it all.
Guests were unexpected as his imagination, so seeing Ace Hood rock ‘Phone Home’ was an adrenaline boost. But expectations went higher, especially with his stage gangsta swagger on Saturn. Tickling his guitar but never going full Hendrix, when Wayne’s World went acoustic, it was raw. Nice to see T-Pain come out for ‘Bartender’, ‘Low’, plus pop-and-lock like a motherfucker. (We actually believed the T-Wayne album would come out. Nope.)
Of course, he brought other friends: Mr. Do Right And Kill Everything. For I’m Still Fly, Drake stepped out in a bubble-puffed red coat and black jeans, still learning stage presence, but never slacking on the rapping. Wayne amped him up: Young Money’s Own, Toronto’s Own: Drizzy Drake. Tonight, his name is Jimmy Valentino. And we came to do something. Time for Mrs. Officer. It was cute to see their camaraderie, as literal young money Drake bounced around doing backups. He’s a very, very talented dude. Weezy said. Praise from Black Caesar!
3 Peat, Let The Beat Build and Comfortable were the bangers before the big chune of the night: Lollipop. Pillars of fire 20-feet high, strippers gyrating while doing handstands, Wayne purring come and lick the rapperrrr: a pure pop-stardom circus show. Then Weezy F. pulled out an accessory proving the F. stands for FLAMETHROWER, blasting yellow flames into the air. Daaamn, homie! The encore had him don a red leather boxer hoodie, black trim and Everlast tags, as he knocked out a few more hits. Wayne’s last words were Whitney Houston inspired: Never forget: I. Will. Always. Love. You.
A great example of modern stars aligning. 2009 was peak Lil Wayne, also fueling Drake’s rising star. It’s 2024, and ain’t much changed, but their spots have somewhat rearranged. Peace to Drizzy & Weezy, still The Ones at the top of the rap game. They are Music.
-Adhimu "Mr. Front Row" Stewart fan and journalist, Toronto, ON
I WAS JUST PROUD OF MY CITY.
And, to be completely honest with you, I was nervous. Not about forgetting my lyrics, or tripping, or anything like that. But up until that moment I could never be sure if I had any fans in my own city –20,000 people is a lot of people to win over, and even if one-quarter don’t like me that’s still intimidating. But it ended up being a great night. Wayne definitely noticed the city was behind me, because I got the same reaction from the Toronto crowd that he would get from the audience in New Orleans.
-Drake rapper, Toronto, ON
OCTOBER 26, 2009
My best memory would be when I saw Metallica in 2009. It was my dream to see them and I was beyond excited when I got tickets. The atmosphere in the building was amazing! Everyone rocking out and having a good time. The couple that sat infront of me we are still in contact to this day. Best night of my life, best concert and met new friends I guess life long friends along the way.
-Kimberly Law, fan Grimsby, ON
JAY-Z
EMPIRE STATE OF MIND TOUR
OCTOBER 31, 2009
getgrooveinn I was!!- dude came out in a jason mask and then proceeded to murder his show…don’t forget NERD opened and got the people fired up. a young J Cole arrived on stage to do the lacklustre track from BP3 but another moment was whe Jay-Z casually shouted out Kardinal in the front row mid-set
dviousmindz Halloween night when Jay-Z came out in a Jason mask! young humble J Cole opened up for like 30 people as we were all walking in. one of the coolest experiences i’ve ever had
discjockeykiwi yes he came out in the jason mask but also to live and let die with the blackout lights after a countdown. Right into Run This Town the arena was bouncing.
percelldugger I booked a room at the raddison. Drove up from SUNNY Buffalo, after class wrapped up. Bridget Kelly sang the hook on Empire State of Mind. I remember it all like it was yesterday. I had an amazing time. Crazy to think about that day, as Drake is my fave artist now, but wasnt at the time.
bradsaj This was my first Concert. I saw J Cole, Pharrell, Wale, at Much Music earlier that day and saw Hov pull out back passenger in an all black Escalade. He had the window rolled down and we all shouted. He did the Jay Z laugh and they drove off… Drake watched the rest of Hovs set beside us in the audio booth they had at the back of the floor. Wild. I’ll literally never forget this day.
Each concert at the Air Canada Centre is a vivid memory etched in my mind, a mosaic of lights, sounds, and emotions captured through my lens. From the pulsating energy of the crowd to the exhilarating performances on stage, each moment is a testament to the power of rock and roll. I've saved and collected every photo pass as a cherished artifact, documenting the incredible times of music and photography, a tangible reminder of the passion and dedication that drives what we, as documentarians, do. These concerts are more than just events; they are experiences that have shaped my journey as a photographer and ignited my love for capturing the magic of live music.
-Richard Beland Photographer
There is certainly no easy way to capture all the truly magical moments that I’ve had the privilege of working on over the past 25 years! We’ve seen the Toronto market and live concert business grow to record breaking levels since the opening in 1999, most notably since the pandemic, with no slowdown at all in sight. None of this success is possible without the professionalism & dedication of (in my opinion) the best team in the North American arena industry, so hats off to the full and part time staff that power this building each and every night.
As a fan, if I HAD to pick a moment it would have been the run of 4 U2 shows (a record at the time) immediately followed by a Pearl Jam show. Every so often, when the lights hit just right, you could see Bono and The Edge stage right/house left watching the show. Then, as the houselights came up to light the ridiculously full bowl for the encore, Pearl Jam kicked into ‘Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World’ with Bono strolling on stage to share vocals… truly epic.
Live music has the ability to take you out of your head/transform your mood and create truly one-of-a-kind experiences and I’m so proud to be a part of bringing that to the millions of fans that have passed through our doors. Here’s to rockin’ for another 25 years and more!
- Tricia Silliphant Senior Director, Venue Programming & Live Event Management Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
So many stories…. it would be like picking a favourite child to single out one. Millions of unforgettable moments created in those four walls over its 25 year history….An original six building is a tough act to follow, still, fans, teams and performers from near and far embraced Air Canada Centre as their new home from day one. What brings me such pride when I walk the halls of now Scotiabank Arena and reflect on the countless events, is the array of programming representative of the diversity of the city of Toronto. These audiences stand out on the world stage and without question will keep Scotiabank Arena as a must play venue for years to come. Congratulations to MLSE on this milestone anniversary, I am a fan for life!
-Patti-Anne
Tarlton EVP, Live Nation Global Lead at Ticketmaster
TAYLOR SWIFT
FEARLESS TOUR
MAY 21 & 22, 2010
I saw Taylor Swift for the frst time when I was a teenager and got to meet her backstage after being invited by Taylor’s mom to go to the ever famous T-Party. I got to hang out in her backstage room that was set up for us fans and Taylor came in and chatted with all of us. This made my life.
-Liz Park, fan Toronto, ON
JULY 11
THE MONSTER BALL TOUR
PAUL MCCARTNEY
UP AND COMING TOUR
AUGUST 08 & 09, 2010
JUSTIN BIEBER
MY WORLD TOUR
AUGUST 21, 2010
GORILLAZ
ESCAPE TO PLASTIC BEACH TOUR
OCTOBER 14, 2010
LADY
JUNOS
RAMMSTEIN
LIEBE IST FÜR ALLE DA TOUR
MAY 08, 2011
BACKSTREET BOYS
NKOTBSB TOUR
JUNE 08 & 09, 2011
RIHANNA
LOUD TOUR
JUNE 06 & 07, 2011
FOO FIGHTERS
WASTING LIGHT TOUR
AUGUST 09, 2011
TAYLOR HAWKINS
PEARL JAM
TWENTY TOUR
SEPTEMBER 11 & 12, 2011
Immersed in the electric atmosphere of Toronto's Air Canada Centre on September 11, 2011, I found myself part of a monumental moment in rock history. That night, Pearl Jam's performance transcended expectations, especially when Neil Young stepped onto the stage to join them for a spine-tingling 20 minute encore of Rockin' in the Free World. This wasn't just another concert; it was a celebration of Pearl Jam's journey, coinciding with the premiere of Pearl Jam Twenty at the Toronto International Film Festival. Witnessing these legends share the stage was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, forever etched in my memory as a testament to the power and unity of music.
-Gianni Santin, fan Toronto, ON
HALF
THE NATIONAL DECEMBER 08 2011
UFC 140 DECEMBER 10 2011
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA DECEMBER 29 2011
JEFF DUNHAM JANUARY 12 2011
JACKY CHEUNG JANUARY 16 2012
TOOL JANUARY 25 2012
WELCOME 2 CANADA
NOVEMBER 25 & 26, 2011
The best story I have is after Prince played night one of two – he was so upset about the show he made his band practice all night after the frst show to be ready for show two.
-Omar Al-Joulani President, Live Nation Touring
TOOL JANUARY 25, 2012
Picture this. It’s January 2012, and Toronto is in the midst of a very cold and snowy January. At the time I was dating an "actress" who I met at an airport in Panama. Random, I know. We ended up dating, and to my surprise it turned out she was a huge Tool fan. And as luck would have it, Tool was coming to the Air Canada Centre on January 25th. My lady friend claimed to have a scalper (or shall we say secondary market representative) that would hook us up with great seats. Though sweet, this was obviously not the most reliable person, so I was skeptical.
To my shock, the night of the concert came, and she did indeed come through with SIX tickets for us. So, we brought along my good friend Jonny P, and three of his colleagues. She ended up getting second row seats, nice! Before entering the arena, I consumed what can only be described as a strange tea. After some time walking the concourse and checking out merch, we decided to head to our seats. Now this was the era before tickets were on your phone, so you had to actually print your ticket on a printer (annoying, I know).
At some point that night, I had dropped my paper ticket, and without it, I couldn’t get to the floor. We frantically tried to retrace our steps to find the missing sheet of paper to no avail. We spoke to security personnel, who advised us to go to the box office which was outside the venue in the concourse. Unfortunately, because these tickets were procured through unofficial means there was no record of my having purchased them.
