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Arkells in Concert
Arkells hail from Hamilton, Ontario, the midsize industrial city located about an hour west of the bustling metropolis of Toronto. And from day one, they've flaunted their hometown pride en route to becoming one of Canada's most popular rock bands.
The quintet named themselves after the west-end Hamilton street where they lived as students attending McMaster University, and their 2008 debut album, ‘Jackson Square,' paid tribute to the namesake shopping mall located in the heart of the city. But most importantly, the Arkells actually sounded like Hamilton, embodying the city's gritty, working-class spirit in proletarian anthems — like "Oh, the Boss Is Coming!" — that betrayed the deep influence of fellow Ontario indie-rock rabble-rousers the Constantines.
After winning the Juno Award for New Group of the Year in 2010, the Arkells began to shed their steeltown skin and indie aesthetic. Max Kerman's impassioned vocals drove the soulful pop strut of "Leather Jacket" and the effervescent "Come to Light" (an open-freeway anthem in the mold of Don Henley's 1980s classic "Boys of Summer").
With 2016's ‘Morning Report,' they started taking notes from contemporary pop and hip-hop, resulting in the cheeky, gospelized R&B of "Drake's Dad" (whose video featured a cameo from Mr. Dennis Graham himself) and the brash, brass-knuckled single "Knocking at the Door" (The band's live setup has likewise expanded, incorporating a horn section and a chorus of female backing singers they dub the Arkettes).
But even as the Arkells racked up multiple Juno Awards and ascended to the ranks of bona fide arena rockers in Canada, they've never forgotten their Hamilton roots. They've supplied local Canadian Football League team the Ticats with their theme song, they continue to take an active role in endorsing local progressive politicians and urban transit initiatives, and Kerman and bassist Nick Dika have even opened their own sports bar downtown.
In June of 2018, the Arkells thanked their hometown by headlining their biggest concert to date, bringing more than 20,000 fans out to Hamilton's Tim Hortons Field for a gathering they dubbed The Rally. That sense of triumph has carried over to the subsequent album ‘Rally Cry,' whose gold-plated fusion of Springsteen-sized grandeur and modern-R&B groove shows that one of Canada's most beloved rock bands is ready to take on the world.
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This is my fourth Arkells’s concert I’ve gone to and they yet again did not disappoint ! They are so interactive with the crowd. The vibe is just amazing I would see them again and again.
Dancing and singing from start to finish. Such a sense of love and community at every Arkells show!
This is my fourth Arkells’s concert I’ve gone to and they yet again did not disappoint ! They are so interactive with the crowd. The vibe is just amazing I would see them again and again.
Arkell’s are a true touring band. They have it down! It was a great show and they put on a fantastic performance. Vocally and musically just as good as listening to the album at home. I deducted 1 star for the sounds quality of K.Flay. I feel like the venue robbed them of what would have been a killer set. Pump their volume at the next show, they deserve it!
I've seen the arkells a few times they always put on Amazing show. Never seen a band get the crowd involved like these guys. Took my pal Liam to his first arkells show he left more than impressed! Keep it up guys you're an amazing band.
Amazing Show! saw them at the pepper when they were 18! Seeing them from beginning to now is very cool!
From start to finish it was a campfire atmosphere. I highly recommend. This was our 3rd show and we will keep going as long as they are touring. Arkells nondenominational Church Choir is EPIC !! I support this message.
The Arkells never ever disappoint! And absolutely fabulous band to see live - if you haven’t yet - you should. They interact with the audience and make every concert feel unique and intimate. This was our first time seeing a concert in Guelph and it was a fantastic venue!
They sound great live, very energetic and they know how to keep their fans engaged. Love their music and the fact their fan base is a wide range of ages not just aimed at one. Not to mention they were formed in my home town "HAMILTON, ONTARIO"❤️
Amazing show at the Sleeman Centre in Guelph. They Sound great live, lots of energy, spontaneity and engaging the crowd!!! Honestly one of the best concerts I’ve attended. Great Canadian Band!!!!
LOVED every single frigging second!!!! Immediately wanted to go again
I saw the arkells concert at the Sleeman centre. It was one of the best concerts I have ever attended. They were extremely involved with the crowd. They made it an exciting experience that made you feel apart of them not just a fan.
Energetic, so engaging, involved the audience. You haven't lived if you haven't seen the Arkells live! Loved seeing them in a small but awesome venue!
The Arkells are amazing and everyone should see them. So into their music, talented and engaging.
Went to see the Arkells. A Very upbeat and happy dance night. Certainly got the crowd into it!! And Robert DeLong was amazing. I knew his music but not the incredible live version!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE Arkells! They are all fantastic musicians and absolutely give everything they have to make the show fun and engaging (and I do mean ENGAGING) with the audience. Expect the funnest singalong of all time. So cathartic and it really makes me feel "as one"with the audience and the band itself. Always leave feeling euphoric and even loving them more after each show.
I’m biased. This is my favourite band and has been for a number of years. But one of the main reasons for that is that they absolutely bring it with their live shows. Every show is a little bit different. The band interacts with the crowd, will play different versions of songs than appear on the albums. High energy, impeccable sound. I never miss a tour.
What is there to say? They killed it. Energy. Songs. Fun. Interaction. It was outstanding in every way. They're a must see band IMO.
This was our second time seeing the Arkells and we will definitely go again - great sound, high energy, all around good party. Their original songs are amazing and they always throw in some fun covers and get the whole crowd going.
We had a great time. Love their music. Lively and fun.
