On a chilly, rainy Saturday evening, the London Music Hall was about to be ignited by the electrifying performance of Monster Truck. The atmosphere inside was warm and vibrant, ready to be filled with the soulful tunes of this hometown band from Toronto called Tumble. This power trio embodied the essence of pure rock and roll, setting the perfect tone for the evening. Their vintage 70s style, both in appearance and sound, transported the audience back in time. With a five-song set, they captivated every second, leaving the crowd craving for more. Their powerful riffs, mesmerizing solos, and thunderous drums had everyone in a trance. Opening for renowned bands like Crowns Land and Monster Truck, Tumble was undoubtedly on the rise, and their future looked promising. Even Harvey from Monster Truck gave them a shout-out during their set, urging everyone to keep an eye out for Tumble.
Following Tumble, the hometown heroes from London, Gold Tongue, took the stage. This four-piece band had formed during the pandemic and had crafted a unique blend of anthemic rock and roll. Although their individual styles may not have matched, their musical prowess was undeniable. However, it was a challenging slot to fill after the explosive performance by Tumble. The sheer power and intensity of Tumble’s set seemed to overshadow Gold Tongue’s performance. Personally, I believe Gold Tongue would have been better suited as the opening act. Nevertheless, they showed great potential and I look forward to witnessing their growth.
Finally, it was time for the main event. The stage was stripped down, the amps were cranked up, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. Monster Truck was here to bring the thunder to the London Music Hall. Tickets for their shows had sold out quickly, and the crowd was ready for an unforgettable experience. With a full 13-song set and a three-song encore, Monster Truck was determined to rock the house. They kicked off their set with “Old Train,” immediately engaging the crowd in a sing-along. It was a powerful way to start the night. The track “She’s a Witch” unleashed a woman’s demon in her soul, captivating the audience even further. “Denim Danger” was another crowd favourite, along with their iconic hockey night song. The energy never waned as they seamlessly transitioned into “Golden Woman.” Attending a Monster Truck concert was like being on a wild train ride, full of exhilaration and fun. Jer’s stage presence was electrifying, constantly in motion and infecting everyone with his energy. Harv commanded the stage with his leg up on the soapbox, while Mr. Bliss skillfully played the keys and Theo McKibbon pounded the drums with thunderous force.
It was a sight to behold and a sound to cherish. After delivering powerful performances of tracks like “The Enforcer,” “Live Free,” “Country Livin,” and “For the Sun,” they treated the audience to an original gem from their first album, The Brown EP, called “Seven Sea Blues.” This track, along with the entire album, held a special place in the hearts of Monster Truck fans. “Get My Things and Go” and the title track from their latest album, Warriors, brought the house down, leaving everyone craving for more. The night was far from over as they unleashed “Don’t Tell Me How to Live” and “Sweet Mountain River,” two of their biggest hits. The crowd, a mix of young farm boys and seasoned bikers, reviled in the experience. Monster Truck had delivered an unforgettable show. After a brief break backstage, they returned for an encore, asking the crowd, “Why Are You Not Rocking?” The answer was a resounding roar of excitement. They then tugged at our heartstrings with another classic, “Righteous Smoke,” which had everyone singing along in unison. As the night drew to a close, they concluded with “The Lion” from their 2013 album, Furiosity. This song was the perfect way to end the night, leaving everyone exhilarated and breathless.
I felt incredibly fortunate to witness Monster Truck’s performance, complete with all the glitz and glamour. It was announced that they would be embarking on a small run of Dive Bar shows across Ontario in the coming months. Keep your eyes peeled for more bar dates across Ontario, as they continue to rock the stage. So far, they have confirmed dates at The Dominion House in Windsor, Ontario on November 24th and at The Harv in Owen Sound on November 25th.
All photos by Maximus Reid
Monster Truck
Tumble
Gold Tongue
