We all have a band that we’ve seen so many times we’ve lost count. One we have followed from the very beginning. Whether we have seen them in dark and dingy venues, or discovered them as an opener for so many other great bands.
Maybe you’ve spoken to them at the merch table after a show and told them you were a fan. Or maybe… You would see them at other shows around town and make it kinda awkward by declaring your love.
On Wednesday night I got to witness a full circle moment when The Damn Truth got to finally headline their own show at MTelus. And judging by the packed venue, I could see I wasn’t the only one waiting for this moment.
Supporting band Mountain Dust started us off loud and heavy. It looked like they made some new fans as the crowd seemed to enjoy them. They’re from Montreal, so if you’re a fan of Stoner Rock/Doom/Psych, give them a listen.
My friend Dianne said they sounded like Muse, and she was right. I had quite a few friends in the audience and I actually made a few new ones, which made me realize that Damn Truth fans are my people.
I had a photo pass, so I was right up close and counted at least 12 photographers in the pit. A number I have never seen before.
As soon as I heard White Rabbit playing on the speakers, I knew it was time. The room went dark and the crowd began to roar as the band emerged onto the stage. Lee-La lit some incense and ceremoniously waved it around like a rock goddess ritual. The sweet smell of patchouli gently wafted into my nose. And then the band began to play.
I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t take notes because I really wanted to enjoy the show and be in the moment. It was one of the most emotionally charged shows I’ve ever been to. The band played with every ounce of energy and love that they could possibly give. And every single person in that room felt it.
They opened with “Be Somebody,” the first track off their latest self-titled album. Lee-La’s voice was raw and vulnerable and they sounded fucking incredible. When she hit those high notes and Tom broke out into that guitar solo, it was intense.
They wasted no time and did one of my favourites next, “This Is Who We Are Now.” I gazed out into the audience and watched everyone sing along with so much passion. We were just as happy to be there as the band was to play for us. We were matching the vibe.
“Heart Is Cold” is another one of my favourites. That intro hooked me in almost 10 years ago, when I first heard it on CHOM. And they performed it even better live. Dave was killing it on the drums.
It was one of those nights that flew by really quick, so I’m glad I caught a few special moments on film. Especially when they did “If I Don’t Make It Home.” Tom gave a heartfelt speech, thanking some very special people, such as his brother, for being there. They were joined by two lovely vocalists, Jasmine Bliele and Felicity Hamer, and it sounded even better than the recording.
At one point, Bilal from CHOM appeared on the stage with a bottle of champagne to toast this highly anticipated event. It truly felt like a celebration.
I think the night’s most unexpected moment was during “Get With You.” Tom stopped playing his guitar, lifted up his arms and yelled out “you are so fucking beautiful.” PY kept right on playing his bass, never missing a beat while Tom listed all the shows they’ve ever done, how many times they were the opener and how long they’ve waited for this very moment. To finally be headlining at MTelus in their hometown of Montreal.
“I want the staff of MTelus to remember that The Damn Truth show was the fuckin loudest show that they ever heard!”
They performed my favourite track off the new album, “Willow,” for the encore. It gave me goosebumps to hear it live. The only thing bigger than Lee-La’s voice is her heart. The Damn Truth is a band that not only cares so much about the music they create, but they care about the people that they create it for. They have this electromagnetic energy that is infectious and uplifting, and if you ever see them perform live, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
I waited in a long lineup at the end of the show to get my vinyl signed. I hugged each member and praised their performance. Why did I feel like a proud mom? Am I getting old? Nah, these are my people.
Review – Annette Aghazarian
Photos – Steve Gerrard
