The Kids Are Alright! HALFWAY DOWN Spark a Rock Renaissance at Gabby’s
- jaybroderick
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By: Jay Broderick
Scarborough, Ontario - The night belonged to HALFWAY DOWN, and to the electric, youthful crowd that packed into Gabby’s Restaurant in my old stomping grounds of Guildwood. On February 27th the band psyched themselves up for a three‑set rock marathon that felt like a blast from my past!
HALFWAY DOWN is a band made up of high school and university musicians who, based on the turnout, are about to embark on an exciting ride in their lives.
Stew — bass & vocals
Spencer — rhythm guitar & vocals
Joseph — lead guitar
Erik — drums
Despite their age, the band approached the night with the confidence and stamina of players twice their experience. Three full sets of rock and grunge classics is no small feat, and they tore through them with precision, swagger, and a genuine love for the music.
Across the evening, HALFWAY DOWN delivered a high‑energy mix of covers from Alice in Chains, Van Halen, Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin, and more. These aren’t easy songs. They’re complex, a lot with non-standard timing, riff‑heavy, vocally demanding, and deeply embedded in rock history.
What made the performance so impressive wasn’t just that they played them, it’s that they owned them. Joseph’s lead guitar work channeled the spirit of the original solos while adding his own flair with behind the head, scorching fretwork. Erik’s drum breaks and improvised fills, complete with stick-free drum solos had the room erupting in applause. Stew and Spencer traded vocals with confidence, locking in harmonies and driving the rhythm section with punchy energy. For a young band to execute this much material, while still leaving room for spontaneity, is quite remarkable.
One of the most striking parts of the night was the audience itself. The room was filled with young friends, classmates, and family members who weren’t just watching... they were living the music. One of my fondest takeaways from the entire evening was seeing a new generation so deeply connected to the sounds of grunge, classic rock, and heavy riffs. There’s a real special place in my heart watching teenagers and young adults lose themselves in songs that shaped my musical path. It felt like a bridge between generations 40 years apart, and a reminder that great music never truly dies. Eventually, it just finds new voices.
HALFWAY DOWN's chemistry, their confidence, and their willingness to push themselves made the night feel like the start of something bigger. I asked Spencer during one of the band's breaks why he wasn't nervous. He assured me that he was, and that his legs were still shaking. But man, you would never tell! He wore that shit like a pro!
If HALFWAY DOWN take that energy, continue to perfect their skill, and ride the passion they showed at Gabby’s, they can channel it into some original music, and carve out a sound that’s entirely their own. The foundation is already there. The crowd is already behind them. The sky is the limit!
Who the hell ever said rock and roll is dead? Don't tell that to youngest members of Gen Z! A rock and roll revival might just be brewing, and if they continue to push themselves, and the talent they have, HALFWAY DOWN could be one of the bands leading the charge.
Concert Photo Gallery (all photos by: Jay Broderick)
Show Date: February 27, 2026
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