Photographs by Lee-Ann Wylie
I am going to start this review of Billy Talent by saying a special thanks to Robin Smith from SiriusXM Road Trip for making this evening happen! Getting a chance to see a band that is has same energy as bands like the Headstones, Iggy Pop, Rage Against the Machine and The Clash, was a great way to spend a night!
Upon entering The Molson Canadian Studio room at Hamilton Place, I noticed there was a photography pit and no cabaret seating on the floor level. This allowed for a greater capacity of 550, which was needed for this sold out show! The ages ranged from 10 years old to 70 years old but the majority of attendees were teens.
Standing in the pit I noticed how charged the audience was. At exactly 9:00 pm the band came out and it was like a gun going off. This four piece band opened their 18 song set with “Devil In A Midnight Mass”. Lead singer Ben Kowalewicz was up front and giving it everything he had!
Being in the pit, rather than a seat, for three songs I noticed a few things. I saw one of the photographers get his camera too close to Kowalewicz’s face. Rather than being aggressive like I have seen many times, he very nicely pushed it down. I also noticed how the music was fast paced and energy charged. It was also tight and the lighting followed along just as fast. I felt sorry for anyone taking photos for the first three songs.
By the second song the crowd started the surfing and the security guards were right there for safety. They were really nice about it! I didn’t see any frustration or attitude as they lifted person, after person, over the barrier.
The band followed up with, “Viking”, “The Ex”, “Love Was Still Around”, “This Suffering” and “Stand Up And Run”. Guitarist, Ian Michael D’Sa, Bassist, Jonathan Gallant and Drummer, Aaron Solowoniuk put out a great full sound from 3 instruments. They are as tight as you are going to get. This band of Torontonians has come a long way from playing small and difficult venues, along with all the hardships that bands face. They are now a seasoned, aggressive, band with their integrity left intact! I heard the term “pop punk” used and thought, ‘yes that fits’.
Some of Kowalewicz’s stories sent a humorous message about telling the kids to stay in school! He said he didn’t stay in school and now he has to sing in a rock and roll band for the REST OF HIS LIFE. He also mentioned Hamilton a number of times and thanked us for bands like ‘The Arkells’ and ‘Monster Truck’. Then he thanked the guitarist’s parents (as they were there) for letting them practice in their basement. Through all that aggression in performing he really is a humble person. This band of 20 years really has it together.
For their encore, they played the favorite, “Devil On My Shoulder” along with “Fallen Leaves”, “Surprise Surprise”, and “Red Flag”. If you like rock music played with all heart, aggression and energy you will want to check these guys out!
