Incubus' Cool Vibes Has the Fans Enamored During Their 'Morning View' Tour in Toronto
By: Jay Broderick
Toronto, Canada - Calabasas, California's Incubus was born in 1991, by high school mates Brandon Boyd (vocals), Mike Einziger (guitars), and Jose Pasillas (drums). You know what that makes them? Another alternative rock band being covered by yours truly. It's pure coincidence that these shows have come back to back for me, recently covering Three Days Grace at this very venue on Toronto's waterfront. But it's no coincidence that I have an absolute fondness for this genre of music. As vocalist Phil Rind, from one of my favourite metal bands Sacred Reich claims, "Don't just be a metal dude, it's cool, fool!"
In 2001, and quickly approaching its 25th birthday, Incubus released their best selling album Morning View. It's this album that brings the band to Budweiser Stage in Toronto. Set to play the album in its entirety, and to have a birthday party for a key band member, Incubus has brought a very intriguing guest to kick things off for them, and Atlanta's Manchester Orchestra.
Paris Jackson
It wasn't until earlier in the day of the show that I checked the set times, in order for me to ensure I would leave on time to make the hour+ long trek across one of the world's worst highways. It was only at that time that I realized who tonight's opening act was... none other than Paris Jackson. I checked it again to ensure my eyes were seeing properly. Yep! It was Paris. YEP! THAT Paris Jackson, who's father was the greatest pop icon of all time.
The much needed rain started falling during my drive, and as I arrived at the venue's security gate for our meeting spot, the heavens opened up, and the rain poured down. And then the thunder came, and as a result, the venue ceased to let people into the outdoor concert theatre, and announced a "shelter in place" to ensure the safety of the concert goers. Unfortunately, this caused a delay to the start times, but with an 11:00pm curfew, the set times for each supporting act was cut short.
When the rain stopped, our escort got our passes handed out, and rushed us to the photo pit, but we only caught one song from Paris Jackson's set. Man, what a bummer. But this young singer, model and actress has a voice that carries its own merit. I'll definitely be keeping an eye open for her next visit.
Manchester Orchestra
Tonight's sandwiched act from Lexington, KY was Manchester Orchestra. There was some excitement in the photo pit for these guys as a couple photogs were praising the band that was formed in 2004. I personally was unfamiliar, but if there's a buzz, then I'm intrigued.
Again, getting off a tad late due to the weather, the band opened their set with the slow, brooding 2009 track "Pride". While the angst builds during the track's progression, I notice that bassist Andy Price is the most active. Isn't it usually the same story? The bassist is always the coolest!
As I head to my seats, again, everybody is on their ass! Throughout the band's set that involved little to no interaction with the crowd (certainly because the band had to get things back on track with the time), the concert goers seemed, well... dead. Sure, there was a fan dancing here and there, and a whistle here and a whistle there, but it seemed pretty lackluster. However, at the band's breaks between songs, the somber crowd burst in applause. I'm not sure... it's certainly plausible that I missed something here, but something seemed off. I'd like another visit for these guys down the road, as their following claims attitude and power. Drummer Tim Very was intense, vocalist Andy Hull was screaming, and the rest of the band was engrossed in their respective crafts, but I just didn't feel it from the crowd tonight.
Incubus
Despite the valiant efforts of the venue, crews, and supporting act, tonight's headliner was a tad late starting their set. But really, the 5 minutes was negligible as the band hit the stage at 9:05. Bathed in yellow light, the live musical introduction to the opening track on Morning View "Nice to Know You", resonated through the amphitheater. The crowd stood up on their feet, and cheers erupted as the lights went blue, and vocalist Brandon Boyd made his appearance for the opening lyrics. As they transitioned into "Circles", more raucous cheers from the crowd. The lighting is superb! It's something I don't think I ever really appreciated until I became a photographer.
"How you doing Toronto?" the frontman asks. Nice to see you!" The band quickly goes into "Wish You Were Here", DJ Chris Kilmore scratches away and the crowd goes absolutely wild. They dance, they throw their hands in the air, and they belt out the chorus as Boyd holds the mic to them. It's one of the few times I get to sit back and enjoy the opening, as tonight, we were photographing tracks 4, 5, 6 as opposed to the first 3. Actually, I really loved the change. So we head out to work for "Just a Phase". Ahead of the album's (and set list's) 6th track "Blood on the Ground", Boyd announces that it's bassist Nicole Row's birthday. The crowd roars yet again. The love for her was evident, and I must admit here yet again... the bass player is always the coolest! They play an acoustic rendition of the track, and I head out to my assigned seat to take in the rest of the show.
As the band played through their set, with not a ton of interaction with the crowd, one thing was very evident... the fans absolutely love these guys. The singing, dancing and fist pumping from the fans in my general vicinity was astounding. It seemed on a whole different level, as Incubus even played a snippet of Phil Collins' "In The Air Tonight" during "Are You In" (yes, they played the legendary drum pounding). When the band played their track "Under My Umbrella", they played the intro to Rhianna's classic (not afraid to admit I love it) "Umbrella". It was wicked cool! For the last song on the album "Aqueous Transmission" guitarist Mike Einziger pulled out the Chinese Lute Guitar and strummed through the track. Laser beams shot out into the crowd. At the song's end, singer Brandon Boyd stood and looked out as the crowd were beside themselves. He applauded the crowd to which Row added "Thank you very much! Coolest birthday party ever!" The whole set had super cool chill vibe, as most tracks on the album aren't specifically going to make you go out and bust a few kneecaps.
The last part of Incubus' show on this night was devoted their hits. "Anna Molly", "Pardon Me", and "Drive" were all on the band's set list, among a handful of others. Ahead of "Drive", the band sat at the front of the stage and sang "Happy Birthday" to their bass guitar player. The fans joined in, and the band rolled into their last track of the evening. But one song was sorely missing. I thought it perhaps it got the ax to help account for time, but my review of previous show sets lists, it not getting played at every show. That's 2006's "Dig". It was my introduction to the band, and remains my favourite Incubus track to this day. Lyrically, and instrumentally, the track hits me, as a great song should. The rhythm is smooth. And the song is missing from tonight's set. What are you gonna do? I'll just have to make sure to catch the band again next time.
Set List
Morning View
Nice to Know You
Circles
Wish You Were Here
Just a Phase
11am
Blood on the Ground (Acoustic)
Mexico
Warning
Echo
Have You Ever
Are You In? (Phil Collins “In the Air Tonight” outro)
Under My Umbrella (Rihanna “Umbrella” intro)
Aqueous Transmission
The Hits
Megalomaniac
Anna Molly
The Warmth
Vitamin (Portishead “Glorybox” outro)
Stellar
Pardon Me
Drive
Concert Photo Gallery
Incubus Online
show date: June 30, 2025
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