What a night to be in Toronto for an event. We had the Maple Leafs is playing the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Blue Jays playing the Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto FC playing FC Cincinnati in MLS action, and then Devin Townsend playing the Queen Elizabeth Theatre - with all four events taking place a few kilometers away for each other. Since it was a busy night in the city, I took the Go Train from Oakville to go see the show. The train was packed with Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and Toronto FC jerseys. The Leafs got smoked, the FC didnt fair too well, but the Blue Jays had a better effort with a win. But the real event of this evening was Devin Townsend and special guest TesseracT.
Toronto Exhibition Grounds is where the Queen Elizabeth Theatre is located, right beside BMO Field where Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts play. The theatre was originally opened on 1956 but in 2010 was renovated and today its a great place to see live music.
I got to the venue a bit early and there was already a line up to get in, by the time the doors opened there was at least 300 fans lined up to get in. The merch booth was right by the entrance, and there were long lines to get some merch but it was worth the wait. I got a really cool Devin shirt. Once into the venue I went to the front to get a good spot to photograph the event. At first, the place didn't seem too full, but just before British progressive metal band TesseracT took the stage, the place was packed.
TesseracT came out to all the fans going crazy and bobbing up and down when they opened their set with "Natural Disaster" from their War of Being album. They did not disappoint. The fans loved them, and I would say that there where lots of TesseracT shirts on fans. Lead singer Daniel Tomphins' voice and stage presence was awesome. While listening to their set, I was reminded of how good they really are. Daniel said during the show that Devin Townsend brought TesseracT out on the road with them 15 years again and they had crushing it live with Devin all those years later. This is a band you must go out and see. TesseracT play a good hour set and the fans loved it.
TesseracT set list:
- Natural Disaster
- Of Mind - Nocturne
- King
- Sacrifice
- Legion
- War of Being
- The Grey
- Juno
- Concealing Fate, Part 3: The Impossible
TesseracT are:
Acle Kahney - Lead Guitar
Jay Postones - Drum and Percussion
James 'Metal' Monteith - Rhythm Guitar
Amos Williams - Bass and Growls
Daniel Tompkins - Lead Vocals
The night belonged to the brilliant Canadian Devin Townsend. When Devin came out the crowd was shouting his name. Fans in the front from the UK brought out stuffed animals for Devin to put out in front of his mic stand and Devin did it happily. Devin opened with "PowerNerd" from his 2024 album of the same name. The fans loved him. After the first song Devin spoke to the audience about that this may be the last time you see him play live for a very long time. It's unclear whether he is retiring from live playing or just taking the time out to spend time with his family. We all have to remember the musicians are people too and they sometime need a break from the busy lives they have. You can watch the video below.
What ever Devin decides to do in the future, I am grateful that I was able to get out and see him live and enjoy is music. Thanks Devin, you have touched all your fans and we wish you luck with what ever you do.
Devin and his band were awesome, playing songs from different areas of his catalog. He even played some Strapping Young Lad. Every time I have see Devin live his never lets me down.
I guess I picked the right venue to see tonight and I am grateful that I didn't stay home and watch my Toronto Maple Leafs get smoked by the Panthers. Its never a bad choice to get out and see live music. So everyone this may be you last chance to see Devin live, get out and see this show. You will not leave disappointed.
Devin Townsend's Set List:
- PowerNerd
- Kingdom
- Love?
- Lightworker
- Dimensions
- Aftermath
- Deep Peace
- By Your Command
- Bastard
- Why?
- Gratitude
- Truth
Devin Townsend and band are:
Devin Townsend - Guitar and Lead Vocals
Mike Keneally - Rhythm Guitar and Keyboards
James Leach - Bass Guitar
Darby Todd - Drums
What a great night to get out and see some live music from two amazing bands. If you can, get out and see this tour. You never know if you will see Devin on a full tour again. Please buy, steam or download thier music, a spend some money and buy some merch to support these bands. And always listen to metal!
