Massey Hall

Beth Gibbons took to the stage at Massey Hall and, for the better part of ninety minutes, held the room in quiet awe. Her voice — that unmistakable tremble of vulnerability and defiance — was the evening’s guiding force, threading its way through every shadow and swell of sound. It wasn’t just a performance; it was an emotional reckoning. From the first breath, Gibbons had the audience under her spell. Her vocals felt almost otherworldly — not just sung but felt, pulled from somewhere deep and raw. She doesn’t perform at you; she draws you into her internal world, unflinching and exposed. Each note carried a weight, a history. She whispered, wailed, wept — often all in the span of a single phrase — and Massey Hall, in all its storied intimacy, became the perfect vessel for that kind of emotional honesty. The band was extraordinary, not because they demanded attention, but because they amplified her presence. Their playing was powerful, textured, and deeply intentional — rising and falling like a tide around her voice. The strings shimmered with restraint, percussion struck with aching precision, and the arrangements created vast emotional landscapes for Gibbons to inhabit. There were moments when the music surged, thunderous and cinematic, but it always made space for the voice at the center — never crowding it, only ever lifting it higher. Massey Hall itself added a touch of the ethereal. The acoustics gave her vocals a ghostly clarity, and the room’s historic resonance felt like it was holding its breath. It wasn’t just a concert — it was a shared act of listening, of witnessing. Beth Gibbons reminded us that a voice, when wielded with such emotional clarity, can be as powerful as any orchestra. It was haunting. It was cathartic. It was unforgettable.

You know it is a captivating performance when the audience is on the edge their seats. Beth, bathed in washes of light, delivered Her stunning performance of the songs from her new album backed by a solid ensemble of inspired musicians. I was left wanting it to never end. The encores including a Portishead classic “Roads” capped off what was one of the most brilliant performances I have witnessed since I was front row for a Portishead show in 2011. I hope another visit to Toronto will be in the future.

20/10! Such a great show! From the minute the band stepped onstage the crowd were electric! We stood and danced and cheered and sang the entire set. Massey Hall is phenomenal-the sound, the lighting and the intimate atmosphere all amazing. The perfect venue for Mumford & Sons. I am so lucky that I got tickets late the same day of the concert & lucky to live not too far. I’m still thinking about that night. Thank you Mumford & Sons!

Bonjour, lors de mon passage a votre salle de spectacle j'avais amené unetoile de Vladimir Strechchikoff intitulée The Dying Swan . A la répitition de 5 hres car j'étais VIP le guardien de sécurité n'a pas voulu que j'entre dans la salle avec. Il m'a fait écrire mon nom dessus et le soir apes le spectacle ils ne l'ont pas trouvée, Cela entache votre réputation. Merci de me lire. Solanged@live.ca 1 438-396-8647. si jamais vous vouliez me faire savoir que vous l avez retrouvée.

Great show, good and appropriate opening band I didn’t know but grew to enjoy. The strobes were a little intense in Catch the Breeze (although fitting), I was expecting seizures in the audience. It was great to see their newer material make up more of the show- it shows how their music has evolved and become richer. And as always, Massey Hall is the best of the medium-large venues in the city. A great night out.

Fantastic concert showcasing newer pieces from recent albums Dreambox and Moondial, along with lots of his earlier work. We even got the rare pleasure of hearing Pat speak a bit! By the end, there were six different guitars on stage, along with his crazy custom percussion system—all of which he used, sometimes all during the same piece! The multiple encores were a lot of fun too. Thanks for the show, Pat and everyone else involved in putting it together!

Just like his last tour where he played a lot of ‘The Man From Waco’, he literally played all 12 songs from ‘$10 Cowboy’, but he also played another 20+ songs, so all in all a great show. Lots of covers too. My only disappointment, won’t apply to everyone, was that he didn’t play Trinity River. 😭. Charley Crockett is a must see, especially in a small venue where you’re 8’ away from him. Because I predict he’ll just keep getting bigger and next thing you know, hes’ playing stadiums…

Steve gave a great show. He sang songs from his whole career, which of course, is extensive. He also sang the Jerry Jeff Walker song Mr. Bojangles, one of the best songs ever written. He sang his son's song Harlem River Blues, maybe the emotional tribute of the evening. He ended with Gordon Lightfoot's great song Sundown. Ron Sexsmith came back to play the song with him. What a fitting end to a wonderful concert at Massey Hall in Toronto. Steve talked quite a bit too making for a personal concert which held us all in rapture.

An Amazing Singer who sings with her soul! I saw her at her at her first concert and followed her over the years. Missed her and now she is back ! I recommend if you get a chance to see her live run and get tickets. Her vocal control and range will blow your mind and touch your heart! First Toronto and then the world! Amanda thank you for an incredible show!!" Music is the business but, singing is the soul !" quote from Amanda . Go show them! Huge fan from Toronto. Benny

Absolutely incredible show by our Canadian vocal powerhouse Amanda Marshall at the historic Massey Hall. Always appreciated what a great voice she has but never realized how well she commands the stage. As our group discussed after the show, none of us could think of any show any of us attended where the crowd gave a standing ovation during a show (multiple actually). She deserved it because she blew the roof off the place numerous times with that voice of hers.

