The next time someone tries to tell you that rock and roll is dead, or if you yourself feel that thought rolling through your brain, remember the Sam Roberts Band.
On Saturday night, at the legendary CNE Bandshell, we caught the Montreal rock outfit and were completely sucked in and entertained by their straight ahead, no gimmicks, Canadian summer night rock and roll show. There were no flames, fireworks, or lasers. But there were guitars, bass, drums, keys, and a whole lot of energy at the bandshell park as the boys played a mix of new songs, fan favourites, and their biggest hits in a 90 minute set.
It's also important to shout out Jane's Party, the Toronto band that opened the show and did an excellent job of representing their hometown's rock and roll vibe. Tracks like Til You Got Yours, Cigarette Buzz, and It's Been Years showed off their sound, and allowed the guys to put on a fun set to warm up the park. We also need to give love for the versatility in the band, with three of the four members taking a turn at lead vocals during their time on the CNE Bandshell stage.
I've been listening to Sam Roberts and the Sam Roberts Band for all of the summers in my adult life, starting with the, The Inhuman Condition EP, in 2012, and have sung along to the hits, watched the videos, and being a fan of their rock and roll vibe. So to see them on stage in 2017, with that same spark and enthusiasm for what they do, paired with the appreciation that Sam repeatedly showed for the opportunity to play in Toronto at such a venerable venue, was a wonderful thing.
Note: Sometimes I miss Sam's longer, floppy hair, especially when he's dancing and playing guitar on stage.
With a 15 song setlist, and a three song encore, the Sam Roberts Band filled their time on stage completely. And from TerraForm to kick things off to Brother Down to send us all home, the Toronto crowd was engaged, singing, dancing, clapping, and raising their hands in the air with glee and gusto. Heck, Sam Roberts has so many hits to pack into his set now that it wasn't until morning that I realized the band hadn't played Don't Walk Away Eileen, but if that's the only thing missing from my idealized show, we all should be happy with what the Sam Roberts Band shared on Saturday night.
These five rock and rollers know what's up. They put on a show that would have worked in a smaller, sweaty room like the Horseshoe Tavern, or in a bigger setting like the Budweiser Stage. And the fans in Toronto at the 2017 CNE knew it.
When you get the chance to see the Sam Roberts Band live, take it. The Inhuman Condition and We Were Born In A Flame put them on the map 15 years ago, but their songs, skills, and dedication to what they do has made TerraForm and their new music just as compelling and entertaining as ever.
We can't wait to see the band again. After all, we're all in this together.
Sam Roberts Band, 2017 CNE Setlist
※ TerraForm
※ Shapeshifters
※ Fixed to Ruin
※ Rogue Empire
※ Human Heat
※ Metal Skin
※ Hard Road
※ Spring Fever
※ Bridge to Nowhere
※ Where Have All the Good People Gone?
※ Detroit '67
※ Roll with the Spirits
※ If You Want It
※ Them Kids
※ Chasing the Light
Encore:
※ We're All in This Together
※ FIEND
※ Brother Down
Jane's Party at the 2017 CNE Bandshell Stage