At this point, I was outside of the arena proper without a ticket. The mission now would be to re-enter the arena without a ticket. Needless to say, this was no easy task. And of course, right on time the effects of the tea were starting to kick in. Murphy’s law. All our friends were in the venue, and I was outside looking in. After speaking to the security concierge explaining our predicament, I was allowed back into the venue if I could prove my seat was mine. If we could prove that I must have indeed had a ticket, since our friends were at the seats, and we would have tickets for 5 of the 6 seats in sequence – then there was a chance.
This was all taking place as the show was opening with Tool playing Hooker with a Penis (because of course). Despite my increasingly magical state, the security folks were satisfied that the one empty seat in between all my friends was mine, and he let me take my place among the crowd, sans ticket. And then Maynard, Adam, Justin and Danny blew my mind and melted it for the next 2+ hours.
-Jonah Goodman, fan Thornhill, ON
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 2012 SETLIST
LEONARD COHEN
OLD IDEAS WORLD TOUR
DECEMBER
04 & 05, 2012
I wish I had some crazy story or drama to share about Leonard’s shows there, but it all went very well. I remember he had an easy time on stage and did his regular routine on both days - about an hour of him playing guitar by himself in the empty room before bringing the band out to rehearse for two hours. Top that off with a 3+ hour incredible show each night. He was the most polished artist ever and kept the band tight. He turned that rink into a living room.
Jim Steel (Head of Production for MLSE) made this a great experience and went out of his way to accommodate Leonard’s needs. Looking back I think Jim was a huge part of the success of a lot of shows there. He gave that building a heart.
-Mark Vreeken FOH Engineer, Toronto, ON
BON JOVI
BECAUSE WE CAN TOUR
FEBRUARY 17 & 18, 2013
In 2013 we (my younger brother and I) got floor seat tickets to see Bon Jovi (turned out to be the last show before Sambora left) but the show was special as my brother has autism so this was his very first big concert. This concert was a series of firsts for him. First time on the airplane to get there from our small town in northern Ontario, first time on the GO Train to get to Scotiabank Arena (the Air Canada Centre when we saw this show) he vibrated the whole way to the arena and as we waited in line he watched in awe of everything he was seeing and when the house lights started to dim he grabbed my arm and said I'm so excited. I kept an eye on him throughout the whole show and he sang along to every song. The joy on his face was so pure when Richie Sambora came back out to start the encore of Wanted Dead or Alive. He had tears of happiness watching him play the guitar (my brothers favorite instrument). After the show we walked back towards Union Station and he couldn't stop talking about how amazing the whole thing was and when we could come back for our next concert cause it was the very best. We have been back many times in the past 11 years but that concert will always be my favorite just seeing the pure joy he had to be surrounded by the music.
-Leslie Elliot, fan Sault Ste. Marie, ON
In November 2012 I entered a contest the day of for tickets to Aerosmith from Live Nation. They are my mom’s favourite band and she had never seen them before. I ended up winning the tickets, and not only that, they were FRONT ROW TICKETS! My mom and I worked together so I ran to her red faced telling her I just won tickets for her favourite band that night! We worked two hours away from Toronto so we had to leave immediately to make it in time. We made it with time to buy merch and catch the opening act Cheap Trick. Walking all the way to the front row of Scotiabank Arena from the entrance was so fun and we had the best time! We even caught a couple guitar picks for souvenirs. It was a night my mom will never forget and I’m so happy I could make it happen for her!
-Alaetra Graves, fan Tillsonburg, ON
COLDPLAY
NEIL DIAMOND
MAROON 5
OVEREXPOSED TOUR
FEBRUARY
19, 2013
Front row center stage during my favourite song from my favourite band, my now husband got down on one knee and proposed to me during a Maroon5 concert, proving that She Will Be Loved. The guitar player noticed, stopped the show and told the singer Adam Levine, who came over and congratulated us saying Dude, good timing bro! and then dedicating the song to us. There we were, in the middle of a sold out Scotiabank Arena with thousands of people singing our favourite song to us while we danced under the incredible glow of cellphone lights. It was truly amazing. We are celebrating 10 years married this July!
-Kayla
Hillier, fan Orangeville, ON
I had been bullied all throughout elementary and high school. I had such a tough time through these years and especially in high school. The one thing that made me happy was coming home and listening to One Direction. I’d come home crying and it’d be the one thing that brought me joy. Christmas 2012, my dad surprised me with meet and greets to see One Direction at the Scotiabank Arena, July 9, 2013. He did the impossible and was able to find a single meet and greet ticket so that I could meet the 5 boys that helped build me up on my toughest days. I’ve never forgotten how it was to hug each of the boys and it’s still a photo hung up on my wall. I don’t think anything has ever topped that day. And thanks to Scotiabank Arena for forever being the place I was to find a little happiness in the midst of teenage trials.
APRIL 11, 2013
I grew up a Green Day fan my entire life, and they inspired me to start my own band Cold Blooded Hero which I played in for over 10 years. To being invited on stage in front of 20,000 people with my idols like that for their song Know Your Enemy to getting Billie Joe’s guitar pick to finishing it off with a massive stage dive into the crowd - it was the biggest full circle moment I’ve ever experienced. It’s a moment I’ve been proud to share with my kids and family, and one I won’t ever forget! Believe it or not, I actually lost my phone that I took the selfie with during the stage dive and was lucky enough to get it back the very next day from a lady who lived in Hamilton! Truly an amazing experience, and one for the history books at the greatest venue in town!
-David Mathews, fan Scarborough, ON
DRAKE
WOULD YOU LIKE A TOUR?
OCTOBER 24, 2013
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
BANGERZ
ANDREW MCCRACKEN ARTIST
DOUBLENAUT DESIGN
TORONTO, ON
Whenever working on art for a band whether it be a tour poster, album art, or merch designs I always listen to their most recent work and try to tie into what they’re singing about. Listening to a band’s music can also help you get a feel for the right vibe. For this poster it seemed like Dallas at the time was writing a lot about searching for happiness or searching for what you want in life so the idea of having a bunch of binoculars, glasses etc. ft with where he was at and the theme of searching. I usually try and include some harder to see details mostly for my own amusement but also as fun things for the artist to potentially discover or for a fan who buys the poster to notice and be curious about. On this poster that takes the shape of a bunch of little details shown as logos, trademarks etc. etched into the binoculars. etc.
LINKIN PARK
WITH THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
CARNIVORES TOUR
AUGUST 24, 2014
SAM SMITH
IN THE LONELY HOUR TOUR
JANUARY 20, 2015
When Sam Smith made their debut at Scotiabank Arena, I wanted to do something special for them. I knew they were a big fan of soul music so I got them a couple of books including The Sam Cooke biography. I gave it to their rep to give to them. I was about to head out when Sam came running out of their dressing room and gave me a big hug. Sometimes it’s not the most lavish gifts that count, but rather ones that have the most meaning.
-Elliott Lefko Vice-President, AEG Presents
Although the band didn't make a formal announcement, rumours swirled that the R40 tour marked the culmination of Rush's illustrious career. After four decades, drummer Neil Peart was eager to spend more time with his family, while guitarist Alex Lifeson grappled with the physical toll of relentless touring. The show production was a breathtaking retrospective of the band's journey – in reverse. The stage design and setlist followed their career from present day, tracing a path back to their early days as an indie band playing clubs and high schools around greater Toronto. From the elaborate stage setup synonymous with Rush's later years—replete with washing machines, rotisseries, and amp stacks—to the raw simplicity reminiscent of their early days, every set change was an homage to their evolution as one of the all-time great progressive rock bands. For the fortunate attendees, it was a fitting tribute to their legacy as they gracefully bowed out at the peak of their powers.
Test for Echo tour '97 at the Amphitheater was my first concert ever (I was 10 or 11) - my dad took me. I had seen them many times after with friends through the years as I got older, and surprised my dad to see this show for the R40 tour. I met him at Union Station and told him I was taking him to the Jays game that night. Led him through the underground concourses and as he commented on everyone's Rush shirts, he still didn't know it until we showed up at the ACC gates. It was very full circle. Obviously a treasured memory and then a bittersweet one knowing now it would definitely be the last time I saw Rush.
-Jesse Parkinson, fan Toronto, ON
scottmcg2112 I was there for the Friday night show. Rumor was they were gonna play Losing It and the rumors were true!! Hung out with the red suit guys in the front row (who are at all the filmed for DVD shows) during set break. Saw them 16 times. Every tour since P/G. Sometimes twice a tour. I saw the Buffalo show for this tour as well. I can honestly say this was their best show from the set list to the musical perfection to the band’s idea to do everything backwards in chronological order, even visually!! Oh, & Lakeside Park too!
mrmikebax Met up with my brother who come in from Regina and my two cousins who flew in from Scotland so we could all attend this show together. It was a fantastic evening and memory for us all.
captain_karnage The exciting part was walking around downtown Toronto leading up to the show; I saw so many Rush shirts around. It was so exciting to know we were all there to celebrate this amazing band together
msvalerieslife I was there, very pregnant with my daughter! jemcd1969 I was there. My then 15 year old son’s first rush show. Incredible night for us.
dj_fxbobby I was there! This was my first concert I’ve ever been to. So grateful that I got to go being a rush fan born in the late 90s.
seangastle I was there. So grateful to have experienced in person one of their last ever concerts.
vicmole1966 I was there in the 3rd row for both Toronto shows! It was my 69th & 70th show lifetime. I then went out west to see them a final 3 times.
_brendanmalloy I was there. Got puked on by the guy behind me during Subdivisions. Gave me $20. I guess that’s the going rate for vomit
doubleagent2112 Attended both shows as part of 4 city, 5 show roadtrip that took me from Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto. Loved meeting and hanging with all the @Rushcon folks in TO. June 17th is my birthday and I treated myself to a ticket upgrade that put me in the 3rd row on Geddy's side. Was thrilled when they played my fave song (Red Barchetta) on my bday and just as the "At the one lane bridge..." started I looked to my right and made eye contact with one of the cameras. A few months later I found that this moment was captured on the R40 extended video.
