Exclusive Access: Arcade Fire in Toronto

Last Sunday (July 22) Arcade Fire played a show at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto as part of their Everything Now Continued Tour. I happened to be in town and was lucky enough to get to photograph it. The last time I worked with them was several months ago so I was both super excited and anxious about it.
When I got backstage I found Win Butler playing video games in his concert outfit and I thought that was pretty amazing. I was given the setlist for the night and I took some mental notes on things to keep in mind so I don’t miss out on any key moments. I was also given a white, awesome, “Everything Now” branded jacket to wear for the show, so I knew I was going to have to be extra careful not standing out on stage.
The band decided to come out through the crowd. It was still daylight so people were freaking out when they realized the band was simply walking amongst them. Their ritual hug also happened in the middle of the sold out venue, which I thought was really special.
They opened their set with “Wake Up” and from that point until the very end, the energy of the place was absolutely magical and intoxicating.
Win and Régine usually go back out to the crowd during certain songs so I’m always on my toes waiting for these moments. This time, Regine went out really far back and I had to run really fast to catch up. When I got there, she was dancing in front of this back-lit disco ball. I seriously couldn’t believe my eyes!
On my way back to the stage, I bumped into Win who was also in the crowd, so I followed along and took some of my fav shots I’ve taken of him. He got up on the railing, surrounded by people, with the stage behind him… We photographers always wait for lucky moments like this!
Out of all the incredible Arcade Fire shows I’ve been to and photographed, this one has been my favorite. I ran around singing every song in awe of the beauty of the music and the response of the crowd. They’re hands down my favorite band and I've lived in Toronto for 14 years, so it was a special night for me, and I think that always makes me a better photographer.
This was the last show of this leg of the tour so I hope the band is having a very well deserved rest! Until next time!
Check out the setlist from the night below:
Arcade Fire

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Last updated: 28 Mar 2024, 22:32 Etc/UTC