Duran Duran by Fiona
Here’s a sample of the live music acts to look forward to in April: two iconic Canadian singer-songwriters, a couple of 80s veterans, international DJ superstar Tiesto, and some hip indie dance acts. Get your tickets and get ready to sing along!
Cut Copy and Holy Ghost!
Thursday, April 7 at Sound Academy
$36.50 at Ticketmaster
Cut Copy
Get two doses of indie-credible dance music with Cut Copy and Holy Ghost! Cut Copy has just released their critically-adored third album Zonoscope in February, and they’re in town to promote it and to play the anthemic cuts from their wonderful back catalogue. It’s sure to have their die-hard fans singing and clapping in delight. Holy Ghost! is a new band from New York who’s been garnering lots of buzz on music blogs worldwide for their cool take on classic disco-rock. Promoting their debut album out this month, be sure to see Holy Ghost! live before they blow up.
Bruce Cockburn
Saturday, April 9 at Massey Hall
$39.50-$69.50 at Ticketmaster
Bruce Cockburn
A revered Canadian singer-songwriter from Ontario, winner of numerous Juno awards, and an Officer of Canada, Bruce Cockburn’s career stretches back to the 70s. Known initially for folk songs with subtle Christian references, Cockburn’s lyrics eventually broadened their focus to human rights, environmentalism, and global politics, and his exploration in musical style has also seen him record jazz, electronic, orchestral, and instrumental pieces. Enjoy Cockburn’s expert songwriting and storytelling skills at Massey Hall this month.
The Go! Team
Sunday, April 10 at The Opera House
$29.38 at Ticketmaster
The Go Team
A fun alternative dance act, The Go! Team is playing The Opera House to promote its latest album Rolling Blackouts, a fresh collection that showcases the band’s unique sound: a crazy mish-mash of zany sampled sounds, hip-hop beats and raps, schoolyard chants, and funky brass.
Pixies
Monday, April 18 and Tuesday, April 19 at Massey Hall
$58.89-$93.89 at Ticketmaster
Pixies
A highly respected alternative rock band that started in the 80s and influenced much of grunge rock in the 90s, the Pixies are known for their dynamic quiet-to-loud rock tunes, lead singer Black Francis’ yelled vocals, and strange lyrics that talked about space, aliens, Biblical violence, and nightmares. After breaking up in 1993, they’ve recently reformed and are on the road again to play their alt-rock classics to their rabid fans at Massey Hall.
Ron Sexsmith
Thursday, April 21 at Lee’s Palace
$25.00 at Rotate This
Ron Sexsmith
Another much-loved Canadian singer-songwriter, Ron Sexsmith started off as a painfully shy singer who recorded his marvelous original pop songs, developing into an assured and reliable musician who has won the admiration of Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, and Chris Martin of Coldplay. Promoting his latest and arguably most accessible album Long Player Late Bloomer, Sexsmith’s show is a can’t-miss event sure to be filled with lovely melodies and expert musicianship.
Tiesto
Thursday, April 21 at Ricoh Coliseum
$35.10-$112.85 at Ticketmaster
Tiesto
Internationally renowned for his flashy multi-hour DJ sets and his many trance music CD series and labels, Tiesto is one of the world’s most famous DJs. He’s also played an important role in bringing trance music to the mainstream. His show at Ricoh Coliseum is sure to be packed with dance enthusiasts ready to ride the euphoric waves of his live mix.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Friday, April 22 to Sunday, April 24 at Lee’s Palace
$25.00 at Ticketmaster
The most experimental act listed here, GY!BE was formed in Montréal and produces instrumental soundscapes that typically last over ten minutes and contain many layers to create high and low points of energy and tension from start to finish. Having been on hiatus since 2003, this is the first time in years that GY!BE are playing live; as such, they are performing multiple shows at Lee’s Palace. Recommended for those who are bored of the Top 40 music on the radio.
Duran Duran
Monday, April 25 at The Phoenix
$63.75 at Ticketmaster
DuranDuran
One of the most popular 80s pop groups, Duran Duran earned a massive following with their sharp sense of style, catchy songs like “Girls on Film”, “Rio”, and “Hungry Like the Wolf”, but mostly due to their elaborate, edgy, and sophisticated music videos. Fans of Duran Duran’s many hit singles throughout the decades can’t miss the high-fashion gentlemen at The Phoenix, playing cuts from their new album All You Need Is Now as well as their many fan favourite tunes.