October 15, 2016
Rush documentary: Time Stands Still
The documentary Rush - Time Stand Still is coming to theatres in US & Canada on November 3, 2016. The DVD/BluRay will be released November 18.

This special theatre event of RUSH - Time Stand Still, narrated by Paul Rudd, is a night for our passionate and loyal fans to watch together and provides an intimate look into the band's sold-out "R40" tour and the unique relationship we have with you all. In addition to the documentary, fans will also get first viewing exclusive extras including Rush - A Salute to Kings – a 20-minute in-depth discussion with Gene Simmons (KISS), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Ann & Nancy Wilson (Heart), Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy), and the band's producer Nick Raskulinecz as they share their unique stories about Rush over the last 40 years.

In partnership with Anthem and Universal Music Canada, the documentary will run at select Cineplex theatres starting November 3rd for the entire week. Please check the microsite for all updates at www.rushtimestandstill.com/

September 25, 2016
Rikard Sjöblom and Necromonkey in Quebec City
Rikard Sjöblom (Beardfish, Big Big Train) will be at L'anti (251 Dorchester street, Quebec City) on Sunday, October 16, 2016, to present the music of his new solo album The Unbendable Sleep, accompanied by none other than the amazing duo Necromonkey, composed of Matias Olsson (Anglagard) and David Lundberg. Quebec proggers Inner Odyssey will rock the place between those two Swedish superbands.

Show begins at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $35 at the door on the day of the show.

August 15, 2016
Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa at the Club Soda
Greenland and evenko present Dweezil Zappa Plays Whatever the F@%k He Wants at Club Soda (1225 St-Laurent, Montreal) Thursday, October 20, 2016 as part of the Cease & Desist Tour 2016-2017. Following legal family troubles that prevented him from using the name Zappa Plays Zappa, Dweezil found a very ironic name for his group and his tour! Dweezil will be accompanied on stage by Scheila Gonzalez, Chris Norton, Ben Thomas, Kurt Morgan, Ryan Brown and Pete Jones.

All ages show, doors at 7:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door, $75 VIP package, available online and at the Club Soda boxoffice!

July 23, 2016
New music
Cool new music from all around the world, here are some recent (and future) releases of interest:

Levin Minnemann Rudess - From the Law Offices of Levin Minnemann Rudess: Featuring the talents of bass legend Tony Levin, Marco Minnemann on drums and guitars and Jordan Rudess on keyboards, the new album From the Law Offices of Levin Minnemann Rudess is a follow-up to the highly successful self-titled debut record of the famed trio. Available in regular CD format and in limited edition with bonus DVD through the LMR online store and at all good indie record stores, including Freeson Rock.

The Fringe - The Fringe: A bold, electrifying trio consisting of Randy McStine (Lo-Fi Resistance), Jonas Reingold (Karmakanic, The Flower Kings), and Nick D'Virgilio (Big Big Train). After nearly three years since their initial meeting, the eponymous debut album, The Fringe has arrived. Prompted by D'Virgilio's desire to put together a trio for a pair of shows in Poland, The Fringe had an organic, blossoming chemistry from the very beginning. In enlisting Reingold and McStine, the three explored new arrangements of songs from their respective catalogs. It was clear after their short time together that continuing on as a group was in everyone's best interests. Although modern recording technology would've easily allowed for D'Virgilio, McStine, and Reingold to write and record their debut album from remote locations, the spark of working together in the same room was strongly felt during their first sessions. The trio decided to approach the rest of project in this manner, making Sweetwater Studios its home base. Within two additional writing and recording sessions, the remainder of the songs on the record were solidified. Upon completion, it is clear that The Fringe has captured the hallmarks of what we've come to adore about our favorite Rock power trios of yesteryear, while becoming a fresh addition to today's musical landscape. Loaded with possibilities and an excitement for venturing into the unknown, Nick D'Virgilio, Randy McStine, and Jonas Reingold present us their first chapter together as The Fringe. Available at all good indie record stores, including Freeson Rock.

May 5, 2016
Gojira at the Metropolis
French prog metal band Gojira will be at the Metropolis (59 Sainte-Catherine East, Montréal) on Friday, October 21, 2016, to present the music of their album Magma, accompanied by british band TesseracT.

Check-out Gojira's video clip Stranded, from the album Magma.

Doors at 6:30 PM, show begins at 8:00 PM. Tickets on sale May 6 and will be $35.50 to $45.30, available through the Metropolis boxoffice.

June 14, 2016
Opeth at the Metropolis!
The formidable Swedish prog metal band Opeth will be at the Metropolis (59 Ste-Catherine East, Montreal) on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, accompanied by The Sword from Austin, TX.

Doors at 6:30 PM, show begins at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $43 to $48, available through evenko, or at the Metropolis boxoffice.

June 14, 2016
Coheed and Cambria at the Corona Theatre
New York's Coheed and Cambria will be at the Théâtre Corona (2490 Notre-Dame West, Montreal) on Wednesday, October 12, 2016, accompanied by Saves The Day and Polyphia.

Doors at 6:00 PM, show begins at 7:00 PM. Ticketsare $35 to $42, available through the Théâtre Corona boxoffice.

