RECAP: THE ARKELLS BRING 'BIG FEELINGS' TOUR TO VANCOUVER

3 min read

On a sunny, yet chilly November evening, Vancouver’s Rogers Arena transformed into a hotbed of energy as the Arkells delivered an unforgettable performance on November 15, 2024. The tenth stop on their Canadian “Big Feelings” Tour was a masterclass in how a band can unite an audience through music, storytelling, and a sense of community.

Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada

From the moment the house lights turned off, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary concert. Each band member entered the stage wielding a large flashlight, their beams cutting through the darkness and scanning the crowd. The effect was eerie yet exhilarating, setting the tone for their opening number, “Come to Light.” The symbolism wasn’t lost on anyone; the moment the music hit, the arena came alive as if guided by those very lights.

The energy only grew as the band segued into “You Can Get It,” a track that embodies their playful confidence. To the crowd’s delight, opener K.Flay joined the band for a high-octane duet, showcasing an effortless chemistry that felt both polished and spontaneous. Her fiery presence elevated the song and gave fans a taste of the collaborative magic that defined the night.

One of the band’s greatest strengths lies in their ability to connect with audiences beyond the music. Midway through the set, frontman Max Kerman took a breather to share an anecdote about their first-ever Vancouver show. He recounted, with a mix of humour and disbelief, how they unknowingly booked a gig at the Penthouse strip club, only realizing the venue’s true nature after unloading their van. Max joked, eliciting laughter and cheers from a crowd that clearly appreciated their humble beginnings.

Moments like these showcased not only the band’s relatability but their dedication to making every show feel personal. Another highlight came when Max passed a digital camera into the audience, entrusting fans to capture candid moments. The camera, which had safely made its way back to the band after nine prior shows, became a symbol of the mutual respect between artist and audience.

As if the evening weren’t already packed with highlights, Max brought a young fan on stage for a heartfelt singalong. Despite the daunting crowd size, the fan sang her heart out, inspiring thunderous applause. The Arkells have a knack for creating unforgettable moments like this—moments that remind everyone why live music holds such power.

Adding to the night’s interactive spirit, Max and guitarist Mike DeAngelis made their way through the crowd to a smaller “B-stage” set up in the arena. This wasn’t just for show; in the days leading up to the concert, fans had been invited to call a special “request line” and leave voicemails with their song picks. Once on the B-stage, Max answered a ringing payphone and delivered one of the requested tracks. The intimate setup provided a stark contrast to the main stage’s grandeur, giving fans in the upper tiers a closer glimpse of the band.

While the core band—Max on vocals and guitar, Mike on guitar, Nick Dika on bass, Tim Oxford on drums, and Anthony Carone on keyboards—drove the evening’s sound, their backing musicians added an extra layer of richness. The inclusion of a horn section, featuring baritone saxophone, trumpet, tenor saxophone, and trombone, gave songs like “People’s Champ” and “Relentless” a fuller, more dynamic energy that had the crowd on their feet.

As the night progressed, the band hit every emotional note. “Knocking at the Door” turned the arena into a full-blown dance party, while their rendition of “Dancing on My Own,” once again featuring K.Flay reached a peak moment for fans.

The show culminated with the fan-favourite “Leather Jacket.” In a final display of unity, the entire band gathered at the front of the stage, soaking in the deafening cheers of an audience that didn’t want the night to end. It was the perfect way to close out a performance that celebrated not just the music but the shared experience of being in the moment together.

The “Big Feelings” Tour continues with upcoming stops in Victoria, Oshawa, Barrie, and Kitchener. For those lucky enough to attend, one thing is certain: the Arkells are a band that doesn’t just perform—they create moments that fans will carry with them long after the final chord.

Did the Arkells make it to your city yet? If you could request one song for their payphone performance, what would it be?