ALEX LIFESON
October 27, 2009
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto Metallica, Lamb of God & Volbeat World Magnetic Tour
This was the second of two shows that Metallica played in Toronto at the ACC. The stage was set up in the round so there really wasn’t a bad seat to be had and in typical Metallica fashion they played ode to their influences like Black Sabbath, Saxon & the Misfits.
By Jenn Jett
Part Three
November 27, 2010
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Ozzy Osbourne & Halford
Scream World Tour
Ozzy’s band for this tour consisted of Gus G, Rob “Blasko” Nicholson, Adam Wakeman & Tommy Clufetos. Our friend was back in LA at the office but he graciously hooked us up with tickets & passes so we had a few drinks at the pre-show party with the MC, the infamous “Big Dave” (who we thanked for his hospitality with some delicious home made beef jerky).
August 9, 2011
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Foo Fighters, Doughboys & Fucked Up
The Wasting Light Tour
We were on our way to this show when we got a call from our friend who works with the Foo Fighters asking where we were. Not an unusual question but the reasoning behind it was. Apparently a girl who I have never met but who knew of me through a mutual friend had decided to make a visibly fake laminate and was trying to use my name to get into the show. This had caused quite the stir amongst the crew & my name was broadcast over their radios. By the time we did get there they all who knew I was, and the other girl was denied entry into the show. That was a first for me I have to say. After everything was sorted and we met up with our friend he took us side stage to watch the Foo Fighters who put on an amazing show along with the likes of Alex Lifeson & Mike Smith aka
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Black Sabbath, Andrew WK
The 13 Tour, also known as the Reunion Tour was their first with Ozzy Osbourne since 2005. Tony Iommi had been diagnosed with lymphoma & Bill Ward left the band. This meant we got to see Tommy Clufetos fill in on drums. We were also able to meet up with a great friend who works with Ozzy so we opted to hang out in the stands with him rather than attend the
April 3, 2016
@ Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Iron Maiden, The Raven Age The Book of Souls tour
So this was a friend of a friend situation. I have seen Iron Maiden several times dating back to 1991 so I was lucky that my friend recognized this & asked me to go with him to this show. He was a friend with someone on Iron Maiden’s trusted crew and we were able to hang out in the band hospitality room prior to the show. We talked a little bit with a couple members of The Raven Age and I will admit to freaking out inside a whole lot when Nicko McBrain walked into the room but I couldn’t muster up the nerve to approach him which was weird for me.
PEARL JAM
NORTH AMERICA TOUR
MAY 10 & 12, 2016
robbjohannes The May 12 show was seriously one of the most moving and downright special nights I’ve ever witnessed. They were absolutely on fire. The 10th was good, the 12th was legendary.
oreius_the_ram That as my 35th Pearl Jam show… One of the best live rock bands ever. So tight… Amazing set lists!
wardo44 Concert was bumped back to 12th because of a Raptors/Heat game. My first Pearl Jam show. Incredible.
The ACC had large boots to fill. The mighty Maple Leaf Gardens being its predecessor. Think of all the great shows and events that had taken place at Maple Leaf Gardens, wow. Stanley Cups. Elvis. The Beatles, and the Who’s first final show, not to mention The Hip on our first headline arena tour in 1995. So, it was quite an honour to be chosen to be the first band to play the ACC, but these kinds of things didn’t happen on their own.
We were in the midst of planning the Phantom Power tour and Brad Parsons who worked for Concert Productions International was really pushing the powers that be at MLSE that it be us, but at the same time, the Stones and Bryan Adams were on the same tour cycle. So we really didn’t think we had a chance. But Brad stepped up on our behalf and if I remember correctly said, “it must be a Canadian band that plays the first time in this building, and it can only be The Hip. I’ll put my job on it.” So we really need to thank him first and foremost.
The 1st night the Leafs played. The 2nd night the Raptors played. Followed by two nights of hipness. It was a dream for a little band from Kingston. It was really a cool night of music. We had By Divine Right open that tour, who had this great guitarist named Leslie Feist. It would be the beginning of a long friendship with her. Later that year we played 2 more nights, NYE and NYD, where we invited many of our friends’ bands to play with us, we had 2 stages set up and it was more like an indoor festival over two nights, with us closing the show each night. What better way to bring in the New Year than with a bunch of your friends in other bands.
It’s such an important part of our history in Toronto. From playing Larry’s hideaway, the Hotel Isabella, and The Horseshoe to the ACC (with a few stops in between), and we never thought it would also be the venue of our last shows that we ever played in Toronto.
-Johnny Fay drummer, The Tragically Hip
THE TRAGICALLY HIP
MAN MACHINE POEM TOUR
AUGUST 10, 12 & 14, 2016
They opened in 1999 as Canadian royalty with multiple albums and Juno awards; just a few weeks before they would accept another for their 6th album Phantom Power. But it’s Three Nights in August 2016 that will forever echo in the rafters of this building. It was the frst time I reached deep for a pair of platinum seats just four rows from the stage. We watched as a Canadian icon and now an international inspiration poured every ounce of his life out on the stage. I imagine the hallways and bathrooms were empty as we hung onto every word of every song we all knew by heart. Some sang along while others couldn’t speak for the tears of knowing this was the last time we’d have the honour of seeing The Tragically Hip perform. Many concerts have came and gone and this building has seen a lot of “fnal tours,” but none had the entire building in tears like Gord's goodbye.
-Edward "Snackman" Mair, fan Midland, ON
MAN MACHINE POEM TOUR
The Tragically Hip are one of those rare artists indelibly stamped into the very consciousness of a nation; the country of Canada proudly holds them in a very unique place in it’s collective hearts. Like hockey, maple syrup and eh, The Hip bonds Canadians when you meet at home or abroad.
My first exposure to the band was 1988 at Massey Hall, the night they played Q107’s Toronto Music Awards and were signed to MCA Records in the US by A&R man Bruce Dickinson. I was just starting in the music business and was 22 years old and assistant music director at “The Mighty Q” which championed the band as our own. As the years went by I tried to help break them in America with radio stations south of the border at various showcases (including The Trocadero in Philadelphia) and would tell the people who ran those stations “yes they are Canadian and we have to play Canadian content but these guys are world class”.
My relationship with the band and especially Gord was always one of low key deference to one another; they respected me for being in their corner and I appreciated them for it. In the summer of 1991 when The Hip played The Forum at Ontario Place I was to introduce them as the MC from Q107. We hung out in their dressing room for a while and from what I can recall there was smoke from something that was black and came from Nepal, or maybe it was Marrakesh. Suffice to say, in my altered state the MC duties took on a whole new dimension. As I introduced myself “I’m Joey Vendetta from Q107 and welcome to The Forum at Ontario Place! Please put your hands together and make some noise for……..”. The name didn’t come. Somehow, I had slipped into a dimension that didn’t include the name of the band I was supposed to introduce.
For what seems like 5 minutes I grasped for the name only to be nudged by Gord who whispered softly in my ear like an old friend telling a secret “The Tragically Hip”. I was saved. Instantly empowered by this new found information I voiced with extreme gusto, “Please welcome! The Tragically Hip” and all was right in the world as the band tore into “On The Verge”.
As the years went by and I moved to Los Angeles to work for The Disney Music Group followed by Live Nation, the relationship remained. Every time The Hip played LA, whether it was The Wiltern or House of Blues we would meet up for a bite or pre show hang and then like the rest of the Canadians in town we’d throw on our hockey jerseys and enjoy the show. I didn’t make the final Hip show in Kingston as I was in LA at Coldplay that night at the Rose Bowl, but we all watched via a stream backstage in the Live Nation lounge which was full of all the Canadians living and working in LA from our team who all have long ties with the band. There wasn’t a dry eye as they played the final notes and said goodbye. Luckily I had the chance for a final goodbye in person with Gord as the picture shows.
The final Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers show in Toronto was July 15, 2017 at Scotiabank Arena. I was standing in the foyer about to walk up the stairs and I saw Gord; he looked at me and grinned like a man who knew something but wasn’t sure quite what it was. At that point he was still able to go out obviously but was definitely battling hard. I walked over to him and before I could say a word, he said in a low voice “I’ve either known you for 30 minutes or 30 years” and gave me a good hug. We talked for a couple of minutes and ended the exchange by saying at the same time “enjoy the show”.
He passed away in October that year and it was a blessing to have had the chance to have a conversation before he died.
-Joey “Vendetta” Scoleri SVP Industry Relations, Live Nation
I never enjoyed going to school. And I really hated a job where you had to punch the clock. But from the first time I started work as a concert promoter I never had to worry about being bored. I never looked at the clock. Working in the music industry was a job that I was born to do. When I went to a gig as a kid I would watch all the people that made the show happen. And I clipped all the ads for the shows from the newspaper, along with the reviews, and compiled them all in a scrapbook.
I remember the radio ads for the gigs done by some guy in a deep voice. When I was in high school I was given the opportunity to put on shows for my fellow students. I gathered my friends and we got on the speaker for the morning announcements and proceeded to do our best to imitate the concert ads we would hear on the local radio stations. We would crack each other up but it was the start of my entry into the rock and roll business. And all these years later nothing has changed. For me its all about innocence and passion and a love for rock and roll.
-Elliott Lefko Vice-President, AEG Presents
In 2017, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were on tour and their camp had been running contests on social media to win tickets for each show. So, the day of the show, I was ready, and a tweet went out from Tom's account. It said the first 4 people to make it down to Steve’s Music and play a Tom song on guitar would win a pair of tickets to the show at the Air Canada Centre that night. I raced out of my condo and got in a taxi. Rehearsed some guitar parts on the way. Even paid the driver before we got there. Ran into Steve's asked a staff member where the contest was, and he showed me into the room. Luckily I made it in time and was the 4th person there. He said to play the guitar that was waiting there for participants. I played Learning to Fly, and I Won’t Back Down, and won a pair! So cool. I asked my buddy Chris if he wanted to go to the show - he'd never seen the Heartbreakers before, and he was up for it. They rocked, of course. It was the last time they ever played Toronto, as Tom died a few months later.
