On a night where Vancouver’s energy was split between two distinct events, a contrast unfolded between chaos and calm. Across the street at BC Place, the B.C. Lions lost 32-29 to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a loud, intense CFL match. The noise spilled into the streets, but inside Rogers Arena, the atmosphere was entirely different—serene, chilled, and laid-back. Cigarettes After Sex was about to take the stage, and the crowd patiently waited for the band’s dreamy soundscapes to begin.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
At 9 PM, the arena, already dim, went almost completely dark. A deep blue light softly illuminated the stage. The band eased into a light jam, and then frontman Greg Gonzalez slowly emerged. Dressed in all black with sunglasses and a hat, he walked onstage with quiet confidence. He picked up his guitar and began singing softly to the crowd.
From the start, the vibe was slow, intimate, and hypnotic. Cigarettes After Sex opened with “X’s,” the title track from their latest album. The set moved seamlessly through songs like “You’re All I Want,” “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby,” and “Heavenly.” Each track flowed into the next, creating a consistent atmosphere of quiet intensity. But there were moments when the crowd stirred, especially during the emotionally charged “Apocalypse.”
Cigarettes After Sex’s ability to transform a large venue like Rogers Arena into a space of intimacy was remarkable. Greg Gonzalez’s delicate vocals, almost a whisper, filled the arena, captivating the audience. The band’s minimalist approach—soft drums, ethereal guitar, and steady bass—made every note feel purposeful, as if each song was an emotional conversation.
One of the highlights of the night was “Tejano Blue,” a song from the band’s new album. With a nod to Gonzalez’s Texas roots, the track brought a subtle but lively shift in tempo, offering a fresh layer to the band’s signature sound. Gonzalez’s voice carried the nostalgia of his childhood influences while still maintaining the dreamy, slow-burn style that fans adore.
The night continued with more fan favourites like “Cry” and “John Wayne,” songs that leaned into the band’s themes of love and loss. Gonzalez’s haunting lyrics cut through the stillness, drawing the audience deeper into the music. Despite the restraint in their performance, the emotional weight of the songs made the concert feel intense.
The band closed with an encore, performing “Opera House.” As the final notes faded, the audience lingered, reluctant to let go of the moment. The applause carried on, a sign that the night had left its mark on everyone in the room.
As Cigarettes After Sex continues their world tour, stopping at legendary venues like Madison Square Garden and London’s O2, their fans can expect the same ethereal experience. The band’s ability to create intimate, emotional moments, even in massive arenas, remains unmatched.
So, how does a band rooted in quiet introspection continue to attract such large audiences? Maybe it’s because they speak to something universal—the shared emotions of love, loss, and longing. And in a world filled with noise, perhaps we’re all searching for that rare moment of calm.
REMAINING NORTH AMERICAN DATES
SEP 28 - Seattle, WA - Climate Pledge Arena
SEP 30 - Portland, OR - Moda Center
OCT 02 - Greenwood Village, CO - Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
OCT 03 - Salt Lake City, UT - Delta Center
OCT 05 - Oakland, CA - Oakland Arena
OCT 07 - San Diego, CA - Viejas Arena
OCT 08 - Phoenix, AZ - Desert Diamond Arena
OCT 11 - Los Angeles, CA - Kia Forum
OCT 15 - Mexico City, MX - Palacio de los Deportes
GALLERY
