Friday was a good night to be a 90s bitch. The Arkells snuck in a cover of Icona Pop’s I Love It, and their opener Cailin Russo returned to the stage for the anthem featuring Charli XCX. This was definitely a highlight and somehow more exciting than seeing the Arkells perform Robyn’s Dancing On My Own with Tegan and Sara in 2024. But it couldn’t trump the surprise of their throwback to ABBA’s Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) at Scotiabank Arena in 2022.
Friday night marked my 5th Bryan Adams concert. He selectively invites audience participation for key verses. He gives fans wristbands for lighting effects. And he encourages you to dance to an old school cover of Twist and Shout. Most importantly, he delivers all the hits and throwbacks you’d want while singing about romance and resilience. He’s a pro!
Katy Perry knows how to create a spectacle that lets fans escape, so the sci-fi video game theme fits The Lifetimes Tour. As an animated cat said during a costume change, everyone “needs a break from doom scrolling and the world is counting on you”. With heartwarming moments like inviting kids onstage and promoting female empowerment, this tour offers the break you need.
