Canadian Rock Royalty Unite: Alexisonfire & Billy Talent Celebrate 20 Years of Iconic Albums in Montreal
On July 17, the Bell Centre in Montreal became the epicentre of Canadian punk rock as hometown favourites Faze kicked off an unforgettable night before Alexisonfire and Billy Talent delivered performances that reminded everyone why they remain among Canada’s most beloved rock bands. It was a night filled with nostalgia, incredible musicianship, and a whole lot of Canadian pride—and we absolutely loved every minute of it.
This tour is a special one, with both headlining bands celebrating the 20th anniversary of landmark albums that helped define a generation of Canadian punk and post-hardcore fans. To mark the occasion, Alexisonfire performed Crisis in its entirety while Billy Talent did the same with Billy Talent II, giving fans a rare chance to experience these classic records from beginning to end.
Montreal’s own Faze got the crowd warmed up perfectly, setting the tone for an evening that would only continue to build in energy.
Alexisonfire took the stage next, and from the moment they walked out, they commanded the arena with their iconic stage presence and effortlessly cool demeanour. Performing Crisis from front to back in celebration of its 20th anniversary was a dream for longtime fans, and every song landed with purpose. The biggest reaction of the set came during “This Could Be Anywhere in the World,” which absolutely rocked the Bell Centre as thousands of fans screamed every word back at the band.
One of the night’s most heartfelt moments came when the band dedicated “You Burn First” to the late Gared O’Donnell, adding an emotional layer to an already powerful performance.
After completing the album, Alexisonfire briefly left the stage before returning for a three-song encore featuring “Accidents,” “Sweet Dreams of Otherness,” and closing with my personal favourite, “Young Cardinals.” It was the perfect way to cap off an outstanding set.
Every member of the band was firing on all cylinders, but bassist Chris Steele stole the show—quite literally—as the Bell Centre celebrated his belated birthday. At Dallas Green’s request, the entire arena sang “Happy Birthday” in French, creating one of the night’s most memorable and uniquely Montreal moments. Wade MacNeil was also phenomenal, delivering his signature piercing vocals while sporting a shirt with the words “Leonard Cohen Was Right!” emblazoned across the back, a fitting tribute in Leonard Cohen’s hometown.
Following a short break, Billy Talent stormed onto the stage and immediately proved why they continue to be one of Canada’s premier live bands. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Billy Talent II, the band performed the entire album from start to finish, giving fans of all ages exactly what they came for. They were incredibly tight, delivering every song with the precision and energy of a well-oiled machine.
For me, “Red Flag” was the standout performance of the night. It hit just as hard as ever and remains one of Billy Talent’s absolute best songs. The crowd erupted from start to finish, matching the band’s relentless energy.
Billy Talent also played the encore game, returning to perform four additional fan favourites: “Rusted From the Rain,” “Reckless Paradise,” “Devil on My Shoulder,” and “Viking Death March.” It was a fantastic way to end an already stellar performance.
If there was one small disappointment, it was the absence of “Try Honesty.” As much as the encore delivered, I couldn’t help but wish they had included what I consider to be their best song. Fans hoping to hear it left empty-handed, and I have to admit I was a little disappointed. Still, Billy Talent brought everything they had to the stage and left the Bell Centre buzzing. What a band.
One thing that really stood out to me throughout the night was the crowd. Despite the Bell Centre being nearly sold out, I was genuinely impressed by how present everyone was. In an era where it’s common to see arenas lit up by thousands of cell phone screens, there were surprisingly few people filming the performances or staring at their phones. Instead, fans were fully immersed in the experience—singing every lyric, headbanging, jumping, and simply soaking in every moment. It was refreshing to see so many people choosing to live in the moment rather than through their screens, and it made the atmosphere feel even more special. Concerts are meant to be experienced, and Montreal’s crowd absolutely understood the assignment.
From start to finish, this was an outstanding night of live music. Seeing three fantastic Canadian bands share one stage served as a reminder of just how deep Canada’s rock scene truly is. It was a nostalgic evening packed with unforgettable songs, emotional moments, and performances that exceeded expectations.
Most of all, it was a night that made me proud to be Canadian. Here’s to Canadian music, Canadian bands, and nights like this.
Go Canada!
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