Megadeth are coming to Canada on their farewell tour. Last summer, the heavy metal quartet announced their final hurrah, including their last album, a self-titled effort that landed at No. 4 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart and became their first No. 1 album on the Billbaord 200. As they take the stage for the final time in Canada, it’s a fitting way to close out an acclaimed decades-long career.
Francophone rapper Loud brings his signature flow to his home province, while rock band +LIVE+ continues its cross-Canada trek — against the wishes of former band members.Indie rock outfit Rainbow Kitten Surprise performs two colourful shows in Toronto, and Canadian icon Jully Black is back on the west coast for the first time in over a decade
Concert of the Week
Megadeth, Canada Life Place, London — February 28; Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa — March 1; Scotiabank Centre, Halifax — March 3; Avenir Centre, Moncton — March 4
Megadeth are going out with a head bang.
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For one last time, the heavy metal quartet are taking the stage in Canada, performing a string of shows across the country. This week, they’re making stops in London, Ottawa, Halifax and Moncton, before performing one final Canadian show in Québec City next week. Then, they’ll go abroad. In the summer, they'll return to Toronto and Montreal as special guests on Iron Maiden's North American tour.
Last year, frontman Dave Mustaine announced that the band would release their final studio album and embark on a global farewell tour that would reportedly last “three to five” years. The self-titled Megadeth arrived last month, peaking at No. 4 on the Canadian Albums chart. Tied with 2013’s Super Collider, it marks the group’s second-highest charting album in Canada, following 2016’s Dystopia at No. 3.
"There's so many musicians that have come to the end of their career, whether accidental or intentional. Most of them don't get to go out on their own terms on top, and that's where I'm at in my life right now," Mustaine said in a statement. "I have traveled the world and have made millions upon millions of fans and the hardest part of all of this is saying goodbye to them."
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Calling it the “perfect time to tour the world,” the lead singer continued: “We've made a lot of friends over the years and I hope to see all of you on our global farewell tour. Don't be mad, don't be sad, be happy for us all, come celebrate with me these next few years. We have done something together that's truly wonderful and will probably never happen again.”
While there have been plenty of sham retirements in music history, the heavy metal rockers seem intent on wrapping up their decades-long career. If this is indeed the end, it’s a joyful way for fans to witness the group take the stage as headliners for the last time.
After making it big in Europe, Loud is returning to his hometown. As one of the leading acts in the Francophone rap scene, the Montreal rapper is known for pairing his effortless flow with complex wordplay and imagery over uncanny production. As he takes the stage in support of his earnestly bold album, Douze sur douze, he’s joined by his mentor and fellow French rapper Rymz. “I am extremely excited to perform our new songs live for the very first time,” Loud wrote on Instagram.
+LIVE+, Rogers Place, Edmonton — February 27; SaskTel Centre, Saskatoon — March 1; Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg — March 2
What was meant to be a celebratory cross-Canada tour has turned into a potential legal battle. Earlier this week, former members of the U.S. rock band Live issued a cease and desist against its frontman, Ed Kowalczyk, claiming he is no longer allowed to use the band’s name. While he has yet to respond, the lead singer is determined to commemorate the 35th anniversary of their debut record, Mental Jewelry, as he heads into Western Canada alongside Canadian rockers Big Wreck.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise, History, Toronto — March 3-4
Rainbow Kitten Surprise are bringing their colourful alt-rock sound to Toronto for back-to-back nights. Powered by lead singer Ela Melo’s captivating vocals, the group flexes a high-energy set with emotional highs and infectious rhythms that lead to an electric stage presence. Although they’re supporting their fifth LP, Bones, fans will get the chance to reminisce on over a decade of the band’s music, including hits like “Cocaine Jesus” and “Polite Company” in an intimate atmosphere.
Jully Black, Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver — March 4
Influential Canadian singer-songwriter Jully Black is making a major comeback across the country. Continuing her first national outing in nearly two decades, the Billboard Canada Women in Music Impact Award recipient remains at the forefront of Canadian R&B and soul, consistently uplifting Black and Indigenous voices. Following a notable "O Canada" lyrical change in 2023, she sparked important, lasting conversations about the national anthem. With deep Toronto roots, her show in Vancouver proves her ability to reach listeners across the country.
