This year wasn’t quite as productive as last year but I was fortunate to attend and photograph some major events, including Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. That being said, it was also disappointing to be denied for some of my favorite bands like Depeche Mode (twice!!) and the Cure. A nice surprise towards the end of the year was the reunion, record release, and tour from Dogstar, the band with a certain well-known bassist Keanu Reeves.
Before we get going, a big thanks to the acts, their PR reps, tour managers, venue contacts and security, and the great fans for being amazing and allowing me to do what I do. See you in 2024!!
I’ve ranked my top ten shows of 2023. Taylor Swift is not included because I almost consider that event to be more of a religious experience rather than just a concert. Where else could you see over fifty thousand people singing along?
Here’s the rest of my Top Ten:
1. Muse and Evanescence at the ScotiaBank Arena in Toronto (March 9th)
What else can you say? Two amazing rock bands on one non-festival lineup? My fifth time seeing both of these bands was also one of the best!
2. Rina Sawayama at History in Toronto (August 9th)
The multi-talented Sawayama lived up to the hype. Also nice that young pop band Magdalena Bay opened.
3. Peter Frampton at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY (July 25th)
The ever cool Frampton, regardless of the muscular degenerative disease that he’s suffering from, only seems to get better with age. While he had to sit the whole show, his playing was impeccable. Never say never!
4. Suki Waterhouse at the Axis Club in Toronto (January 24th)
Besides the wonderful performance by Waterhouse who also starred as Karen Sirko in Daisy Jones & the Six, we were also introduced to amazing opener Blondshell.
5. MUNA at History in Toronto (May 14th)
The LA-based “greatest band in the world” are more fun each time we see them. Party anthem “What I Want” from 2022 was my jam for the year!
6. Duran Duran at CMAC in Canandaigua, NY (September 3rd)
The legendary band continues to amaze, even if they’re only playing their big hits. Nile Rodgers and Chic started the party with hits that I never realized that Rodgers was involved in!
7. Gayle & Dylan at the Velvet Underground (November 4th)
It’s so nice to see a new generation of female rockers blowing us away at the Velvet Underground. Both acts have some pop underpinnings but can really jam.
8. Bully at Lee’s Palace in Toronto (September 19th)
Speaking of female rockers, Bully had us headbanging all night long!
9. Disturbed at the ScotiaBank Arena in Toronto to (May 1st)
The earthquake known as Disturbed hit the ScotiaBank Arena, stomping all over us but also serenading us. An incredible concert experience!
10. Seal at Massey Hall in Toronto (May 15th)
Seal looks and sounds EXACTLY like he did back in the 90s!!