Midnight Oil Rock Toronto for second time in a year!

As I mentioned in a previous review, I’m a big, no make that huge, fan of all things Australian. Midnight Oil is one of the reasons why. Fifteen years we’ve had to wait, but let me tell you: It was worth it!!! Even more in the current political climate, the world is going thought. For lucky Toronto fans this was the second time Midnight Oil graced us with their presence this year.

Midnight Oil performs at the Bud Stage in Toronto – photo by Angel Marchini

First, the obvious: Midnight Oil’s live act, is just a boatload of sheer raw energy. They played at the newly renamed Budweiser Stage aka Molson Amphitheater for those of you that still use the old name to a delighted crowd.

Midnight Oil performs at the Bud Stage in Toronto – photo by Angel Marchini

Opening with “Read About It” from their 1982 studio album, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and ending with the ever fitting “Sometimes” from their 187 album Diesel & Dust, the band set next two hours in such a way that they made sure there was no respite for the fans. No dull moment, no time to get bored. If you were not jumping its because you couldn’t.

Midnight Oil performs at the Bud Stage in Toronto – photo by Angel Marchini

A man who has always put his money where his mouth is (he retired from music to go into Australian politics), frontman Peter Garrett was not shy about voicing his opinion on the state of things, wearing a T-Shirt with a very explicit message of what he thought of a certain America president. Its amazing how after all this time their songs are still so relevant.

Midnight Oil performs at the Bud Stage in Toronto – photo by Angel Marchini

Midnight Oil brought the power and the passion, full force, as if they hadn’t been gone for the last 15 years. An fantastic show that I will cherish forever.

I’m going to leave you with this quote from Ella Wheeler Wilcox, stamped on Peter’s 2nd T-shirt of the night:

“To sin by silence, when we should protest, Makes cowards out of men.”

I think we can all agree on that.

For more Midnight Oil tour information visit www.midnightoil.com/tour-dates

Cheers and until next time.

SetList

Read About It
Golden Age
No Time for Games
Put Down That Weapon
Stars of Warburton
Can’t See Reason
Truganini
My Country

Cocktail Set (Rob at stagefront)
When the Generals Talk
Tin Legs and Tin Mines
US Forces
Kosciusko
Now or Never Land
Only the Strong
River Runs Red
The Dead Heart
Beds Are Burning
Blue Sky Mine
Sometimes

Encore:
Power and the Passion
Forgotten Years
Best of Both Worlds