-Dale Gago, fan Toronto, ON
ILLUMINATE WORLD TOUR
STARBOY: LEGEND OF THE FALL TOUR
A PERFECT CIRCLE
SEPTEMBER 09, 2017
DECEMBER 03, 2017
HELLO SCOTIABANK ARENA
On July 1, 2018, it was goodbye Air Canada Centre and hello Scotiabank Arena. The 20-year naming deal was transformative for the building and led to many in-arena innovations. The partnership with one of Canada’s leading banks created a more immersive and exciting fan experience and accelerated web-based innovation through Scotiabank’s Digital Factory lab. Today, it’s a common refrain to hear someone say, “I’ll meet you at 7:30 at Scotiabank” and you know exactly where to go!
03
EYES ON YOU TOUR
Jacky Cheung, the renowned King of Cantopop performed the ninth show ever at the venue in 1999. Asian pop has always had a global infuence but didn’t captivate North American audiences until the Korean wave of the 2010’s that took the world by storm. BIGBANG were the frst K-Pop group to play the Air Canada Centre in 2015, and several enduring pop artists from across Asia have graced its stage since.
MAYDAY NOW-HERE TOUR
MARCH 20, 2014
I AM A SINGER TOUR
NOVEMBER 11, 2015
SEVENTEEN
BE THE SUN TOUR
SEPTEMBER 03, 2022
Thanks to Scotiabank Arena I got to see one of my favourite kpop groups Seventeen. I’ll never forget that night. They are one of the groups that got me to be the kpop girly I am today. It was life changing seeing one of my favourite’s live. Seventeen’s music was there for me when I was at a low. Seeing them live just had a big difference in my life. I’m forever grateful.
-Kat Jordon, fan Scarborough, ON
26
03 2022
Seventeen’s BE THE SUN tour stop was something that I had always dreamed of seeing after having stanned the group since their debut and missed out on their last Toronto stop. Words cannot begin to describe the joy and excitement that I felt during the entire concert. I truly believe that was one of the few times that I had felt that level of genuine happiness. There’s almost something surreal about finally having the chance to see a group that you’ve loved and followed for years now and whose music and content have kept me out of really really dark places. I still think back to that concert daily because it left such an impact on me.
-Shandelle Ardnek, fan Toronto, ON
READY TO BE TOUR
JULY 03, 2023
SHANIA TWAIN
I AM A SINGER TOUR
JULY 06, 2018
RADIOHEAD
A MOON SHAPED POOL TOUR
JULY 19 & 20, 2018
DONWOOD
Radiohead’s long-awaited return to Toronto on July 19 and 20, 2018 was an emotional afair. The band’s last scheduled show in 2012 was cancelled when the stage collapsed killing their drum technician, Scott Johnson. This tragedy caused deep pain and cast a dark cloud over the band and the city. Their return would become one of the more poignant and cathartic moments in the venue’s history when Thom Yorke and his bandmates led a moment of silence for Scott.
Over the course of 25 years of touring, I couldn’t be luckier, more fortunate, and humbled by having had the better part of 10 years night in and night out having this vantage point - 5 of the greatest individuals, who as a whole, make for me the world’s greatest band!
-Peter Yozell tour manager, Radiohead
On July 19-20 2018, I was given the privilege to promote Radiohead in Toronto. This would be the frst shows since the tragic stage collapse that killed their drum tech Scott Johnson. During the show, singer Thom Yorke took a moment to remember Scott. And then after the frst show a group of the techs and band members gathered to celebrate Scott with Peronis and pizza, his favourite post show snack. A ftting tribute.
-Elliott Lefko Vice-President, AEG Presents
DRAKE WITH MIGOS
AUBREY & THE THREE MIGOS TOUR
AUGUST 21 & 22, 2018
ELTON JOHN
FAREWELL YELLOW BRICK ROAD TOUR
SEPTEMBER 25, 2018
No teams lose at concerts, everyone wins.
- Joey “Vendetta” Scoleri
BEYOND THE MAT
2010-2024
BY JUSTIN RODRIGUES
MAPLE LEAF SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Seth Rollins reclaiming the WWE Title in the main event. However, perhaps even more noteworthy was the debut of The Fiend, portrayed by the late Bray Wyatt, who cemented his place as one of the most iconic WWE characters of all time. Throughout the years, the arena has also been a frequent host to Monday Night Raw and Smackdown, with 27 occasions to its credit. Yet, none quite matched the magnitude and significance of the event held on August 18th, 2023, when Toronto's own Edge wrestled his last WWE match, delivering a charged and emotional performance to defeat Sheamus in the main event.
NXT TAKEOVER
AUGUST 10, 2019
WWE SUMMERSLAM
AUGUST 11, 2019
After being retired for 13 years, I had the opportunity to return to wrestling in 2019 and have a oncein-a-lifetime generational face-of. At Summerslam, I faced arguably one of the best of today’s generation, Charlotte Flair and it all came full circle as I got to do it in Toronto at the same arena I retired in.
-Trish Stratus WWE Hall of Famer
AUGUST 11, 2019
WWE RAW
AUGUST 22, 2022
WWE SMACKDOWN
AUGUST 18, 2023
When it comes to my performances over the years, I always know Toronto will bring the energy. It’s an asterisk on the calendar because we as performers know it will be A LOUD night.
-Adam Copeland (Edge) WWE Hall of Famer
lensjobiz I was on the scoreboard crew and was hired to support their production team when they came in. We were always allowed to eat in catering with the wrestlers. At that time, a young Brock Lesnar was there, grabbed three whole chickens and sat at our table. He ripped them apart and ate them with his bare hands.
johnnymifsud Survivor Series 2016 in Toronto. Lesnar got squashed by Goldberg in 20 seconds.
jacob_rainaldi Had a blast to see the wrestling community come together to see the last match Edge as a WWE sports entertainer.
waynietdot SummerSlam 2004…Seeing Randy Orton become the youngest World Champion and also starting ‘the wave’ during JBL and Undertaker’s match… Survivor Series 2016 Goldberg vs Lesnar but it was trash and the crowd booed…. SummerSlam 2019…The first ever ring entrance for The Fiend and the catalyst for what would become Edge’s return the ring in 2020 began that night … then the next night on Raw the surprise return of Sasha Banks
wafiqalladeen Seeing Bray Wyatt’s The Fiend character debuting at Summerslam was awesome! R.I.P. Bray Wyatt
yvng_dundas Man I saw an AEW PPV there last summer - Forbidden Door! Had a borderline religious experience during that Kenny Omega match ngl. Pretty sure that show had some of the first 5-star matches on Canadian soil.
mensathedj I was there a couple years ago for Sasha Banks return from Injury. No rumours of return. The pop when her theme song came on was pretty crazy
From coming home after 2 years and a spinal fusion surgery as the intercontinental champion (where I was the good guy and got booed, thanks for that one), defending the WWE championship in a TLC match with John Cena (where I was the bad guy and got cheered), to having my last match for WWE against Sheamus (you guys cheered that time thank goodness), it’s gifted me memories that as a performer I will always cherish and hold dear. Keep being you Toronto. Here’s to many more years at the “new” barn. And hopefully a new Stanley Cup banner sooner than later!
-Adam Copeland (Edge) WWE Hall of Famer
ARKELLS
RALLY CRY TOUR
FEBRUARY 16, 2019
I love walking by the Raptors and Leafs dressing room on the way to the stage. One of the most special parts is returning to watch a game after having played our show and seeing the venue staff. They’re some of the kindest, most hard-working people around, and to know they’re singing and dancing to our set while they’re at work makes me happy.
-Max Kerman frontman, Arkells
ALESSIA CARA, FLO RIDA
One of my most fondest memories of attending a show at Scotiabank Arena was when I brought my 8 year-old son to see Three Days Grace and Disturbed. I bought the meet & greet passes for us to meet Three Days Grace, which was the start to a night of making my son feel like a rock star! After meeting the band, we had early entry into the venue and got right up to the front. After Three Days Grace played, my son was handed both drum sticks directly to him. While Disturbed were performing, and my little guy clearly enjoying the show, front man David Draiman pulled my son & I on stage, sitting us on the drum riser. Throughout the song, the band came and took pictures with us. It was a great memory that we will always share!
-Randy Gilbert, fan St. Catharines, ON
DISTURBED
WITH THREE DAYS GRACE
EVOLUTION TOUR
MARCH 04, 2019
It was at Maple Leaf Gardens on Sept 21/1996 where I met my future husband. We were brought together that night due to our shared passion for live music and events. That night it was Pearl Jam. Cut to some 25 plus years later and it’s Raine and I opening for The Who, the iconic band that floods my nostalgic mind body and soul. The feeling that magic is about to happen, is the only way to describe being in an audience, lights and sound beginning on stage as we sit vulnerable in the audience in the dark. As a performer, we have that same feeling… the lights are dark side stage as we walk on into those lights, magic about to happen. This shared feeling between the performing artist and the concert goer is unfolding in real time, simultaneously. For all of us in that moment, there is no war, no costs, no hate, nothing can come between us and this sanctuary of love light and music… some of the best that life has to offer. This is a magic that will go on 4ever.
-Chantal Kreviazuk singer-songwriter
My best friend and I surprised each other with meet and greet tickets to Khalid when he brought his Free Spirit world tour to Scotiabank Arena! We love Khalid and I remember we freaked out when we realized that we were actually going to meet him!! He was the absolute sweetest and the show was incredible!! We danced around the foor to each song and we even made up a dance on the spot to the song Hundred! I remember this lovely girl came up to us after and was telling us how much she loved how we were just having fun and made up this cool dance haha! To this day we still talk about this show and it’s truly one of the best experiences we’ve had at Scotiabank Arena! Scotiabank Arena is like our second home.
