The Struts Kick Off Their 'Everybody Wants 10th Anniversary Tour' With an Absolute Bang in Toronto

jaybroderick
Aug 1
5 min read

By: Jay Broderick

Toronto, Canada - Even before the music started, the night had a surreal energy. On my long drive down to The Danforth Music Hall to catch the kickoff of The Struts' Everybody Wants 10th Anniversary Tour (yes, the tour starts right here in Toronto!) I spotted not one but two Tesla Cybertrucks. Say what you will, but they are so damned cool looking! That set the tone for me... something electric was in the air (see what I did there??)!

As I arrived at the venue, the excitement was already noticeable. A lineup stretched down Danforth Avenue, the fans buzzing with anticipation. Once inside however, the night took a bit of a somber turn before the show began. A man collapsed on the floor, which prompted security and house paramedics to attend to him. After what seemed like ages, an ambulance arrived and he was taken away on a stretcher. As they wheeled him by me, I noticed he had been fitted with a neck brace. The crowd watched with concern, hoping for the best.

As has been the case recently, tonight was another soundboard shoot for us photographers. Strange for a show like this, in a venue like this. In order to get a line of sight to the stage, above the fans' heads, most photographers bring small step stools. In a moment of lightheartedness after the unfortunate incident that had happened, a girl walked by and said, “I need your stool.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at the image of a shorter fan setting up shop right in front of a tall dude... you know... like they do to us short people...

King Falcon

King Falcon took the stage about 20 minutes late, but the crowd didn’t seem to mind. Hailing from New York City, the band brought a solid rock and roll vibe. Guitarist Sergio Ripa made a bold move early in the band's set by leaping off the bass drum... an energetic start!

By the band's fourth song, “Plastic Crown,” the venue was nearly full, and the band played through their set. As they got to their song "Everybody's Down", they dedicated it to The Struts, thanking the crowd and sharing how meaningful the night was for them. The audience clapped along to the beat drop, showing genuine support.

Musically, King Falcon sounded great, tight and competent, but they didn’t quite blow the roof off. Still, they set the stage well for what was to come.

The Struts

Then came the main event! The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and The Struts exploded onto the stage with "Put Your Hands Up" which immediately had the crowd going wild. With this tour being dedicated to the band's debut album release Everybody Wants, vocalist Luke Spiller let's the crowd know that they will play the album in full from beginning to end, and with that, they burst into the album's leadoff track "Roll Up".

From the first notes, the band was completely energized, as was the crowd. Bassist Jed Elliott climbed onto the drum riser, and the crowd raised their hands, clapped, and sang along with relentless enthusiasm. After “Kiss This,” the energy surged even higher as Spiller motioned for more from the crowd and got it, as they sang out the "Oh Yeahs” from the album's 4th track "Put Your Money On Me".

At "Money's" conclusion, Spiller grabs an acoustic and addresses the insane crowd. “Wow! If the crowd only had this much energy at every show! This is a very special show for us. Are you ready for Mary Go Round?” and the band goes into the 5th song from Everybody Wants. He loses the acoustic halfway through to close off the song, and it was clear, this wasn’t just another gig. Compared to when they opened for Queens of the Stone Age last year at Tributes Communities Centre in Oshawa, the difference was night and day. There’s something magical about a band headlining their own tour. I can honestly say that I don't think I have ever seen a crowd so full of joy. It even prompted Spiller to proclaim during "Dirty Sexy Money" that "This is where we usually ask the crowd to scream, but you’ve been out-fucking-standing!”

Jed Elliott performs live in Toronto. Photo By: Jay Broderick

Not that they needed it, or wanted it, the crowd got a bit of a reprieve during "Black Swan" when the band's singer sat himself behind a piano, drummer Gethin Davies left the stage, bassist Jed Elliott grabbed an acoustic and guitarist Adam Slack maintained his regular electric six string. It was certainly an all too quick break as the band amped it up again for "These Times Are Changing".

By the time The Struts got to "Where Did She Go", the last track of the album, Spiller was drenched in sweat, waving his hands wildly. The crowd matched his energy, dancing, clapping, singing. It was pure rock euphoria. As the band closed off the album, Spiller thanked them for coming out, and the band headed off stage. Of course, you know it ain't gonna end just like that! I mean, we still had 15-20 minutes to go before "curfew". The crowd continued their raucous behavior, wanting... needing more!

The band wasn't going to leave this amazing fanbase hanging, as they returned to the stage with their rendition of Queen's "We Will Rock You", something they have never done live (and they certainly did that!). They rolled out 3 more tracks, finishing the night with "One Night Only". Hopefully, there are lot more of these nights in store!

Set List

Put Your Hands Up

Everybody Wants:

Roll Up

Could Have Been Me

Kiss This

Put Your Money on Me

Mary Go Round

Dirty Sexy Money

The Ol' Switcheroo

She Makes Me Feel

Young Stars

Black Swan

These Times Are Changing

Only Just a Call Away

Where Did She Go

Encore:

We Will Rock You (Queen cover)

Body Talks

Pretty Vicious

One Night Only

The Struts delivered a masterclass in energy, and engagement. From the first chord to the final bow, the crowd was nonstop, singing, clapping, dancing, literally for the whole show. If this kickoff is any indication, the rest of the tour is going to be unforgettable!

Concert Photo Gallery (photos by: Jay Broderick)