Artist Spotlight

Big Wreck bigger than ever

Ian Thornley plays the Danforth Music Hall with Big Wreck on May 10 and 11. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Thu May 10 2012   Well, that’s one less albatross around his neck. Ever since Ian Thornley added Big Wreck’s name to the ever-increasing pile of reunited rock bands, he’s been rewarded with an accolade he never received during the combo’s first late ‘90s run: a No….


M83 synthesizes some stardom

Gonzalez puts keyboards front and centre, and the result is a sold-out Sound Academy. Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Fri May 04 2012 When Anthony Gonzalez was seven years old, he took a hit of Oxygene that changed his life forever. Gathered around their living room with the rest of his family in Antibes, France, the future principal of M83 watched fellow Frenchman, electronic music synthesis and…


Nickelback burns up ACC

  Nick Krewen Special To The Star, Published on Sun Apr 22 2012 Rock ‘n’ roll is supposed to be larger than life. Last night at the Air Canada Centre, Nickelback made it seem mammoth. Operating under the notion that bigger is better, the four deans of lustful, bone-crunching rock offered the estimated 14,000 in attendance (and pop star Avril Lavigne) everything that one would expect from a dazzling marvel:…


Ed Sheeran makes most of an opening

Entertainment / Music Supporting Snow Patrol a career stepping-stone for red-hot Brit singer. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Apr 13 2012 Ed Sheeran, opening a pair of shows for Snow Patrol at Massey Hall next week in what’s destined to be a contemporary role as a warmup act, isn’t afraid to apply a little elbow grease in working his way to the top. In a seemingly short period…


Our Lady Peace on the wobbly path to Curve

Our Lady Peace on the wobbly path to Curve | Toronto Star Reunited Canuck rockers take the stage at the Phoenix on April 3.  Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Tue Apr 03 2012   George Chuvalo is about to enjoy a whole new wave of popularity. A picture of the Canadian boxing legend taken when he was a strapping 22-year-old, adorns the cover of the latest Our…