Arkells with Joel Plaskett at The Scotiabank Arena

Photo taken in 2019 @ Budweiser Stage by Katrina Wong Shue

The Arkells are on a mission. On the surface, it looks like their aim is to put out so much positive energy that every single audience member is left buzzing. They want their music to get people up on their feet and dancing, singing and grinning for a few hours. Their real mission was something else. Step one: give everyone who enters the Scotiabank Arena a rally towel emblazoned with “We’re Arkells & this is the greatest show on Earth”. Step two: prove it.

The pre-party started with Joel Plaskett Emergency gracing the stage; those who showed up early were treated to a set that showcased a trio with real rock chops. They played songs, old and new, with Plaskett reflecting that the last time he played this stage was opening for the Tragically Hip. How very Canadian. As an opener, he used the cleverness of his lyrics and straightforward sound to pull people deftly in – literally and metaphorically.

To a packed house, the Arkells hit the stage, all guns blazing. They started with Past Life. and the crowd was on its feet, a sea of towels spinning above its head. The band moved through its ample catalogue of hits at a “relentless” pace.  Lead vocalist Max Kerman’s fervour will not be denied. More than fifteen years into its career, Arkells’ longevity and constant touring has honed its performance into a powerful weapon. Catchy, radio-friendly tunes take on added dimension when played live.

Everyone on stage is committed to the spectacle. The five members of the Arkells seem to love what they do.  The playfulness of their friendship is evident. At one point, Kerman explained that a little “band therapy” was needed. It seems that drummer, Tim Oxford, and keyboardist, Anthony Carone, got in a tiff that morning and needed to work it out. The mock drama of a tongue-in-cheek piano/drum battle ensued and the fans loved it.

Arkells touring band is bolstered brilliantly with three back-up singers and a four-piece horn section. This large group of talented musicians brings diversity and flexibility to the stage show. Funk, folk, disco… every sound is welcome. Songs like Quitting You, got the campfire sing-song treatment. Funk was at full volume for a cover of Wilson Pickett’s Land of 1000 dances. Audience participation made 11:11 shine. And an undeniable dance vibe shimmered through Dance With You.  Something for everyone.

As Kerman talked about the healing power of live music, the love was palpable. The encore also displayed musical diversity, starting with the harder edged Reckoning. Kerman then took a cue from an audience placard and offered up some ABBA, swinging into full disco mode. The band capped the night off with You Can Get It. WIth the last note, as the touring band left the stage, the Arkells took a final bow. Judging by the audience reaction, towels still waving, the band’s mission was truly accomplished.

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Be sure to check out Live Nation Ontario to see all of the other great acts that they will be bringing to Toronto this year.