When you hear the iconic Canadian band The Headstones… what do you think? Do you think “Oh, just another rock band creating noise?” or are you like me who thinks “This is the Tragically Hip of punk rock!”. (Coincidentally, Hugh Dillon grew up playing hockey with Paul Langlois; future guitarist of the Tragically Hip).

Perhaps you were also like me and attended their show at Midway in Edmonton on December 1, 2022. I have been waiting a long time to see these guys live and man – they do not disappoint! Touring on the back of their highly anticipated album “Flight Risk”, they flew into their first song of the night… “Flight Risk”. Heavily distorted guitars and Hugh Dillon’s stage presence filled the room with palpable energy. Also in the setlist were their well-known songs “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”, and “Tweeter and the Monkey Man”; both of which are covers.

The Headstones were a real treat. They have a deep history in Canadian punk/rock and are cemented in the hearts and minds of everyone who knows their legacy. I am so impressed with their show; cannot wait to see them again! Check out their website www.headstonesband.com for information on tour dates and more.

Opening for The Headstones was Arcana Kings, a band from Saskatchewan. I’ve never heard of them before. They are a bagpiper and a full band mixed into one. They were excellent. Check out their website www.arcanakings.com for more information.