Last night at MTELUS, watching Steven Wilson perform live was a revelation on multiple levels (especially since it was my very first time ever sitting down at MTELUS! I didn’t even know they had a seated capacity downstairs). The venue’s atmosphere lent the evening an extra dimension of depth, making Wilson’s complex soundscapes and fabulously detailed compositions feel even more immediate and up close.
Wilson’s performance felt like a deep, reflective journey, reminding me of the great documentaries presented by Wilson’s compatriot, physicist Brian Cox. The concert gave us more than music; it enthralled us with the truth of being human, of love, and offered profound reflections on the wonders of the universe and existence itself. Awe was a constant subtext, underscoring the profound place Steven’s music holds in helping us grasp the enormity of human experience—different enough to be unique but universal enough to be shared by most.
Musically, several of the songs echoed, for me, the early years of Yes and Pink Floyd. Wilson’s ability to synthesize these classic prog gestures with his own contemporary electronic and textural explorations built a bridge across the ages that sounds completely authentic.
Other songs repeatedly reminded me of the genius and care for detail that Wilson’s work has had over the years, innovating with complex song structures, intricate musicianship, beautiful philosophical and conceptual lyrics, and a masterful incorporation of the talent sharing the stage with him.
The staging itself was ambitious: lighting, video backdrops, and the seamless camaraderie among band members came together to form an immersive and authentic experience enveloping the entire stage. This was more than a concert; it was a full-fledged work of art that rewarded everyone lucky enough to be in the theatre with a layered, deeply engaging journey.
One particularly memorable moment came about an hour and twenty minutes in, after only four songs. Wilson checked in with those attending for the first time (friends, partners, children unfamiliar with prog rock) and, tongue in cheek, commented, “Please, no booing from the progressive rock fundamentalists,” before launching into “What Life Brings,” the most accessible song on the setlist, under five minutes in length. It was a playful reminder of his self-awareness of both his music and of the sometimes-demanding, almost religious nature of the prog crowd.
Altogether, the concert served as a vivid testament to what makes Steven Wilson a living legend of progressive rock. He masterfully harmonizes reverence for the genre’s roots with an unbroken pursuit of experimentation and emotional exploration. It was a landmark event for 2025, both for MTELUS and for all who appreciate the boundless potential of live music and the future of prog.
Review – Ricardo D. Flores
Photos – Melih Nehir
