The 197511.17.23
Montreal, QC
"You know the thing is with us? We just keep getting better baby." - Matty Healy
Oh man, this was a big one! Arguably one of my favourite modern bands. I genuinely don't think any modern band has nailed the Tears For Fears esque pop rock sound quite like these guys. It's a classic sound that they always return to, even if it's in a small helping like on Notes On A Conditional Form, or unapologetically on full display like on their latest, Being Funny In A Foreign Language.
I had huge regrets missing out on their show in Toronto last year for their At Their Very Best tour. So I was thrilled when they announced the aptly titled Still... At Their Very Best tour. Man, what a kickass tour name. And they packed in a show at Montreal's fabled Bell Centre. Best case scenario right there. I was all over that, locked in for presale floor tickets.
On the evening of the show, I arrived early enough to score a poster and t-shirt (the poster was city specific; I can't overstate just how much I appreciate it when bands do that). And a tote bag to carry around my goodies.
The floor was entirely standing room only, as it should be for a band of this stature at this stage of their careers. Dora Jar opened the show. I wasn't previously familiar with her stuff, but the energy and vibe was definitely a good segue into The 1975.
The 1975 could write a crash course on setlist construction -- having the first act focus on the new album and the second act showcase of all their earlier career hits, that's a winning formula. They totally knocked it out of the park.
And my goodness... so many memorable moments throughout the duration of the show. Tim Healy showing up for All I need to Hear. Backing vocalists taking center stage for "A Change of Heart" and "Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America". An acoustic, solo rendition of "Be My Mistake". Matty bringing up a young fan attending his first concert on stage. Letting the saxophonist take over for "About You". Probably the most successful attempt at getting the crowd to jump I've ever seen, during "The Sound". And finally, a fake out onto the second stage to perform "People" as the closer.
Fascinating stage design as well; very high production value as far as pop or rock bands go. And They certainly lean into the "The 1975 Live On Stage in Show and Concert" billing with their theatrics. Particularly the first act felt like a loose attempt at performance art, while the second act turned up the crowd engagement tenfold.
All in all, fantastic show to close out my 2023 in live music.