-Sarah Wilson, fan Burlington, ON
MILES TSANG ARTIST TORONTO, ON
This is one of those pieces which does a good job of balancing concept with execution. It hits all the right notes of my gig poster holy trinity (band, fans, myself).
The idea comes from the band’s album art and concept at the time; a photo of an electric chair (stylized by Pat’s brother Michael Carney) used to execute an inmate whose final words were “Let’s rock!” That iconography (which harkens back to the Electric Chairs of Andy Warhol as well as Metallica’s Ride The Lightning) creates an easy A to B to denote the connection, discovery and intentionality to be experienced in this piece and any fan that found enjoyment in it or the associated artwork is going to respond. More Easter eggs or whole details to do with the locale are sometimes deployed but (aside from palette) I eschewed those for a more connected, album-centric concept.
I expanded on the idea as I researched Dan Auerbach’s massive guitar collection. Recalling Dave Grohl’s guitar throne (inspired by the Iron Throne) from the 2015 Broken Leg Tour, I realized I could combine the two ideas in my own way to create something original. The radial arrangement of instruments acts as a halo to create a balanced rhythm, plus a strong focal point inspired by the decorative figurative works of Alphonse Mucha. The motif of the skeleton occupies the middle of the design, anthropomorphizing it and creating our narrative of a person caught at their moment of state-ordered death served via the electricity of rock and roll. The sequel poster for Vancouver continues this concept with a depiction of the band themselves as angels serenading this soul into darkness.
As a former printmaker (from 2010-2020), I also appreciate how far I was able to push things with just 5 screens (pink, red, blue, black, transparent glow in the dark cream), using minimal inks to create chromatic gradation that draws the eye in, making the whole design hum with just the right amount of depth. I’ve always found the limitations of screen-printing and efficient use of separations to achieve the right balance of complexity and simplicity to be a lot of fun to play within.
This likely took two weeks to illustrate plus another few days to print and was one of the last posters I printed myself before the pandemic came and changed everything. Therefore it represents an apotheosis and swan song for that part of my career but putting that time in with printing heavily shaped my artistic style as it developed over the past decade in tandem with my printing practice. Due to this ground-up knowledge, fellow printers tend to love me and that’s given me more latitude to go that much harder with more recent drawings.
Outside of concept and printing, the process of making this was a joy too. I love geeking out over gear, so hunting down photos of every specific guitar model (as well as Pat’s drums) and arranging them to be just right to my taste was great for me. Rendering the screaming skeleton and figuring out the balance of stylization versus trying to be realistic with the anatomy was a lot of fun. The rendering alternates between thin, delineating linework and tiny, considered marks as well as chunkier shapes without ever going totally overboard with the detail. This was actually an exercise in restraint for me and I think the composition is all the better for it.
To me, making gig posters is like putting together a puzzle, except you get to make up the pieces and form the picture you want (so long as it harkens back to the music). This was a fun one, I’m glad it was well-received upon release, and it heartens me to know I got to create something like this for such a hallowed venue in this city I call home.
DALLAS GREEN: OF SPACE AND TIME
ST. CATHARINES OWN JOEL CARRIERE INTERVIEWS ST. CATHARINES OWN DALLAS GREEN
Joel: What was the best or most influential concert you attended at Scotiabank Arena and why?
Dallas: If I’m being honest I’ve seen way too many gigs there to pick just one. But I will say the Kendrick Lamar gig in 2022 was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. So thoughtful and inspiring. It felt like I was at an art installation.
Joel: What were some of the feelings you were having on your first time playing there as Alexisonfire and then as City and Colour, not often you get two firsts?
Dallas: The first time we played there opening for Billy Talent in 2010 was a whirlwind. It was the last show of our cross Canada tour. We also had been asked to perform a Rush song in front of Rush as they were being inducted into the Canadian songwriting hall of fame later that same evening…on the other side of town. So as soon as we finished our set we jumped into a car, drive across town and played Tom Sawyer in front of Alex, Neil and Geddy. What a trip. I obviously don’t remember much about the ACC gig haha. What I mostly remember about the first time I headlined with City and Colour was feeling immensely proud of myself and our small team. Growing up an hour away in St. Catharines I had spent a lot of nights going there for gigs and Raptors games, dreaming of one day being able to do my own show there.
Joel: Any unique experiences from headlining that room? Examples I heard and remember were the limited edition Raptors collab, banner drop, trophy and locker room, etc...
Dallas: We were out on the road when the Raptors raised their first ever championship banner and as a life long fan I was incredibly bummed that I wasn’t home to see it! I was scheduled to play at Scotiabank Arena a month later and we thought “what if we ask the venue if we can re-raise it at the gig!?” So we put out a few feelers to some pals we had at MLSE at the time and with some luck they agreed to let us do it. They took it down from the rafters for us and before I started the encore I gave a speech about my love for the team and then we raised it to the roof up behind me on stage. To say that’s one of the most surreal experiences of life would be an understatement!
Joel: What makes that venue special for you when you walk out on stage there, having done it 5 times between 3 different artists (could be more that I am missing)?
Dallas: I think the thing that never loses its luster is how shocked I am to be able to perform in what I consider my “hometown” arena. Forever grateful for the opportunity to do so and I never take it for granted.
PAT HAMOU ARTIST MONTREAL, QC
The initial inspiration came from C&C’s new single at the time - Astronaut.
Since I was inspired by some of the urban landscape of Toronto - I took real notice when I was there before making this poster of all the low hanging power lines everywhere. I thought it would be visually interesting to have the astronaut tangled up in them and isolated.
The three animals in the poster represent the Toronto coat of arms - a kinda of Easter egg for those who know.
The rocking horse in the lower right window was requested by the band - it symbolized a crew member who had recently passed.
I try to incorporate a bit of storytelling in every poster and when I can, refect the city the show is in as I think fans appreciate those personal touches and connect with it more.
So many hard events to pick from, Watch the Throne, Yeezus, Mana (first ever Canadian performance), Gorillaz (floor seats). But I think I'm going to have to go with Tyler the Creator (floor seats) just because it was a full circle moment from the very first time I saw him open Sound Academy with Odd Future to then being able to witness him sell out Scotiabank. I was so broke that day but I knew I had to be there to continue to witness that major glow up. I have so many memories there for live shows but that one holds a special place.
-Eddie Martinez, fan Toronto, ON
JONAS BROTHERS
THE HAPPINESS BEGINS TOUR
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
I’ve been to Scotiabank Arena numerous times but my best memory was when I saw The Jonas Brothers in concert after they reunited. I was a huge fan as a teen, so many posters on my walls and absolutely adored them! When they came out on stage, I had tears rolling down my face from such happiness. I have never felt that happy at a concert in my life, and I think everyone deserves to feel that!
-Caila
Seeley, fan Collingwood, ON
Scotiabank Arena is so much more than walls, floors and a building; it’s the heartbeat of Toronto. To have a venue that is so rich in history, right in the core of Canada’s biggest city is something special and I think it’s safe to say we all missed it when we couldn’t gather. Through 2020, we saw the once vibrant space sit empty with no music for a soul-crushing 580 days. When we came back on October 7, 2021 with Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias the energy in the building emerged more powerful than ever.
The feeling of working on a show for months and seeing it come to life has always been special. Regardless if it’s an artist you’re new to or your favorite band, it’s impossible to beat the feeling you get when you’re on the floor surrounded by thousands of fans who go crazy when the house lights dim and the artist comes on stage. After 580 days, that feeling was stronger than I can put into words. The roar of that crowd was electric and something I will never forget.
I’m excited to see what the next 25 years of concerts will be at Scotiabank Arena. Live music has become a powerhouse, with artists touring more than ever, creating larger productions and outdoing themselves show after show. I love that one day I can come into work at a rock show and the next day work a Latin show, followed by a K-pop show and everything in between.
Adam Armit
Senior Manager, Marketing – Venues & Live Entertainment Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
I don’t know when it will be safe to return to singing arm in arm at the top of our lungs, hearts racing, bodies moving, souls bursting with life. But I do know that we will do it again, because we have to. It’s not a choice. We’re human. We need moments that reassure us that we are not alone. That we are understood. That we are imperfect. And, most important, that we need each other. I have shared my music, my words, my life with the people who come to our shows. And they have shared their voices with me. Without that audience—that screaming, sweating audience— my songs would only be sound. But together, we are instruments in a sonic cathedral, one that we build together night after night. And one that we will surely build again.
-Dave Grohl
GENESIS
THE LAST DOMINO? TOUR
NOVEMBER 25 & 26, 2021
RICKY MARTIN, ENRIQUE IGLESIAS OCTOBER 07 2021
RICKY MARTIN, ENRIQUE IGLESIAS OCTOBER 08 2021
MALUMA OCTOBER 21 2021
DAVE CHAPPELLE, JEFF ROSS NOVEMBER 15 2021
GENESIS NOVEMBER 25 2021
GENESIS NOVEMBER 26 2021
TAME IMPALA MARCH 09 2022
TYLER THE CREATOR,VINCE STAPLES MARCH 11 2022
JUSTIN BIEBER
JUSTICE WORLD TOUR
MARCH 25, 2022
I purchased a ticket for a Tyler the Creator concert in 2021/2022 while abroad. Initially, Ticketmaster did not allow me to buy it, so I had to ask my friends to log in and secure the ticket for me. Although I paid for one concert, I got to enjoy four full shows, featuring Kali Uchis, Vince Staples, and Teezo, in addition to Tyler’s. The theatrical style of Tyler’s show was amazing. I frequently attend concerts, but this remains my peak concert experience.
