Since 2009, Big Music Fest has been all over Canada and now Kitchener can claim its rightful ownership, having hosted the festival for 2014. BackstageAxxess enjoyed covering the last day (Sunday) of this cool festival. Sunday’s lineup included Pigeon Park, Bleeker Ridge, Kim Mitchell, Big Wreck, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators and Aerosmith.
Pigeon Park from Vancouver, British Columbia started the day off at 3pm. Yes the band got their name from a crack park in their hometown. Currently the band is out in support of their second EP titled “Black Widow.” The band did a good job winning over fans in the short 20 minute plus set they played. A cohesive unit led by front man Nick Weber, a good brand of authentic rock and roll is what I would describe them as. Bleeker Ridge represented the east coast of Canada (Orilla, Ontario). The band is led by two sets of brothers (Perkins and Steinke). Bleeker Ridge has 4 studio efforts under their belt and delivered an impressive performance. Guitarist Dan Steinke wore a shirt that read “Fuck Marineland” on the back, and was proud to be wearing it, while the vocalist had the crowd chanting the shirt’s sentiment. The band played a short 6 song set but along with Pigeon Park, they are definitely a band to check out when they come around to your town.
One of the elder statesmen of Canadian rock and roll has to be Kim Mitchell. Mitchell doesn’t tour as much as in the past due to his full time gig as the daytime DJ at Toronto’s classic rock station Q107. Mitchell and his band dusted off classic songs like “Go For Soda,” ‘Patio Lanterns,” Rock and Roll Duty,” and “I Am a Wild Party.” When Mitchell plays his old song “Battlescar,” from his former band Max Webster, it still garners a big response, even after 30 years! It helped having Todd Kerns (The Conspirators) filling in on Geddy Lee’s (Rush) vocal part.
Next up was Big Wreck. I really like these guys and was so glad that they were a part of Sunday’s lineup. Led by front man Ian Thornley, the band just released its 4th studio effort “Ghosts.” The title track, along with “Hey Mama,” were played to give the fans a taste of what the new disc has to offer. Guitarist Brian Doherty showed off his talents by playing a one- string and playing a slide guitar during the tune “Hey Mama.” Of course what’s a Big Wreck show without hearing “That Song” or “Blown Wide Open”? Both were done with lots of energy and came off great in front of 30,000 people.
With a new album coming titled “World on Fire,” Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators are currently supporting Aerosmith on the “Let Rock Rule Tour.” Taking the stage at 7:10pm sharp, Slash and company delivered an epic performance. The 13 song set included the title track to the new disc and a few Guns n’ Roses tunes and a Velvet Revolver song thrown in. Unfortunately, no other new tracks were played live.
What really got me was what Slash was playing. I have never seen this guitar before. The green guitar made by Guild was a double neck that had the top half of the body equipped to play acoustic and the bottom half for electric. It was using during “Anastasia” and “By the Sword.” Myles Kennedy keeps the same energy and passion as he does for both his band Alterbridge as he does for this band. His vocals were spot on and engaged the crowd throughout. The backing band is not only providing the rhythm but the soul as well. The Conspirators (bassist Todd Kerns and drummer Brent Fitz) along with Frank Sidoris on rhythm guitar are the real deal and are able to provide the luxury to step outside and explore a little without losing his band. I can’t wait for the new CD to drop! Now for the band that mostly everyone was waiting to see…Aerosmith!
The band brought their extended stage that came out about 40 or so feet that vocalist Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry used extensively throughout the performance. They opened up with “Back in the Saddle,’ maybe the most appropriate song to start off with. Tyler decked out in hat, glasses, his cool rock duds and plenty of scarves swaggered amidst that stage proving he still is one of the greatest frontman of all time. Perry joined him a bunch as they sang together and rocked together showing that for this show at least, the love is there.
For those who don’t know, Aerosmith still tours with ALL original members so yes, it was Tom Hamilton on bass, Brad Whitford on rhythm guitar and Joey Kramer on drums. I didn’t know what to expect but the band sounded pretty damn good. It was a great show and the band dusted off classics like “Kings and Queens,” “Rats in the Cellar” and “Same Old Song and Dance.” Perry brought out the slide guitar to use on “Rag Doll.” He also took lead vocals on “Freedom Fighter” which came off the bands last studio effort “Another Dimension.” It was odd that they showed all the words on the back screen as I don’t remember ever seeing that before during a live performance.
I’m glad I got to see “Chip Away at the Stone,” as it’s one of my favorite Aerosmith songs.. Tyler did “Dream On” then climbed atop the piano to wave his mic stand around. Mr. Sweet Emotion himself Tom Hamilton takes the spotlight to start off the tune that’s bears his nickname to end the show.
It was my first time experiencing the Big Music fest and it was handled extremely well by the onsite organizers. I didn’t see any problems and everyone there seemed to be having a great time! With all the great Canadian acts on the bill, topped off with a splash of Americana with Aerosmith to wrap it up, what was not to like about it?
Aerosmith setlist:
Back in the Saddle
Eat the Rich
Love in an Elevator
Cryin’
Livin’ on the Edge
Monkey on My Back
Kings and Queens
Toys in the Attic
Rag Doll
Freedom Fighter
Same Old Song and Dance
Rats in the Cellar
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing
No More No More
Dude (Looks Like a Lady)
Walk This Way
Encore:
Dream On (with snippet of Home Tonight)
Sweet Emotion
Slash setlist:
Ghost (Slash song)
Nightrain (Guns N’ Roses cover)
Standing in the Sun
Back from Cali (Slash song)
World on Fire
You Could Be Mine (Guns N’ Roses cover)
Rocket Queen (Guns N’ Roses cover)
Anastasia
By the Sword (Slash song)
You’re a Lie
Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns N’ Roses cover)
Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
Paradise City (Guns N’ Roses cover)
We would like to thank Paula Danylevich from Hype Music and Bari Lieberman from MSOPR for setting up the credentials to review the show.
