Hey, remember what I’ve been raving about for the past couple of weeks? Montreal’s country music scene! Well, guess what? We’re back in the saddle, this time on a Tuesday night, and it’s all thanks to the one and only Jelly Roll! He’s bringing his The Beautifully Broken Tour to Place Bell in Laval. Let me tell you, I was super excited for this show! For those who know me, I’ve been a Jelly fan since his rap days, rocking out at metal festivals. I’ve always wanted to see him live because of his prior run-in with the law. But last year, things changed! He was welcomed into Canada with open arms, and it was such a blessing. I finally got to see him live last summer at Ottawa Bluesfest. It was an absolute blast! So my expectations were sky-high for tonight’s show.
So, here’s the deal. Everyone seemed to have made it to the venue on this night, but the traffic was insane. I missed the opener, Savannah Dexter, but I still caught a glimpse of her during the Canadian part of Jelly Roll’s show. Being a close friend of his family, he was thrilled to have her join the tour.
The direct opener for Jelly Roll was none other than the Canadian sensation, Josh Ross. He kicked off the show with “Trouble,” and let me tell you, it was a huge upgrade from his previous performances at Beanfield Theatre. He used the huge stage to its full potential, running up and down the two massive end catwalks. It felt like an intimate venue, and he made sure to get close to his fans, interacting with them by giving them a hand or even signing a few items from a ball cap to a girl’s backside (only at a country show, haha!).
He had a well-rounded 10-song set, including a medley of covers and one cover that was super close to his heart, “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls. He ended his set with “Single Again.” It’s clear that this guy can sing! It was crucial for Jelly to have a Canadian artist on this tour with him, and he picked the best one. He’s amazing, and I can’t wait to see more from him!
Jelly Roll finally got his chance to shine, and boy, did he make an entrance! The arena was packed to the brim when the lights went out, and then the massive video screens over the stage lit up with an introduction read by Morgan Freeman. It was like a dream come true! The spotlights shone on the crowd, and there he was, our hero, making his way to the B stage to kick off the show.
Once he was on stage, he belted out a huge “Montre’YALL” and then performed “I’m Not Okay” under the frame of a burning house! That house was a metaphor that really hit home with me. I’ll explain that later. One of the most elegant and emotional starts to a show I’ve ever seen, and Jelly put it so simply, “That’s how you start a show, Montreal, that’s how you start a show!”
By the second song, we all needed a breather, but that was just the beginning. As Jelly made his way back to the stage, the crowd got ready for the sweet sounds of music he had in store for us tonight. Seriously, after that, everything was just gravy. He had a whopping 17-song setlist, and it felt like more since he does a few medleys and we get snippets of a lot of songs.
I could go on and on about every song and write a whole novel, but let’s keep it simple and just describe the facts. Jelly Roll is an incredibly generous performer. He took the time to introduce everyone he had on stage with him, give them their due, and even invited the openers to share the stage with him. Josh came out for “Friends in Low Places,” a Garth Brooks cover, while Savannah Dexter came out for “Ironic,” a cover of our own Alanis Morissette.
I’ve never seen a more passionate person for the people around him. His smile was infectious, his words moved us, and the amount of emotions you feel during a Jelly Roll show is just good for the soul! The production of this show was insane: two stages, big video screens, a huge skull with a crown and lights shining out of it, pyro, rain, snow, just wild! Everyone was having a blast and went home with a smile and memories for a lifetime.
The show was amazing. Other than incredible opening and closing songs, my favourites were “Son of a Sinner,” “Winning Streak,” “Liar,” and his cover of “How You Remind Me,” the Nickelback hit! But, like all good things, it had to end. Back on the B stage, he performed “Save Me.” It started with a few sparklers that set the huge house on fire again.
Then, while he was singing, rain started falling from the ceiling and washed away the flames, by the song’s end, turning into a beautiful snowy landscape. It was a fitting way to end such a journey. When things feel heavy, there’s always hope and brighter days ahead. This show was all about healing.
This was an experience you have to live. I’m so grateful I got to see this arena show!
Review & photos – Eric Brisson
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