-Murathan Biliktu, fan Toronto, ON
DILJIT DOSANJH
BORN TO SHINE TOUR
JUNE 25, 2022
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT TOUR
JULY 21 & 22, 2022
theguyfromtheshwa I was crowd surfing just before Morello got tackled.
steph.a.quinlan Saw both reunion shows in 2022 and the band just killed it both nights.
gohomegetdown I was against the rail for this show. Blew my mind. This is especially a moment I’ll never forget. Back to back nights will go down in history!
damien_segee Taking my 21 year old son to his first concert. We lost our minds. The greatest show I’ve seen in a long time and my son was beside himself. This despite Zack sitting on a road case the entire show.
59thrifty Was at the same show. Was a full circle moment for me to finally see them after all these years. I had lined up at Sunrise Records to grab tickets to the ill-fated Beastie Boys & RATM tour that got cancelled on account of one of the BB’s breaking his collarbone
TWENTY ONE PILOTS AUGUST 27 2022
My very first concert EVER was Dua Lipa back on July 27, 2022. I remember lining up really early to make sure I was at the very front of the stage since I had floor tickets. These tickets were for my birthday and I had a sign that said “ITS MY BIRTHDAY AND MY FIRST CONCERT” She saw my sign and lipped Happy Birthday! It made my day, year and life!!! -Apurva Kapadia, fan Scarborough, ON
HARRY STYLES
LOVE ON TOUR
AUGUST 15 & 16, 2022
One memory that will forever stay in my mind was seeing Harry Styles August 2022. Everything about that concert experience was PERFECT. From the friendly staff directing the flow of traffic and ensuring everyone safely got in the building. And seeing everyone gather together after a long time social distancing and sharing our love for music and for incredible artistry. The show was everything I could have ever imagined and more than I could have ever asked for. Thank you Scotiabank Arena and here’s to many more memories in the years to come.
-Christian Roderos, fan Vaughan, ON
PEARL JAM
GIGATON TOUR
SEPTEMBER 08, 2022
I am one of Pearl Jam’s biggest fans. In 2022 I had a ticket (seated) for their show at Scotiabank. The night before the show, another fan posted on the Pearl Jam fan club Facebook group that he had an extra GA floor ticket for the first person to claim it!
I commented right away and met up bright and early the next morning in line outside the arena. We waited 8+ hours in line and ended up getting a spot upfront on the rail right infront of Mike McCready! It was the most epic concert experience of my life seeing my favourite band up close like that and being surrounded by other huge fans. I caught a few guitar picks and Mike McCready himself handed my ticket buddy a copy of the setlist at the end of the show! I met some wonderful people and had the most fun I’ve ever had at a show. I’ll never forget it!
-Serena Golden, fan Espanola, ON
THE WHO
WITH STEVEN PAGE TRIO
OCTOBER 02, 2022
In 2022, I was invited to open for The Who at Scotiabank Arena, which was both surreal and possibly the most satisfying experience I’ve had in the building. After many years away from playing arenas, and over a decade since I’d left Barenaked Ladies, here I was, opening for one of my all-time favourite bands, in my hometown, with my best friends in the world, Craig Northey and Kevin Fox (The Steven Page Trio). To be given that kind of opportunity, especially once you’re in a position to really cherish it, it's a pretty spectacular feeling.
-Steven Page singer-songwriter
LEGACY OF THE BEAST TOUR
I have a lot of memories from this place, I've been to so many concerts. The two that stand out the most for me though would have to be when I went to see KISS with my dad and brothers. We got level 100 tickets right by the side of the stage. We could feel the heat from the flames. We grew up listening to KISS since my dad is a die hard fan. It was an amazing experience. Fast forward a few years later, I lost one my brothers in a car accident. One of the only things I had to look forward to that year was going to see MGK. He got me through the most difficult year of my life. I listened to his music everyday and I'll never forget when he came out hanging off his helicopter in front of me. In that moment, all my worries went away and I was one with the crowd and one with MGK. Thank you Scotiabank Arena for creating a safe place for us all to enjoy the music we love. To most of us, it's all we have.
-Jasmine Anthony, fan Pembroke, ON
MARCH 09 2023
WILL OF THE PEOPLE TOUR
MAY 11 & 15, 2023
NICKS JUNE 20 2023
SEPTEMBER 27 2023
SCHULZ SEPTEMBER 29 2023
SCHULZ SEPTEMBER 30 2023 WU-TANG CLAN, NAS, DE LA SOUL OCTOBER 01 2023
ENRIQUE, RICKY, PITBULL OCTOBER 17 2023
ENRIQUE, RICKY, PITBULL OCTOBER 18 2023
SHANIA TWAIN, TALK OCTOBER 22 2023 JOJI OCTOBER 24 2023 DRAKE, LIL BABY, SEXYY RED OCTOBER 06 2023
DRAKE, J.COLE, 21 SAVAGE OCTOBER 07 2023
LL COOL J FULL FORCE TOUR
AUGUST 19, 2023
Legends of hip-hop took over Scotiabank Arena for a night of classics. It was incredible to see GOATs like LL, Queen Latifah, Jadakiss, and Black Thought on the same stage. LL’s catalog, longevity, and electrifying stage presence was on full display. It’s unbelievable how energetic and fit the man is at 55-years old. Other highlights included solos from Z-Trip and Jazzy Jeff, an awesome all-female set by Queen Latifah and Monie Love (who also did a hip-house interlude), and Black Thought who possibly turned in the best hype man/host performance I’ve ever seen. The 6000+ in attendance definitely got their money’s worth.
petemisconduct Awesome show, everyone killed it conthadondadda Legendary night for the culture paulelopes The classic House Music set and Monie Love Voguing
adshowtime The mighty Roots crew had a legendary performance
romeothedarkhorse One of the best shows I’ve seen in a few years. The Roots were unreal as a backing band, and all the MC’s were in great shape (vocally and physically) considering their collective age was north of 50.
MÅNESKIN RUSH! WORLD TOUR
SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
Last year I was able to see Måneskin perform at Scotiabank Arena. This concert was and still continues to be special to me for a number of different reasons, as it not only was my first ever concert, but it was a concert I was supposed to go to with my Dad. I had bought the tickets for us in March, and him and I would send videos of the band back and forth to express how excited we both are- I found out later he had even talked about it with his coworkers, he was so excited. When my Dad very suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in June, a large part of me didn’t want to go without him. My friend, the greatest friend in the world, stepped in and came with me- she hadn’t even listened to Måneskin until the day of the concert, but she knew how badly I had wanted to go and how much my Dad had meant to me. Being able to power through my grief and still attend the concert was one of the greatest things I have ever done for myself. The show, the quality of the performance, the atmosphere, it was an amazing opportunity. I had wished and still wish my Dad could have had the chance to have the same experience I did, but still getting to go with my friend to me is what concerts should be about. They are about coming together to enjoy a show with thousands of other people who like the same artist as you, thousands of people who you have no idea what they have gone through to get there but are with you together in the same moment in time.
-Amanda Morrison, fan Oshawa, ON
On October 6th and 7th, Drake returned to his hometown for the grand finale of the monthslong “It’s All A Blur” tour. The city was on a wave as the weekend coincided with the drop of his eighth studio album, For All The Dogs. For the occasion, the Scotiabank Arena team spared no effort, expense or bead of sweat in creating the country’s first pop-up arena. Draped in the OVO black and gold colourway, Scotiabank Arena transformed to October’s Very Own Arena in a spectacular homage to the 6 God. From the restroom mirrors to hallway decals to the entire arena envelope, October's Very Own Arena was an incredibly immersive experience for the over 40,000 fans who attended both sold-out shows.
IT'S ALL A BLUR TOUR
A few weeks before the show, I found a long-lost video of Drake’s dad Dennis singing at an old Toronto blues club. I sent it to Drake who was grateful and used it to announce the release date of his upcoming album, For All the Dogs. As a thank you, Dennis and Drake gave me a pair of VIP tickets to the show. I took my friend Jordan Applebaum who's been a Drizzy fan since day one. We were up in the riser with family and friends right under the massive inflatable statue of Virgil Abloh. The Boy then spent the next two and a half hours paying homage to the city and performing a huge portion of his catalog. Hit parade are two words that come to mind. The symbiotic energy between the crowd and the artist was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
I will never forget when unexpectedly for everybody, Drake brought out 21 Savage during the It's All A Blur Tour (2nd night). It was the first concert where I lost my voice, since I was so excited to see my favourite artists perform on the stage together, I also witnessed live performance from J Cole, Central Cee, and Sexyy Redd that night. Thank You, Scotiabank Arena for hosting such event, and Thank You Mr. Graham for such an outstanding concert which I will always remember with warmth inside my heart.
-Yaroslav Nalyvaiko, fan Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
Drake’s It’s All A Blur tour was one of the best concerts of the year. The production was crazy and Drake always puts on for his city. The surprise guests were out of this world, Drake preforming on the same stage with J Cole and bringing 21 Savage out for his first show in Canada. Scotiabank Arena had to be the best venue of the tour by transforming itself into the “October’s Very Own Arena”. Not to mention Drake filmed the best music video ever made “First Person Shooter” on the roof of Scotiabank Arena. It was one of the most exciting shows I’ve ever been at and I go see him every year. The way Drake pumps up the crowd is unreal and his energy is unmatched. It’s hard to explain the feeling really, the surprise guests always catches me off guard even when I’m expecting them. Drake shows never disappoint he’s one of the best performers of our generation.
-Josh Hamilton, fan Marathon, ON
Drake holds a significance deeper than words can express. As an immigrant arriving in Canada with a thick accent, his lyrics became more than just music—they became my guide to fitting into a new culture. Reciting Drake's verses was my pathway to adopting a Canadian accent, a bridge between my old identity and a new one. Experiencing Drake's concert, "It's All a Blur” in Toronto, Canada, was profoundly transformative. The electric atmosphere in the 6ix, his hometown, amplified the connection I felt to his music. Each song performed took me down memory lane, aligning with different chapters of my life. His music became the soundtrack to my adaptation, to my marking moments, to my struggles, and to my triumphs. Watching him on stage stirred a mix of emotions—gratitude, nostalgia, and a sense of belonging. Drake's journey mirrored mine in ways that transcended language barriers. He symbolizes not just an artist but a companion through the assimilation process, providing a sense of familiarity and acceptance in a foreign land.
