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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.
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.
The Arkells never disappoint, and musical prowess cannot be understated! Every show is guaranteed to be unique, with a mix of new song, the popular hits, and songs from many years ago that may have been a long time since they played - this tour includes two “fan selected” songs, and the rest of the setlist can vary too (I’ve heard Michigan Left at just about every Detroit show, and it never gets old!) I can confidently say that I believe the Arkells put on one of the best live rock and roll shows today. I highly recommend you pay one of their shows a visit and find out for yourself!
Upbeat, fun, energetic. Second time seeing them live, and they put on a great show. Liked what they did with Laundry Pile, lead singer coming into the crowd and singing. A lot of small creative things throughout the show to add up to one great experience.
Great band live and very interactive with their fans. Worth it! Arkells have so many catchy songs and are super talented with cool style. Will definitely see them live again!
They killed it. Very cool venue too. Was in Boston for work and went solo - still had a great time.
A good mix of older and newer music, tons of energy, crowd engagement, SAXOPHONE... what more could you ask for? The Arkells always put on a stellar show, and make you feel like they're there for you. I see them every time the come to town and that isn't going to change.
This venue was amazing to see Arkells at. They put on an amazing performance and we had plenty of room to dance without feeling cramped. This smaller venue felt so intimate with the band, and was so much fun!
These guys rock! Never a bad show with Max leading the charge
Best concert I’ve been to all year! Amazing show and intimate venue and great quality for the price.