It was nearly a full house . An usher seeing me with my friend who is blind called to us asking if we would like to sit on the first floor and be closer. (Jason...Justin?)So we got seats that he had reserved but was unable to use. This was lovely. The entire audience were septegenarians like us. The sound was fabulous, magnificent, powerful, warm and rich. The music of course was soulful. It could not have been better. The hall itself is the best...a circle with the stage being nearly circular the band can get closer to the audience. What a wonderful experience

4.5/5 stars Peter and Leah compliment each other very well visually, audibly and with their moves on stage. Love their performances. Both make you feel as if they are connecting with you and appreciate your presence. We were in the 1st balcony 2nd row. They have a great rapport with the audience. The band accessorizes them perfectly. My husband and I enjoyed all the songs. I couldn’t get tickets for the pre-COVID Massey Hall show. So lucky to get good seats this time. The opening Act, Crown Lands sound a lot like Rush to me. My husband is more of a progressive rock fan than I am but I really liked their White Buffalo song. They are visually interesting, and I was so surprised they are from Oshawa and Whitby (my hometown.) The only criticism we have is that the sound was not properly tuned to the system. My husband is a sound engineer but even I could hear the poor mix for both bands. Too much emphasis on base drums and base guitar. The vocals should have dominated and been clearer especially for Leah. Peter can be heard a little better because of the depth of his voice. Lead guitar could not be heard enough. We could not even distinguish or hear the saxophone which was so disappointing. Regardless we would give this a 4.5/5 and will definitely go to see July Talk again. They were excellent!

Well, where to start… I've been to numerous shows at Massey Hall, and it's one of my favourite Toronto venues. This would have been a 5* review, except for the fact that my view was 75% blocked by massive speakers hanging from the ceiling. Normally, that would not be reflected in my opinion, but there was no warning the view sucked when I purchased the tickets. As for the show itself, Blue Rodeo is one of Canada's premiere bands, and they didn't disappoint. During "Try", I actually broke down and cried. Although there wasn't much movement from the band members on stage, I found I enjoyed just closing my eyes and letting the fantastic acoustics in Massey Hall wash over me. For once, I wasn't occupied by taking photos or watching the stage…it was all about the music. Well worth the $50 ticket!

Top-notch performance from Omar, Cedric and the rest of the band. Great selection of tracks played from throughout their career. Nice to hear a couple songs from their new self-titled album. I hadn't really realized until seeing them live just what an extraordinary guitar player Omar is! And Cedric's vocals and amazing dance moves were absolutely captivating. Add to that the wonderful performance by their opener, Teri Gender Bender, you've got yourself one hell of an excellent evening of music.

Wonderful show. I've been listening to Joel for 20 years, and this was my first time getting to see him live. Engaging, dynamic set -- awesome stuff with the Emergency, some solo acoustic (and mini keyboard!) songs, great tunes from and with Mo Kenney, fantastic vocals from the Smith ladies, with a bunch of funny stories sprinkled in between. And in a gorgeous venue with gorgeous acoustics. I would've been happy for the show to go on twice as long!

My seventh Courtney show and this was one epic. Her songwriting has always been amazing and her delivery paired with her grinding riffs filled the Hall with energy rarely seen. The lads on drums and bass are quick, tight and complement Courtney as she blasts through every song. The place was hoppin'! While I was impressed with Shamir who opened this show, sadly I do not believe she is properly matched with her band. She needs better musicians around her. Sadly, her sound was not ideal which is often the case with a supporting act.

We ( sitting 1st row gallery , centre) all thought the sound was muddy, over bassed and sometimes the band did not seem in sync with EC's singing. The band itself was tight. I saw the show @ the Elmo in 78 and the Heatwave . His transformation as an artist is amazing, but to be honest I prefer the 45 min. show of ripping R and R of those days....

Legrands's voice never sounded so clear and powerful. It was a chill ( yet enthused), very positive crowd, and could tell the band was enjoying playing for the spectators that I was lucky to witness Beach House with, as the band seemed to feed off of the warmth of the patrons, they're was a lot of "smoking" going on out in the line ( god I love this Country) , so a definite influence for the incredible vibe that surrounded us; with Legrand's warm synth adding a double dose of bliss.The mix and pacing of the songs they chose was perfection. A very , very, professional and hugely enjoyable live experience - being mid July and Covid ( sort of) in the rear view - it was nice to be in a packed audience @ Massey Hall #5 Star gig, and no me being superfluous. It was a legit 5 Star concert/performance, with the amazing Massey Hall for it's ambience. - Benway M.D

You know, Jann is such a wonderful person. You can tell she really cares and feels deeply for humanity and the welfare of animals too. The song Good Mother always makes me cry but I found myself crying during many other songs that evening. Luckily, the night wasn't all sad emotions since Jann is also absolutely hilarious. But this isn't the best part. I came to this show alone and so did the gentleman sitting beside me. In the end seats, 2 rows in front of us, were a women and her elderly mother who weren't able to get seats together. I decided to suggest we all trade seats so that they could sit together and the man beside me obliged. The problem was, in order to do that, I'd be sitting with an obstructed view. I didn't mind. It was a nice thing to do. But then, 3 songs into the set Jann says, "Who's sitting in these seats up front?" Turns out, they were empty. She says, "Whoever wants these seats, come and get them." Say, no more. I RAN and got a seat front row almost dead center. A wonderful turn of events and a real blessing. What's more is after the show was over, right there in front of me was the set list. Ahhh. 🥰 Life is good. Thank you Jann. Just for being you. 💞

A really amazing show at a great venue. Buddy is a true legend! He and his wonderful band put on a fun and energetic performance. He tells great stories and interacts with the crowd. Even walking through the isles while playing his guitar. As soon as we got home my 13 year old son started practicing, he hopes to fill Buddy's shoes someday. Elise Legrow, who opened, was also amazing. Her voice could make you feel emotional and give you goosebumps, exactly what music should do. She is a reminder that there is still talent in this world.