Billy Talent Named Legends Of Live at Live Music Awards

By Nick Krewen

Denise Ross, Rob Zifarelli, Ashley Poitevin, Daniel Caesar and Billy Talent all came up big at the 3rd annual Live Music Industry Awards on Friday night.

Live Nation's Ross was named Concert/Club Talent Buyer of the Year; Paradigm's Zifarelli captured Agent of the Year honours, and Last Gang's Poitevin walked away with Manager of the Year accolades at the Paul Shaffer-hosted event, while Caesar received the nod for New Touring Artist.

And as they celebrate their 25th year together as a band and a top Canadian concert attraction,  Streetsville, Ontario's Billy Talent was named Legends of Live, marking the occasion with a rare performance with original drummer Aaron Solowoniuk on "Rusted From The Roof."  Solowoniuk was forced to give up road duties in 2016 due to his battle with multiple sclerosis. The band also performed "Try Honesty" with Jordan Hastings, who is currently stepping in for Solowoniuk.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of his band members, Billy Talent singer Ben Kowalewicz lamented recent Toronto venue closings as he urged people to support live music.

"We're very spoiled in this city with all the venues," said Kowalewicz. "We have to support local music - go see the bands, go buy a T-shirt, go buy a beer and keep this industry and this music scene - which is the best in the f$%*ing world - alive for years to come."

Other performers included Death Valley Girls and a great L.A. shock rock act you're going to be hearing a lot about in the future, Starcrawler.

Here's your complete list of 2018 Live Music Industry Awards Winners:
 
Small Festival of the Year - (TIE)
Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton, AB & Ontario Festival of Small Halls, Ottawa, ON
 
Family Program of the Year - Calgary Stampede, Calgary, AB
 
Green Operations Festival of the Year - Riverfest Elora, Elora, ON
 
Not-For-Profit Festival of the Year - Montreal Jazz Festival, Montreal, QC
 
Medium Festival of the Year - Field Trip, Toronto, ON
 
Major Festival of the Year - Osheaga Music & Arts Festival, Montreal, QC
 
Best Teamwork in a Soft Seat Theatre / Performing Arts Centre - Massey Hall, Toronto, ON
 
Best Teamwork in a Major Club - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver BC
 
Best Teamwork in an Arena - Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON
 
Best Teamwork in a Medium Club - Mod Club, Toronto, ON
 
Best Teamwork in a Small Club - Drake Underground, Toronto, ON
 
New Touring Artist of the Year - Daniel Caesar
 
Concert / Club Talent Buyer of the Year - Denise Ross, Live Nation
 
Music Canada Live Community Impact Award - Winnipeg Folk Festival, Winnipeg, MB
 
Licensed to Play Award - The Cameron House, Toronto, ON
 
Agent of the Year - Rob Zifarelli, Paradigm Talent Agency
 
A/V Production Company of the Year - Metalworks Production Group
 
Band / Music Program of the Year - Live at Massey Hall presented by TD in Partnership with SiriusXM
 
Production Manager of the Year - Vanessa Arscott, Plan V Productions
 
Road Warrior of the Year - Karen “Keeks” Weigold, July Talk
 
Manager of the Year - Ashley Poitevin, Last Gang Management
 
Festival Buyer of the Year - Live Nation
 
Legends of Live Award - Billy Talent
 
Canadian Music City of the Year - Toronto