The Spot: York Region's Hidden Gem Celebrates a Reopening with a 4-Band Onslaught

jaybroderick
13 minutes ago
3 min read

By: Michael Drukarsh

Newmarket, Ontario - Nestled in an unassuming business complex next to a church on Gorham Road in Newmarket, The Spot Rehearsal Studio has become the hidden gem for live music events in Ontario's York Region. Along with nine well equipped rehearsal rooms available for monthly and hourly rental, The Spot boasts a newly renovated concert space, a tattoo artist, a print shop for screen printing (opening soon) and a used music media and memorabilia shop. Owner Mike Capobianco along with Rotten Promo head Scotty came together to create space not only for bands to rehearse but to let them loose on stage.

I’m going to be absolutely honest here when I say I had no idea what I was getting into when I arrived, and had no idea about any of the bands. Judging purely by the advertisement I figured this was going to be a hardcore/thrash/punk kinda show. I was Spot on (see what I did there?). Saturday night’s bill featured a lineup with Hellseer, Peace Bond, Coleslaw Boys and Lure.

Lure

This was a pure mayhem in the best way possible. The all ages crowd was a mix of young and old, some dressed in full hardcore regalia complete with spiked hair and battle vest while others were far more unassuming. When the lights went down though, and the first band of the night, Lure, hit the stage, the crowd became one as the mosh opened up and the organized chaos began.

The three piece from Aurora and Toronto did a great job warming up the crowd and getting them thrashing as they came in from the -20 temperatures outside.

Peace Bond

Sets were short and fast. Following Lure, Peace Bond hit the stage and tore through a set that saw lead singer Stu and bassist Christian get in the pit and have some fun with their diehard fans. Guitarist Scotty of Rotten Promo shredded through Peace Bond’s thrash heavy tunes while Christian provided the bass heavy sludge when things slowed down a bit. As an aside, it was really cool to be recognized by Christian before the show as he approached and said “Hey, you're that wrestling photographer guy”. Yes, yes I am.

Coleslaw Boys

Up next Coleslaw Boys, a two piece band featuring The Spot owner Mike along with drummer and long time friend and collaborator Darrel on guitar. These two mild looking gentlemen took the stage and for the next thirty minutes or so completely tore the place up. With a running joke of Darrel asking Mike to count him in with a four, then a seventeen, then a ten then a zero count, Coleslaw Boys delivered short bursts of pure chaos with songs such as "Butt Fucker", "Fucking Sycho" and my favourite "Tap the Mat". It really is strange to have so much fun with such violent songs but it really was amazing! Obviously crowd favourites, a fan was super excited to have Darrel sign her forehead before he led a few call-and-response chants of the bands name and the Coleslaw merch was evident on fans throughout the floor. The set finished with the brilliantly titled “I Don't Like You You Don't Like Me We Don't Like Them They Don't Like Us”.

Hellseer

Closing out the night, Hellseer brought the hardcore vibe up another notch. With a death growl from Hell, lead singer Tyler alongside headbanging, hair flying guitarist Jonathan and drummer Jackson delivered a short but menacing set that had the pit moshing at full force. Delivering brutal tunes such as "Terminate the Weak" and "Ruthless Aggression", Hellseer definitely proved that despite freezing over on this frigid night, Hell will always be burning!

The GTA needs more venues like The Spot. Offering a stage for bands that aren’t usually welcome into mainstream venues like bars and restaurants and a place where people of all ages are welcome to come as there are, be who they want to be, and enjoy a violent night out in the most wonderful way possible!

Concert Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)