London-based Bad Nerves triumphantly took the stage in anticipation of the main act. It’s clear that this power-pop/rock ’n’ roll band didn’t want to be remembered as your typical opening act. I’d already seen Bad Nerves open for Royal Blood last year, and while they were solid back then, they didn’t leave as much of an impression on me.
Over the course of a year, they’ve greatly improved their stage presence and overall energy. From their first song, they demonstrated their enthusiasm by playing their instruments loud and passionately. Lead singer Bobby Nerves radiated a punk attitude and confidence that can’t even be put into words. They effortlessly drummed up the crowd’s excitement with mini-speeches that served as fantastic transitions from song to song.
Everyone would agree that the highlight of their set was when Mr. Nerves brought his mic into the middle of the crowd to perform their song, “USA”—an amazingly chant-able tune, even for those who’d never heard it before. He just happened to end up right next to me and the crew I went to the show with. Pushing him around in the small pit he started was exhilarating. It’s rare to see this much intensity from an opening band at a show with this demographic, but I wish it were more common!
I’ve been following Nothing But Thieves since their debut in 2015, and it’s been wild to witness their progression since then. Last time I saw them in Montreal, they played to a humble crowd at Corona Theatre. Tonight, they played to a sold-out MTelus with an extremely dedicated fanbase who queued up for hours before the doors opened!
Despite not being the biggest fan of their latest album, I was still incredibly hyped to see these boys again after six years. Lead singer Conor Mason’s voice is an absolute powerhouse and a treat to witness live.
From the moment the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted, the band took command with a fierce opening of “Oh No :: He Said What?”—a gritty choice that immediately set the tone. The track’s pulsing energy and Conor’s signature falsettos established an atmosphere that drew every audience member in, eagerly anticipating the journey ahead.
By the second track, “Futureproof,” the band reminded us they’re still a rock band, despite veering a bit off that path in their last album. The driving riffs and intense vocals surely got the crowd pumped. “Tomorrow Is Closed” and “Soda” showcased the band’s more introspective side, allowing for a few quieter moments in the otherwise high-octane setlist.
Mason’s emotional depth and the band’s dynamic shifts in these tracks added a fresh dimension to the evening. They held the crowd captive in reflective silence, broken only by eruptions of applause.
The one-two punch of “If I Get High” and “Sorry” had me on the verge of tears—not only because of the personal lyrical content and delivery but also for how nostalgic these songs are to me. The choir-like response of the crowd singing “Sorry” back to the band was profoundly impactful. This performance seemed particularly touching for Conor, as he had a moment of reflection upon hearing how much that song meant to our city.
The band continued the evening, blessing us with more heavy tunes like “Unperson” and the heart-wrenching “Impossible.” Ending their main set with “Amsterdam” (the band’s defining song in my opinion) was an amazing choice. It was the perfect song to hype up the fans as they roared for an encore.
The band returned with a two-song encore of “I’m Not Made by Design” and “Overcome.” These final tracks were explosive—a last rush of adrenaline that left everyone feeling they’d witnessed something truly unique.
Nothing But Thieves delivered a truly unforgettable experience from start to finish. The night was a testament to their musical ability and the deep connection they forge with their audience, especially in a live setting. I can only hope it doesn’t take them another six years to return to our city!
Setlist:
- 1. Oh No :: He Said What?
- 2. Futureproof
- 3. Is Everybody Going Crazy?
- 4. Tomorrow Is Closed
- 5. Soda
- 6. Trip Switch
- 7. If I Were You
- 8. City Haunts
- 9. Forever and Ever More
- 10. If I Get High
- 11. Sorry
- 12. Ce n’est Rien / Gods / Number 13 (Instrumental mashup)
- 13. Unperson
- 14. Impossible
- 15. Welcome to the DCC
- 16. Always, Always (Unreleased song)
- 17. Where Is My Mind? (Pixies cover)
- 18. Amsterdam
Encore: - 19. I’m Not Made by Design
- 20. Overcome
Review – Michael Anestopoulos
Photos – Daphne Miller
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