-Hasan Ansari, fan Milton, ON
DANIEL CAESAR
SUPERPOWERS WORLD TOUR
OCTOBER 14, 2023
Daniel Caesar tore the roof off Scotiabank Arena at this show. It was my first time seeing him live (guess that makes me a day 3) and was really impressed. Dude’s the complete package. Born in Scarborough, and raised in Oshawa, he’s blessed with a great falsetto, can shred a Fender with the best of them, can get his John Legend on, and writes his own songs. He had 14,000+ fans in the palm of his hand, conducting a karaoke session unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I mean the crowd knew EVERY. SINGLE. WORD. And the merch was good too. Shout out openers Charlotte Day Wilson and Badbadnotgood who set the mood with Erykah Badu vibes. Oh, and Mustafa the Poet joined Daniel for a cameo which was cool. It was great to get back to seeing “normal” shows after the spectacle of the Drake concert a week earlier. A soothing R&B concert was just what the doctor ordered. A pretty amazing come-up for Daniel who made his concert debut at the Mod Club in 2016.
I went to the Trilogy tour concert with Ricky Martin, Pitbull, and Enrique Iglesias.
I was in the third row and during “Fireball” I put on my fireball whiskey costume and got the coolest moment of Pitbull pointing into the crowd at me, making direct eye contact, and sticking his tongue out at me. Coolest moment ever and an absolutely unforgettable concert experience!
-Ariana
Perez, fan Rochester, NY
SCHULZ SEPTEMBER 29 2023
SCHULZ SEPTEMBER 30 2023
CLAN, NAS, DE LA SOUL OCTOBER 01 2023 ENRIQUE, RICKY, PITBULL OCTOBER 17 2023 ENRIQUE, RICKY, PITBULL OCTOBER 18 2023
TWAIN, TALK OCTOBER 22 2023
OCTOBER 24 2023
J.COLE, 21 SAVAGE OCTOBER 07 2023
+ ADAM LAMBERT OCTOBER 08 2023 DANIEL CAESAR, CHARLOTTE DAY WILSON OCTOBER 13 2023
SANTOS NOVEMBER 25 2023
CAREY NOVEMBER 27 2023
ORCHESTRA DECEMBER 03 2023
CAT DECEMBER 11 2023
SCOTT DECEMBER 29 2023 TRAVIS SCOTT JANUARY 06 2024
JANUARY 11 2024
JANUARY 12 2024 I am a lover of music and travel, but since I arrived in Canada as a refugee from Colombia, it has been impossible for me to continue with my life as a traveler, but I have found in concerts a way to brighten my life and dance to the rhythm of great artists. Thanks to Scotiabank for hosting nights that I can never forget because they have simply been magical, Maneskin, Romeo Santos, Madonna.
ON
-Jesus Romero, fan Toronto,
Working behind the scenes at Scotiabank Arena has given me a front-row seat to the magic of live music. From the electrifying energy of soldout shows to the meticulous planning that goes into every event, it's an honour to play a part in bringing unforgettable experiences to fans year after year. Cheers to the last 25 years of musical history, and here's to many more!
-Daniel Klein Coordinator, Marketing – Music & Live Events
Welcome to Scotiabank Arena
When welcoming the world’s most renowned artists to your stage you can’t simply roll out the red carpet. The Scotiabank Arena team always go above and beyond to create a unique and creative backstage atmosphere with custom gifts to boot. Because after all, who doesn’t like gifts?!
LORI NELSON ARTIST
These posters were originally pieces of a diptych called As Above, So Below. The inspiration for the painting was the old Hermetic Principle of Correspondence where patterns repeat on different planes. In this instance, both subjects, wearing hand knit suits, sit inside a natural magical circle, one composed of mushrooms, the other of crystals. In both instances, as above, so below, the girl wears incredible braids and is surrounded by rabbits. The symbol for eternity is also present in each panel.
LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY
TOOL IN CONCERT
NOVEMBER 21 & 22, 2023
It took an entire day to recover, but I am happy to report I’ve survived the onslaught called Tool. Over the course of two nights the band put the 35,000+ in attendance through a metaphysical meat grinder. Travelling into the dark recesses of Maynard’s mind is simultaneously cerebral, cathartic, and frightening. Tool took us on a journey through space, time, the conscious and sub-conscious mind, and in the process, extricated the crowd from the confnes of the physical world. And my god the visuals! With what seemed like a 100-foot, 8K video board, we travelled into the fractal matrix. The visuals were unreal. From cosmic vaginas to alien experiments to in utero evolution, the band took the room into what can only be described as a communal existential mindfuck. Who are we? Where are we going? What’s the nature of matter? It was transcendent for those who were of elevated mind states and had the capacity or willingness to think on a diferent plane.
About 45 minutes into the set, the band activated god mode as Sir Alex Lifeson was invited on stage to play Jambi with Adam Jones. Alex and Adam were in synchronicity. In that moment, my friend turned to me and said, “I’m melting.” It was like the pantheon of prog-rock gods on display for us mere mortals. We’re not worthy. Tool took us on a ride of several songs from their three-decade plus catalog. And although we were frmly in Maynard’s grip, it was DANNY FUCKING CAREY who was conducting things. Dipped in an OVO Gold Raptors jersey, dude was channeling the spirit of Neil Peart and blowing us the fuck away with his drum work. You see, at a Tool show, the drummer is front and centre, and Danny commanded his spaceship like Carl Sagan. Never have I seen a birds-eye view of a drummer divided into an optical kaleidoscope as he was working some machine behind the kit. Is he even human? After 75-minutes, the band aforded us a 10-minute respite so that we could temporarily emerge from our psychosis to take a piss and grab a beer. What mercy!
Other highlights included a dazzling time-released gold confetti drop that futtered through the air like stardust. Embedded in the confetti were limited edition depictions of each band member in their alien incarnations. I was able to catch fve confetti for good luck which are now securely stored in the fyer vault. There’s probably a lot I’m forgetting, but I’ll let the fans fll in the blanks – there’s only so much a mind can take LOL.
thatchrisj It was a show that I’ll not soon forget. Sooooo much. Maynard’s words (paraphrasing here) “put your phone in your fucking pocket and be present. It’s only two hours.. Be with us. Let us take you on a journey….” Well, that Menacing, Magical, Mindfuck Machine that IS Tool sure as F did!! Wow!
alixkell Saw both shows. Night 2 was superior. Seen them so many times in the last 20 year-and they are rarely touch undertow. Intolerance BLEW MY FOOKING MIND live!
There is nothing like a TOOL show. No one comes close with how technical, intellectual and artistic they are. It’s the only live music that every single time I watch it -I am outside of myself. If that makes sense? Danny was once again -the star. Also, been hearing some rumblings that he may be stepping in for the late Neil Peart on a upcoming Rush Tour. I couldn’t think of a better drummer! Because there is no better drummer. Period.
_brendanmalloy Mind blowing. It was almost ritualistic and ceremonial. The most incredible spectacle I’ve ever seen.
breakingthepixel Well put. I’m still processing. This helps. I think they also had some kind of aromatherapy / smell-o-vision going on. Please tell me I didn’t hallucinate this?! I really with I kept the confetti I caught but my mind state was too shattered to put them safely away in my pocket lol!
bill_tzmk Danny Carey’s drumming was outstanding. Especially during Pneuma I was blown away. Best version of Pneuma I have seen live.
ayatollahofrockandrollah I know the lyrics and concept are Keenan’s, the artwork is Jones’ and Chancellor's bass is tremendous but it’s Carey’s insane drumming that drives the sound.
Tool and Rush have a mutual respect and fondness between the bands. On the most recent Tool Toronto shows, Rush’s Alex Lifeson was invited to sit in with Tool. Alex stood beside Tool guitarist Adam Jones taking the lead on the Tool song Jambi. At that moment Tool’s manager waived me over to the side of the stage and whispered in my ear, “that is what its all about."
-Elliott Lefko Vice-President, AEG Presents
SOURCE INSTAGRAM.COM THEREALLER ST
thereallerxst What an honour and delight it was playing with one of my favourite bands last night. I've loved @toolmusic since the first time I listened to them. They are such a great band and I am lucky to call them friends. One of the many high points of the evening was gifting my @epiphone Les Paul to @adamjones_tv. His playing is inspirational and speaks to my soul like no other guitarist. Respecto, brother. ~Lerxst
TRAVIS SCOTT
CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR
JANUARY 06, 2024
IT’S TORONTO VS. EVERYBODY IN THIS MUTHAFUCKER YA HEARD. IT’S THE 6 VS. EVERYBODY. I HAD A DREAM. I HAD VISIONS THAT WHEN I CAME TO TORONTO, I HAD DREAMS OF SHAKING THE ROOF OFF. WE TILTED THE ROOF TO THE RIGHT. THEY WOULD HAVE TO RE-ADJUST IT FOR THE GAMES. NOW I REALLY WANT TO SHAKE THIS ROOF.
