Rise Against returned to Ottawa with a blistering, emotionally charged set at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Sunday, March 8, delivering a show that balanced political urgency, melodic ferocity, and heartfelt acoustic intimacy. Supported by opening acts Koyo and Destroy Boys, the night built steadily from fiery punk energy to stadium‑sized sing‑alongs.
Opening Acts: Koyo & Destroy Boys
Koyo opened the evening with a heartfelt, melodic hardcore set that warmed up the room with earnest energy. Destroy Boys followed with a louder, more abrasive punch—riot‑grrrl attitude fused with gritty punk edge. It’s worth noting that out of 3 shows I covered this past weekend Destroy Boys were the first to call out what was going on in the world. Alexia telling the crowd that a unified voice was needed to let those in charge know how we feel about bombing innocent people.
Both bands delivered strong performances, but the real shift came afterward: as the openers wrapped up, the crowd swelled dramatically.
What had started as a solid turnout became a packed house by the time the lights dimmed for Rise Against. It was likely the largest crowd Hard Rock LIVE has hosted since Yungblud’s show last year, and the growing anticipation in the room was unmistakable.
Rise Against: A Dynamic and Purposeful Performance
The band launched straight into “The Good Left Undone,” igniting the packed floor in seconds. From there, Rise Against delivered a career‑spanning set that hit all the emotional and political beats fans came for. Early highlights like “Give It All,” “Satellite,” and “Ready to Fall” kept the room in constant motion, while deeper cuts like “Bridges” and “Ricochet” showcased the band’s continued evolution.
The crowd—now shoulder‑to‑shoulder—fed the band’s energy, turning songs like “Re-Education (Through Labor)” and “Nowhere Generation” into full‑venue shout‑alongs.
Acoustic Interlude
Mid-set, Tim McIlrath said to the crowd “war is never the fucking answer” before stepping forward alone for “Hero of War,” and the once‑roaring room fell into respectful silence. His solo performance gave the night a moment of stark emotional weight. “Swing Life Away” began in the same intimate style before the full band rejoined, lifting the song into one of the evening’s warmest communal moments.
Final Stretch & Encore
After ramping the energy back up with “A Gentlemen’s Coup” and a massive performance of “Savior,” the band briefly left the stage before returning for a powerhouse encore.
The final run of songs—“Survivor Guilt,” “Tragedy + Time,” and the explosive closer “Prayer of the Refugee”—brought the crowd to its loudest peak of the night.
Overall Impression
Rise Against’s Ottawa performance was not just a show—it felt like a full‑room release. With one of the largest crowds Hard Rock LIVE has seen in the past year, an engaged audience, and a setlist that balanced hits, deep cuts, and acoustic reflection, the band proved why they remain one of punk’s most enduring and relevant acts.
Rise Against is currently touring in the USA for a number of dates but returns to Canada March 21 for two shows in Winnipeg and then continues west before wrapping up in Vancouver on March 28. For a full list of dates and tickets visit riseagainst.com
