Toronto Night 2, and why I can’t stop thinking about it.
Context:
I’ve been a fan of this band for 23 years. I even met them 19 years ago after a small show in the US (the only time I had seen them live). In my lifetime I’ve known 2 total people that even knew of them, one of whom was at the Friday show and I hung out with all day before this show.
I had never been to Toronto, but I’ve had a lifelong love of Canada and always wanted to see AOF in Ontario.
When this show got announced in January I lined up the time away from my fam, whiffed in the presale 5-10 times for both nights, and then finally got through. I knew I could only go if I was in the pit and was so stoked to land a ticket.
Saturday
Underoath set the stage. They’re also one of my all time favorite artists and I was excited to get a pit going and talk to some other fans before AOF came out. I made a friend or two between bands, one of whom heard of me flying in and said, “I’m glad you’re here.” A small thing, but this is how the night felt and it stuck with me.
We talked about the band, the state of our countries, and the day I just had sightseeing in Toronto, while watching that red digital clock (stage left) tick closer to 9:30.
When the boys hit the stage I had chills for the entirety of them walking out. The circled moment on my calendar that I’ve thought about every day was actually happening. Before Petit even hits the mic the crowd started moving. Fucking hell I can’t believe this energy right now, everyone here feels how I feel.
I’ve been getting in mosh pits all my life. 26 years since my first (nu metal era) pit. The chaos on Saturday was unreal, unmatched and so joyous. After Drunks we had a momentary pause and that intro to TCBAITW gave me chills again. The pit started moving immediately on Hastings first hit of the drums and I am in 10 places at once.
Over the course of Crisis, this became the best show I’ve ever seen. I’ve wanted to see To A Friend live for twenty years and it was worth the wait. I knew that even if they kept the Friday setlist without the two songs I wanted most (Dog’s Blood & Accidents) that this is the best show ever.
Dog’s Blood on Saturday was overwhelming. I thought I could detect the intro to it and tried to not get my hopes up. At this point the pit has me sore everywhere but I see my buddy from before they came on and get myself back to the center of the floor. The song was perfection and yelling “FUCK THIS PLACE UP” in unison with Georgie still has me buzzing.
George announcing YC incorrectly somehow made Accidents even more incredible. TCBAITW as a closer, a second time, was so electric. It felt hilarious, legendary, and so completely on brand that I could not have loved it more.
This 44 caliber love letter could go on forever, but I just have to get this off my chest because my wife is tired of hearing about it. Saturday night was unbelievable both on the stage and in the crowd. I’ve rarely felt more in the moment and more certain that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I was in a foreign country at a show by myself, and it was one of the best moments of my life.
Much love to you all, I hope some of you enjoyed this past weekend half as much as I did. Talking about the band here has definitely contributed to the joy. Thanks for treating an American like family. Nobody throws down like Toronto. 🤘🤘🤘