In a night where the air buzzed with anticipation, Rogers Arena opened its doors for the first concert of 2024, welcoming a diverse crowd eager to partake in City and Colour's Canadian tour's Vancouver stop. This concert, marking the second destination after a compelling performance in Victoria, was more than just a musical showcase; it was a communal journey through the landscapes of emotion, led by Dallas Green and his band.
Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada
The evening commenced with Ruby Waters, whose gritty voice and raw performance style captured the audience from the very first chord. Waters, known for her bluesy undertones and soulful lyrics, set the tone for the evening, her music acting as a bridge between the mundane and the magical. Her set was a reminder of the power of authenticity in a world often masked by digital veneers.
As the echoes of Waters' last song faded, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats took the stage, infusing the arena with their high-energy blend of soul, R&B, and folk. Their performance was a fiery testament to the enduring appeal of heartfelt, foot-stomping music. The collective's ability to weave stories through melody left the audience in a state of high anticipation for the night's main act.
At 9:30 PM, the lights went out, not to signal an end but to herald the depth of what was to come. Dallas Green's voice, serene yet powerful, pierced the silence with a question, "Are you ready to get emotional?" It wasn't just an invitation; it was a gateway into a shared experience that would leave no heart untouched.
The setlist was a meticulously chosen anthology of City and Colour's journey, from the introspective "Meant to Be" to the longing echoes of "Sleeping Sickness" in the encore. Each song was a chapter, each chord a narrative, weaving a tapestry of human experience that resonated deeply with every soul present.
"Thirst" and "The Love Still Held Me Near" reminded us of our own vulnerabilities, while "Little Hell" and "Harder Than Stone" offered a glimpse into the complexities of inner turmoil and redemption. By the time "Hello, I'm In Delaware" filled the arena, there was a profound sense of unity in the shared human condition.
The tour, spanning from Victoria to Halifax, is not just a series of concerts but a journey through the heart of Canada, with City and Colour serving as the emotional compass guiding fans through every shade of feeling. The upcoming stops, including Edmonton's Rogers Place and Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome, promise to continue this shared exploration of music's power to connect and heal.
As the last notes of "Sleeping Sickness" faded into the night, the audience was left in a reflective silence, the kind that follows a profound realization or a cathartic release. Dallas Green and his band had not just performed; they had transformed Rogers Arena into a sanctuary of human connection and emotional depth.
In a world where moments are fleeting and emotions often suppressed, City and Colour's concert was a poignant reminder of the beauty in vulnerability, the strength in unity, and the transformative power of music. As fans filed out of the arena, the question on everyone's lips was not if they would experience something like this again, but when.
City and Colours Upcoming Tour Dates: 02/10 Edmonton, AB - Rogers Place
02/12 Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome
02/14 Saskatoon, SK - SaskTel Centre
02/15 Winnipeg, MB - Canada Life Centre
02/18 London, ON - Budweiser Gardens
02/20 Oshawa, ON - Tribute Communities Centre
02/22 Laval, QC - Place Bell
02/23 Ottawa, ON - Canadian Tire Centre
02/24 Quebec City, QC - Videotron Centre
02/26 Moncton, NB - Avenir Centre
02/27 Halifax, NS - Scotiabank Centre
More Images of the night below:
