About: Elliott Deseure

Rob Zombie / Budweiser Stage / Photographer Elliott Deseure

Rob Zombies “Freaks On Parade” Tour touched down in Toronto on Wednesday September 6th at Budweiser Stage. It was full of Zombie freaks and fanatics who mostly all could have passed as performers as the walking dead had all made their way to see the show.

Rob Zombie / Budweiser Stage / Photographer Elliott Deseure

It appeared that Rob was the general and the crowd was his army of the dead for the evening, a dedicated fanbase to say the least. Starting off with theatrics across the stage Zombie and his band captured the army at first glance, setting the tone right off the top with “The Triumph Of King Freak, Dead City Radio and the Gods of Supertown and Feel So Numb”.

Rob Zombie / Budweiser Stage / Photographer Elliott Deseure

A very interesting stage to boot with the band as it moved with the artists on deck. A lot of work and preparation went into their stage attire as you could see, so one could only image how the performance went, amazing if you were wondering. Catch this tour as there are many dates left at LiveNation.

Alice Cooper / Budweiser Stage / Photographer Elliott Deseure

The world famous entertainer Alice Cooper and his band on their 59th year touring the sun seemed to have a party on stage as they took the stage right before Rob. The class act entertainer doesn’t seem to be slowing down with a tone of shows and tours already under his belt this year alone after just spending some time on tour with Motley Crue and Def Leppard, if there’s a stage a crowd, Alice will entertain.

Alice Cooper / Budweiser Stage / Photographer Elliott Deseure

Alice Cooper / Photographer Elliott Deseure

Starting off the show with hits like No More Mr Nice Guy, I’m Eighteen, Under My Wheels and Billion Dollar Baby, safe to say it was a night of hits. You can’t forget songs like Feed My Frankenstein, Poison and Schools out which of course made the setlist.

Alice Cooper / Photographer Elliott Deseure / Budweiser Stage

Cooper of course known for his theatrics on stage from being tied up in a straitjacket to having Frankenstein join him on stage, all 15 feet of him tall. And yes even being dragged to the guillotine and having his head… All makes for a fun night to get away in the city with friends or family for an amazing night out, always 10/10!

Alice Cooper / Photographer Elliott Deseure

Alice Cooper / Photographer Elliott Deseure

Richard Patrick Filter / Budweiser Stage / Photographer Elliott Deseure

Starting off the evening was a band from Cleveland Ohio that goes by Filter with Richard Patrick leading the charge. You know the band that has that famous hit “Take A Picture” that makes it’s way into everyone’s playlist.

Al Jourgensen Ministry / photographer Elliott Deseure / Budweiser Stage

Jonathan Radtke Filter / Budweiser Stage / Photographer Elliott Deseure

They were very entertaining as the crowd started to grow and the band fed off of it as you could hear the Amphitheatre get louder and louder.

Filter / Budweiser Stage / Photographer Elliott Deseure

Al Jourgensen Ministry / photographer Elliott Deseure / Budweiser Stage

Second off the bill was Ministry, and the crowd roared. The pace for the night had increased and sooner than you knew it you were in hyperdrive. It was a different kind of fan expirience for some of the Alice patrons but everyone was head banging before you knew it.

Ministry / photographer Elliott Deseure / Budweiser Stage

Heavy metal was alive and well, and the odd fan got lucky with a drum stick thrown their way or guitar pick from one of the madmen on stage. Touring since the 80’s, Ministry know how to entertain their fans as they originate from the hard working class of Chicago. You should definitely catch this tour if it stops on your city, 4 top notch acts for the price of one, who could beat that?

Geno Lenardo Ministry / Budweiser Stage / Photographer Elliott Deseure

Rod Stewart brought ALL the HITS and then some back this past Saturday night in Niagara Ontario, Canada for his final leg of his North American Tour. And then some? Well, Sir Rod always has time to play some classics that he himself if a fan of outside of his own very large catalogue of music. Even opening up the show with Robert Palmers hit “Addicted To Love”, which he and his amazing band always nail, there’s something super cool about the fact that even with his ginormous success, the night isn’t all about him, it’s about the music.

Blink-182 @ Scotiabank Arena / Photo Elliott Deseure

If you missed your chance to see the world acclaimed band Blink-182 this past Thursday night then don’t fear because they’re coming back to Scotiabank Arena Toronto in a few days on Monday May the 15th. The trio of Travis Barker, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge stopped in on May 11th for the first of 2 shows to a sold out crowd as you can clearly see above on their “Crappy Punk Rock since 1992” World Tour!

Blink-182 / Travis Barker @ Scotiabank Arena / Photo Elliott Deseure

It has been a few years since the boys have stopped in Toronto, on official business that is and let me tell you it was a night of hits and new music that recently surfaced. This reunion tour has brought a lot of hope for the fans pre tour and now they’re here in full force, talking to many of the fans hearing nothing but love towards their favourite band.

Blink-182 / Tom DeLonge @ Scotiabank Arena / Photo Elliott Deseure

Having 20+ years in the business it’s not hard to see the professionalism on stage but at the same time each personality stays out, often youthfulness within each individual members, especially Tom. This time around a simple diamond shaped stage with lots of theatrics with moving lights and elevating drums, leading to an eye catchy and ear catchy show!

Blink-182 / Mark Hoppus @ Scotiabank Arena / Photo Elliott Deseure

Starting off the nights with “The Anthem Part Two”, “The Rock Show” and “Family Reunion”, then to be followed by another 23 songs in the setlist. Both Mark and Tom sounding amazing with their vocals a playing performances. And of course Barker on the skins sounding 10/10 as always!

Blink-182 @ Scotiabank Arena / Photo Elliott Deseure

Blink-182 @ Scotiabank Arena / Photo Elliott Deseure

Overall if you can manage to grab a ticket still for one of their upcoming shows I highly recommend doing so if you are a fan. The guys sounds amazing, give you your moneys worth for a long setlist of tunes, make a date night out of it, go grab some dinner before the show, maybe a beverage at the show and enjoy yourself. This tour is a must recommend from myself! Check it out at Live Nation if they aren’t sold out yet!

Turnstile’s @ Scotiabank Arena / Photo Elliott Deseure

The Turnstile’s were the second supporting act for the night. Putting on an energy packed performance they the crowd really enjoyed, great light show for an opener which is always great to see. If you’re wanting to see them check out their website as they have a busy year ahead filled full of shows. The band from Baltimore Maryland felt right at home in Toronto having a majority of the fans sing back their songs with them, which is the ultimate compliment.

Turnstile’s @ Scotiabank Arena / Photo Elliott Deseure

Beauty School Dropouts @ Scotiabank Arena / Photo Elliott Deseure

Kicking off the night was the crew of Beauty School Dropouts. They were an interesting band to add to the mix but it worked out fitting into the night, you could see them being a great support for Rage Against The Machine. The band and singer sounded amazing together, Toronto was into it. I can see big things coming from this band in the future, even Mark Hoppus from Blink-182 is featured in some of their music, definitely should check that out.

Beauty School Dropouts @ Scotiabank Arena / Photo Elliott Deseure

Neil Donell Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

On Saturday April 8th the band knows as Chicago brought the endless hits to Casino Rama Canada. With over 55 plus years in the business it doesn’t seem like they’re slowing down anytime soon, with over 100 shows this year already planned. With some new additions to the band this year, the main core founding members consisting of Robert Lamb and James Pankow still leading the charge every night with long time member Lee Loughnane on trumpet.

Ray Herrmann Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

For those who aren’t familiar with the band (those who live under a rock), Chicago is know for not only their brass section to their music but their stunning compositions with brilliant vocalists to boot. Each member of the band almost has a vocal to be heard, majorly Robert Lame and their Canadian boy, Neil Donell. But don’t kid yourself, Chicago brings the brass to rock music when they aren’t serenading us with one of their many famous ballads that millions have used as wedding songs all over the world for decades.

James Pankow Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Chicago is best known for their hits “If You Leave Me Know”, “You’re The Inspiration”, “Hard To Say I’m Sorry”, “25 Or 6 To 4” and “Saturday In The Park”, it’s hard to not believe that with 38 albums that they have cracked the code on songwriting. Both Lamb and Pankow in the songwriters hall of fame. Having sold over 100 Million albums world wide, they are one of the best selling groups of all time, and longest touring too. If you haven’t seen them I would recommend doing so, with grace they show you live mastery of music at it’s best. A must see in my opinion for starting musicians wanting to learn how to compose a song.

Ray Yslas Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

On Saturday February 25th Billy Joel crossed north of the boarder into Canada for the first time in nearly 10 years, making his stop at Fallsview Casino, Niagara. His performance was the crown jewel on the official celebratory opening of the brand new OLG Stage here in Ontario. The 73 year old New Yorker put on the performance of a lifetime, still holding his title as “The Entertainer”.

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Opening the show with “My Life”, the patiently awaited crowd rose to their feet once the first piano key was struck, and the hits followed as the night went on. Still playing like had something to prove, Joel captivated everyone in the room, not a soul left the venue until the balcony lights came on. Prior to showtime it’s always amazing the things you hear as you walk down what I like to call “Storyteller Alley”. Storyteller alley is the bee hive of noise and conversations of the fans in line as they make their way through security. Hearing competitive people telling one another how many times they have seen Billy Joel, some 5, some 15, even hearing 45 times from one gentleman. And for some it being their very first time after over hearing one lady tell the person next to her that she’s been waiting 45 years for this moment, it’s one of those reasons why I think he still tours, for the fans. For some couples it was their first date and for others their first date was at a Billy Joel concert 35 years ago!

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Creating the songs that many got married too, Billy doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Soft spoken in-between many songs, Joel has that “lets have a conversation at dinner vibe”. Telling stories and making jokes, everyone was delighted to get that one-on-one chance with him as he made everyone in the audience feel front row. Billy is known for leaving the front row empty and non for sale, and selecting those at the very back, as high as you can get and bringing them front row as he states “these are the real fans”, he really gets it.

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Billy Joel, Carl Fischer, Mark Rivera / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

You might not find it hard to believe but Joel isn’t the only famous musician in his band, travelling with world class musicians like Carl Fischer, Mark Rivera, David Rosenthal, Andy Cichon, Mike DelGuidice, Chuck Burgi and Crystal Aliefero. Having the chops like Joel does it’s a no brainer that he has a band that could support anyone with their talent and performing capabilities.

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Overall Joel won’t be with us forever so if you get the chance to see him, don’t pass it up. Life is too short to not treat yourself or someone you know so head into town, try a new local restaurant, “grab a bottle of white, or a bottle of red” and then make your way to the venue for a night of timeless hits. You’ll be surprised with the smile on your face as you leave the building because he’s just, that, good!

Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Richard Taylor, Joseph Soper, Jim Diodati, Jim Warren, Jody Madigan / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Before the headliner Billy Joel, Sound Check Entertainment was graciously invited to the grand opening ceremony at the brand new 5000 seater venue at Fallsview Casino and Resort, OLG Stage! Starting off the evening was an introduction brought by Devo Brown, following him was President of Niagara Casinos Richard Taylor, Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati, Chair of the Board of Directors Jim Warren and Jim Madigan COO Mohegan.

Hands down one of the nicest if not the nicest soft seated theatres in Canada, where the farthest seat is only 150ft away, it truly is a stunning work of art. Hard to believe the size of the venue let me tell you, standing on the street outside you wouldn’t know that there was this huge and stunning theatre on the other side of the buildings walls. Fallsview and OLG did an amazing job taking care of us and making sure that our evening was well taken care of, on top of having world class staff that will and some of the best in the industry attend to every need. OLG stage is putting Niagara back on the map with yes of course bringing Billy Joel to town but to follow him in the upcoming months like Bret Michaels of Poison, Pit Bull, Kevin Heart, Dane Cook, Billy Idol, George Thorogood, Cheap Trick, Daughty, Steve Miller Band, John Fogerty, Kane Brown, Rod Stewart, Kenny Loggins and many many others. Who will you be seeing?

Richard Taylor, Joseph Soper, Jim Diodati, Jim Warren, Jody Madigan / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino

Vance Joy / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / FirstOntario Concert Hall

Vance Joy and his “In Our Sweet Time” 2023 tour touched down at the FirstOntario Concert Hall in Hamilton Ontario, Canada. Lineups around the building as fans were waiting for the doors to open to see one of the top online streaming artists of 2023, almost 20 million on Spotify alone monthly. Playing all the hits, 18 of them to be exact, including ones like Missing Place, Like Gold, Saturday Sun, Riptide and many others throughout the evening. Joy can capture the audience with a simple look, but it doesn’t seem that he is aware of his own success. Seeming to be super authentic and a “down to earth” kind vibe, something I know his fans appreciate.

Vance Joy / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / FirstOntario Concert Hall

There are sometime performers and there are natural performers, Vance is definitely a nature performer/singer/artist and was meant to entertain an audience through his singing. Super talented in his writing and creating a hook that will get stuck in your head, one that you can’t help but sing along to. The evening had a beach fire vibe in a theatre, Joy showing his Australian roots by being caught walking outside in the Canadian winter in his flip flops like he was back home at the beach. There are something you just can’t change about a person.

Vance Joy / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / FirstOntario Concert Hall

Vance is adding some dates to his 2023 tour this week so keep your eye out if you’re wanting to catch him at a city near you! You won’t regret it!

Review and photos by Elliott Deseure

Jess Sevier / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / @ Lee’s Palace

On Thursday February the 26th, Lee’s Palace brought the next generation of country music artists to the stage! It was a great night to be out on the town to enjoy some great talent with some good company. Headlining the event was Jess Sevier, playing for her hometown she brought the fire to the stage. Jess has been making waves with over 1 million streams, a fast growing following and music making the radio all over. Playing Confetti & See You There, even some Shania Twain but the most impressive cover was Summer Of 69 by Bryan Adams. Sevier and her band really looked the part of country music, but most importantly they could play, and the crowd was loving it. Keep up-to-date in Jess through her Instagram @JessicaSevier !

Josh Taerk / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / @ Lee’s Palace

Second act of the evening was Josh Taerk and his band! Josh at such a young age has accomplished more than most dream to in a lifetime. Like who has John Oates sing back up in their music, that’s pretty impressive. Already a world traveller with his music, he has big dreams that are happening everyday. A song that stuck out was one go his hits Here’s To Change, powerful lyrics and words to live by. Making his way through the crowd to talk to everyone before the show started, complete strangers turning them into friends, class act.

Lauren Carson / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / @ Lee’s Palace

Lauren Carson started the night like a good sunrise, pure enjoyment. Learning from listening to her speak we found out she and her band all went to Queens University, I think it’s clear that they were doing a lot more than studying as her and her band were in complete synch with one another. She has a mature voice and a soft presence while she commands the stage, something most cannot do. Keep up to date on all her work on her Instagram @LaurenCarsonMusic !

November 15th 2022 at History in Toronto was the night that Nickelback rose from hibernation since 2019! And boy was Toronto ready for them! Bringing all the hits and a few new ones too like “San Quentin”, “Those Days”, “High Time” and of course “Burn It To The Ground”, “How You Remind Me”, “Someday”, “Rockstar”, “Photograph” and loads of others. The Canadian boys from Hanna Alberta, who formed in 1995 showed everyone in the house how to get their faces rocked off! Yes they still have it.

On November 2nd, downtown Toronto at Fort York National Historic site the goal of Highway Of Heroes Tree Campaign 2.5 millionth tree had been planted. Surpassing the initial goal of 2 million set back in 2014.

Avery Anna / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

An intimate evening at The Dakota Tavern put on by Warner Music Canada Downton Toronto last night, October 25th 2022. Starting off the night with the extremely talented young woman Avery Anna. Bringing that southern charm all the way from Flagstaff Arizona, USA. With a collection of songs and story telling, it wasn’t long before had grasped everyones attention in the room.

Avery Anna / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Heartfelt and warm, she captivated the room with her soft playing on the keys to her jaw dropping voice. Playing songs from her big hit Narcissist to “Ring Of Fire” by Johnny Cash who we find out was one of her grandfathers favourites as she used to sing with him a lot. Watch out Nashville, I think Avery is going to be making some big waves here in the future!

Avery Anna / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Tyler Braden / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Second off to keep the evening going was a gentleman and a comedian when it comes to entertaining the crowd with his one liners, Tyler Braden. Starting his musical journey off later in life, it sure doesn’t appear that way. Feeling as comfortable as a veteran on that stage while singing his heart out. Bold and brass, Brayden has that cool voice with that kicker of power and thrust.

Tyler Braden / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Playing new music to even covering one of his favourite bands the Goo Goo Dolls with their mega hit “Iris” and killing it at that! Learning that Tyler does a lot of writing not only for himself but for others I think we can expect an interesting collaboration here in the future. Tyler has that arena feel but also a sit around the campfire vibe, his journey is just beginning.

Breland / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

For those who did’t know Ireland before, they do now! Fun and energetic was the scope of the evening. As you can tell from the smile on his face, this is what he was meant to do and be, right on stage. Having fun both onstage and off, having worked and done collaborations with various artists from Keith Urban, Sam Hunt, Dierks Bentley, Hardy, Lady A, to Thomas Rhett.

Breland + Tyler Brayden / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Breland + Avery Anna/ The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

Learning that he will be opening for Shania Twain soon he thought it was appropriate to rock the Queen of country musics songs, doing them with justice I might add. Also adding a big hit to his night with Strawberry Wine by Deana Carter and bringing up Avery Anna to help him sing it! It seems wherever Daniel goes he makes friends.

Breland / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure

At such a young age and the accomplishments under his belt, what’s next is what we all want to know. I guess only time will reveal that but I sure that he will be back Toronto!

Breland / The Dakota Tavern // Photographer: Elliott Deseure