Blue Rodeo rolled into Kingston on Thursday night, turning their Lost Together- The 40th Anniversary Tour stop at Slush Puppie Place into a masterclass in longevity, musicianship, and connection. Four decades in, the legendary Toronto outfit continues to prove why they’re one of Canada’s most enduring bands—balancing nostalgia with a spark that still feels unmistakably alive.
The evening opened with Nova Scotia’s Adam Baldwin (Matt Mays’ former keyboardist and lead guitarist), who set the tone with a rugged, heartfelt set. Armed with his unmistakable Maritime grit and a catalogue full of working-class storytelling, Baldwin warmed the arena quickly. His voice carried a lived-in sincerity—equal parts weary and defiant—that drew the crowd in long before the main event.
When Blue Rodeo stepped onto the stage, the reaction was instant—cheers from an audience that had grown up with them, grown older with them, and still wasn’t ready to let go. The band grew nostalgic, sharing their first gig out of Toronto was at The Toucan in Kingston. Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor traded smiles and harmonies with the same easy chemistry that defined their early years, their voices aged just enough to add depth without losing any warmth.
The setlist spanned the band’s entire history, weaving between fan favourites and deeper cuts. “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” had the crowd singing word-for-word, while “Five Days in May” unfurled with the kind of slow-burn magic that Blue Rodeo delivers better than anyone. Newer material sat comfortably alongside the classics, showcasing a band that hasn’t simply coasted on memory—they’ve continued to evolve.
Instrumentally, the band was tight and expressive. Guitar notes shimmered through the arena, piano lines danced exactly where they needed to, and each solo—whether tender or rowdy—felt purposeful. There were moments where the band stepped back just to enjoy one another, letting songs stretch naturally the way only seasoned performers can.
By the time the encore hit, Slush Puppie Place felt less like a venue and more like a gathering of old friends. Blue Rodeo closed the night not as a band chasing their youth, but as artists fully grounded in who they’ve become.
Forty years on, Blue Rodeo remains an essential piece of Canadian musical history—and their Kingston stop was a heartfelt reminder of why we keep coming back.