-TRAVIS SCOTT RAPPER, HOUSTON, TX
MADONNA THE CELEBRATION TOUR
JANUARY 11 & 12, 2024
It’s hard to write a Madonna concert review because she’s so damn iconic us mere mortals have no business writing concert critiques. Especially yours truly who was “touched for the very first time.” All I can say is seeing Madonna live is like being blessed in a pyramid of high art in which the only appropriate reaction is gratitude. I was there. It was a spectacle of religious eroticism manifested through dance and song. There’s so many Madonna eras and they’re all amazing. Thanks to the concert gods for bless ing me with tickets.
mmatusoff Killer show, went with family and we all had an amazing time. Shout to my Uber driver who drove us down during the worst part of that friday storm
keltron76 I was there, couldn’t believe I’d never seen her before and she was perfect. What an immaculate collection of non-stop hits! and amazing tributes to Prince and Michael too
linni_smith I was there Friday - her 2 min montage was intense - no one was filming, we were all fixated on the screen. Her homage to MJ made me cry (never say goodbye). It was all so beautiful.
brian.columbus I went the first night. Loved it!!! Scrambled for a ticket for the second night. Over the decades when times got tough… Madonna was always there for me.
alixkell What a SUPERIOR tour! That show Thuresday night…. Jeeze- where does one even start?
jennifer_strype It was my “first time” with Madonna too and it was utterly mind blowing. She was put on this planet to do exactly what we witnessed and like you said, I am just grateful I was able to witness it.
ccbotanicals No words could adequately describe how moved we were. Many tears were shed. The images of those we lost to AIDS was so powerful. The homage to our LGBTQ community was poignant. I had seen the reinvention tour in 2004 and since then have said it’s one of the best concerts I’ve seen and I have seen many. We were so happy to see this, what must be her final retrospective. You changed our world Madonna and we are all better for it.
metrotorontou It was a masterpiece…it wasn’t just her hits, it was her life story and career trajectory and how they reflected society and politics in the last 4 decades
PHOTO CREDITS
Getty Images: Andrew Francis Wallace 137; Arthur Mola 151, 168; Bernard Weil 11-12, 67; Boris Spremo 4; Carlos Osorio 211-212; C.J. Lafrance 165-166; David Cooper 163, 214 (top); George Pimentel 99, 136, 149, 154, 161, 182 (left), 203-204; Jag Gundu 224; Jeff Goode 34; Jesse D. Garrabrant 202 (Flo Rida); Jim Ross 53, 56; Ken Faught 68; Kevin Mazur 199-200; Lucas Oleniuk Lucas Oleniuk 118, 175; Michael Hurcomb 164; NBA Photos 201 (Baka); Pawel Dwulit 157-159; Randy Quan 59, 63 (top); Richard Lautens 219-220; Rick Eglinton 5-6, 182 (right); Rick Madonik 48, 58; Ron Bull 46; Ron Turenne 21-22, 122 (bottom right), 201 (Tory Lanez, Vanilla Ice, Nelly Furtado); Steve Russell 202 (Sting), 245-246; Tom Szczerbowski Tom Szczerbowski 24; Vaughn Ridley 202 (Jully Black); Vince Talotta Vince Talotta 86; Zoran Bozicevic 41-42. Richard Beland 23, 26-31, 36, 38-40, 43, 49, 63 (bottom), 64, 73-74, 76-78, 81-83, 88, 91-92, 100, 102-103, 105-108, 110, 112-114, 116-117, 141-148, 156, 178, 259, 262, 266 (bottom).
Tom Pandi ii, iv-v, ix, x-xi, xii-xiii, xiv-xv, 1-2, 13-14, 119-120, 171-173, 186-191, 193, 195-198, 206-207, 213, 215, 216 (top), 220, 221-222, 225-229, 231-236, 239-244, 252, 254-258, 261, 263-264, 266 (top), 269, 272-273, 275-276, 278-282, 285 (G.E.M., Twice, Got7), 286-294, 297, 299-301, 305-306, 309-320, 322-326, 328, 335, 337, 339344, 347-352, 354-357, 359-366, 368-371, 372 (top), 373-374, 377, 379-380, 381 (right), 382, 385-386, 393-394, 396-398, 402.
Abby Tobias 201 (Phife, ASAP Ferg), 202 (Arkells, Raekwon); Alex Vonbun 61; Ariana Perez 381 (left); Bruce Ladouceur 201-202 (background); Carlin Domi 395 (Madonna holding sign); Clayton Peters 140; Daniel Tate 8 (left side), 375-376, 395; Dave McFarlane 44, 45; David Mathews 220 (inset); Dawn Hamilton 331-332; Igor Vadyashev 283-284, 285 (Got7), 329-330, 403-404; Jennifer Keith 51, 249-251; Jeremy Chan 285 (Eason Chan); Joey Scoleri 268; Kaizen Parcasio 345-346; Karl Man Karl Man 372 (bottom); Kayla Hillier 216 (bottom); Leslie Elliot 214 (bottom); Liz Park Liz Park 176; Lucia Remedios 177; Mark Matusoff 72, 121-122; Michael Paris 205; Oliver El-Khatib 160; Paul Parhar 34 (b/w); Peter Yozell Peter Yozell 297 (inset); Randy Gilbert 327; Rush: R40 Live, Anthem 239; Toby Wang 209, 303, 397 (shirts); WWE 123-134.
Special thanks to C.J. DeFreitas Wilson for designing the Scotiabank Arena 25 word map on the preceding spread.
NEWSPAPER CREDITS
Page 13: “Historycomessecondtoarenas,criticsfear.” Toronto Star. ©1997, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 19: “Concertvenue’srephingesonacoustics.” Toronto Star. ©1999, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 19: “WiredforSound.” Toronto Sun. ©1999, Material republished with the express permission of: Toronto Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
Page 20: “Pretzelbitesthebigtime.” Toronto Star. ©1999, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 32: “Shaniacomesoveragain.” Toronto Star. ©1999, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 41: “GoogooshcomebackconcertdelightsT.O.fans.” Toronto Star. ©2000, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 57: “KeepingcoolwithSade.” Toronto Star. ©2001, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 59: “SolemnBackstreetBoysconfrontno-winsituation.” Toronto Star. ©2001, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 70: “Coldplay’sTorontovisitashow-stopper.” Toronto Star. ©2002, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 79: “Ozzylive–theguy’sreadytocroakforfans.” Toronto Star. ©2003, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 84: “Mayerputsheartstobed.” Toronto Star. ©2003, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 86: “Bowieflasheshisgold.” Toronto Star. ©2004, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 94: “Toronto’sadream:There’snopretension.” The Globe and Mail. ©2004, Material republished with the express permission of: The Globe and Mail.
Page 110: “PearlJamasgoodasitgets.” Toronto Sun. ©2006, Material republished with the express permission of: Toronto Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
Page 121-122: “CulturalSmackdown!” Toronto Star. ©2000, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 157: “RapperrocksACCwithcharismaandweirdness.” The Globe and Mail. ©2009, Material republished with the express permission of Joshua Ostroff.
Page 168: “Jay-Zbringsfanstricksandtreats.” Toronto Star. ©2009, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 181: “BieberFeversweepsACC.” Toronto Star. ©2010, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 191: “Rihanna’sstarshowsnosignofcooling.” Fever sweeps ACC.” Toronto Star. ©2011, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 211: “SpellboundbyLeonardCohenmagic.” Toronto Star. ©2012, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 223: “Drake’shomecomingshowarousingbirthdaybash.” Toronto Star. ©2013, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 245-246: “Rushshowisonefortheages.” Toronto Star. ©2015, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 266: “Asongforthehistorybooks,forthefarewell.” Toronto Star. ©2016, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 266: “Thankyou,Toronto.Thankyou,Toronto.Thankyouforever.” Toronto Star. ©2016, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Page 285: “Canto-popking’sT.O.visithasfansinafrenzy.” Toronto Star. ©1999, Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
WORKS CITED
Page viii: Grohl, Dave. "TheDayTheLiveConcertReturns." The Atlantic, 11 May 2020.
Page 132: Barthes, Roland. Mythologies. The Noonday Press, 1972.
Page 160: Graham, Aubrey. "DrakeEnterstheCentre!" Interview by Lissa Monet. Peace Magazine, June 2009, p. 12.
Page 345: Grohl, Dave. "TheDayTheLiveConcertReturns." The Atlantic, 11 May 2020.
With his vast archives and knack for research and storytelling, Daniel Tate has been tirelessly chronicling Toronto music history since 2015 when he started The Flyer Vault project. His passion for sharing formative moments in Canadian concert history has helped propel The Flyer Vault as a go-to account for concert fans. In 2019, Daniel teamed up with Grammy-winning writer Rob Bowman to release the Amazon bestselling book, The Flyer Vault: 150 Years of Toronto Concert History with a foreword written by Geddy Lee (published by Dundurn Press). Since then, The Flyer Vault has expanded to offer services such as design, archival, consulting, writing, and research. Daniel has delivered several high-profile music history projects for esteemed clients such as Massey Hall, MLSE, Live Nation, and Universal Music. As of this writing, The Flyer Vault has over 24k followers on Instagram including distinguished musicians and journalists such as Drake, Geddy Lee, George Clinton, Nardwuar, and many more. Daniel has been featured in media publications such as CBC, Globe & Mail, the Toronto Star, and Vice. He lives in Toronto and goes to a lot of concerts.
Over the last quarter-century, few concert venues across Canada have witnessed as many electrifying moments as Scotiabank Arena. In this visual tour-de-force, readers embark on a mesmerizing journey of the building’s storied past through the many legendary shows to happen on its stage. Beginning with the inception of the arena’s construction, the book transports us through time, allowing us to relive a remarkable number of concerts by the world’s most renowned artists. From The Tragically Hip’s groundbreaking debut in 1999 to U2’s incredible 4-night stand in 2005 to Madonna’s thrilling Celebration tour in 2024, each page unveils unforgettable moments in Toronto concert history - told firsthand by the artists, promoters, and, most significantly, the passionate fans who were there. Complementing these narratives is a breathtaking collection of concert memorabilia and photography, including a captivating two-part feature on the arena’s wrestling legacy, and a dedicated section highlighting the Asian pop explosion of the 2010s. Stories of the Stage features insights from acclaimed performers such as Avril Lavigne, City and Colour, The Tragically Hip, Russell Peters, Leslie Feist, Glenn Lewis, Adam Copeland and many more. Over the past 25 years, the building has welcomed over 13 million concertgoers through its doors, each seeking the exhilarating vibration and energy of live music. With Stories of the Stage: 25 Years of Concert History at Scotiabank Arena, we reflect and celebrate the cherished memories and connections forged at one of Canada’s most beloved concert venues.