July 23, 2016
Leprous at the Club Soda
Norwegian progressive metal band Leprous will visit Montreal for the first time at the Club Soda (1225 St-Laurent, Montral) on Monday, October 3, 2016, with opening bands Earthside, Binary Code and Dissona.

The music of Leprous combines the refinement of the progressive rock and the energy of heavy metal. They renowned for their complex arrangements, their dynamic rhythms and the versatile voice of their singer. Created in 2001, Leprous produced two EPs and four albums since 2004. Their latest album, The Congregation, was released last year. Leprous is composed of Baard Kolstad (drums), Oddmund Suhrke Torr (guitar), Martin Skrebergene (bass) and Einar Solberg (vocals and keyboards). The excellent bands Earthside, Binary Code and Dissona will open the evening.

A big night for fans of metallic prog! Leprous will also stop at the Salle Multi Quebec on Wednesday, October 5, 2016. Tickets for the Club Soda show are $30, available through the Club soda boxoffice.

September 11, 2016
Wonder-Trois-Quatre with Michel Rivard!
It's the return of Wonder-Trois-Quatre! Our special guest will be Michel Rivard! This is your one chance to hear this pillar of Québécois music venture into wild improvisations of songs tailored to your requirements. Reserve your tickets quickly here: goo.gl/LVxDOj Friday, September 16, 2016 at 8:00 PM at the Café Campus. Advance tickets only $12. Don't miss them! The mghty Wonder-Trois-Quatre, the improv show with songs invented on the spot!

August 21, 2016
Circus Maximus in Montreal!
Norwegian prog metal band Circus Maximus will be in Montreal for the first time at the Café Campus (57 Prince Arthur East, Montreal) on Sunday, September 4, 2016, as part of an exclusive 6-concert tour throughout North America, to present the music of their new album Havok, accompanied by Imminent Sonic Destruction from the US and Ascendia from Toronto. Check-out the Circus Maximus Youtube Channel!

Show at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $28 in advance, $35 at the doors, limited VIP Package at $50 (includes Meet & Greet with Circus Maximus, a signed show poster, autographs & photos) available through 13 Media or at the Café Campus boxoffice.

May 8, 2016
The Australian Pink Floyd Show back in Montreal!
The amazing Pink Floyd tribute band Australian Pink Floyd Show will be at the Bell Centre on Friday, September 16, 2016, to present their Best of the Best tour.

Check-out Aussie Pink Floyd's video clip Eclipsed by the Moon.

Doors at 7:00 PM, show begins at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $57 to $83, available through evenko, or at the Bell Centre boxoffice.

May 5, 2016
Explosions In The Sky at the Metropolis
Texas Post-rockers Explosions In The Sky will be at the Metropolis (59 Sainte-Catherine East, Montréal) on Sunday, September 18, 2016 to present the music of their latest album The Wilderness.

Doors at 6:30 PM, show begins at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $29 to $36.55, available through the Metropolis boxoffice.

August 6, 2016
Jurassik Rock in Notre-Dame-des-Prairies
Classic rock cover band Jurassik Rock will present an outdoors show in Notre-Dame-des-Prairies as part of the Musik'eau Thursdays in Champs Elysées Park, on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM!

Musik'eau Thursdays are back for a 9th edition at the Champs-Elysées Park. Jurassic Rock will present material from the legendary rock bands of the 70s, however, Denis Labrosse explains that the band makes a point to offer the more obscure and lesser-known repertoire of these legends, without neglecting the classics. Always presented free of charge, these great outdoors events are an invitation to make beautiful musical discoveries near the Assomption River. The show will take place rain or shine and a catering service will be available on site from 5:00 PM.

July 13, 2016
Afterglow in Sorel-Tracy
Don't miss the tribute to Genesis Afterglow A world of Genesis tribute on Friday, August 12, 2016 at 9:00 PM
at the Marine Cabaret Sorel-Tracy (40 rue du Roi, Sorel-Tracy)

Tickets are $23, available through the Cabaret's boxoffice.

July 16, 2016
Jérôme Langlois in Rosemont
Pianist/Composer Jérôme Langlois will be at the Taverne L'Grand Lionel (3234 rue Beaubien Est, Montreal) on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 6:00 PM for a great, intimate evening of beautiful music.

"I am happy to invite you at the Grand Lionel where I will perform some of my compositions from the Maneige era al the way though today. Everyone is invited, great food and great beer while listening to my music! Don't miss it, on Beaubien Street between 10th Avenue and St-Michel."

June 14, 2016
Black Mountain at the Fairmount
Vancouver's Black Mountain will be at the Théâtre Fairmount (5240, Ave. du Parc, Montreal) on Thursday, July 21, 2016, accompanied by Man Forever.

May 24, 2016
The Carl Verheyen band in Montreal!
Guitar Icon and Supertramp touring member Carl Verheyen will be at le Divan Orange (4234 St-Laurent, Montréal) on Sunday, June 12, 2016. at 9:00 PM.

Carl Verheyen, recognized as “One of the World’s Top 10 Guitarists” by Guitar Magazine and “One of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time” by Classic Rock magazine, as well as guitarist for music legends Supertramp, will bring his three-member Carl Verheyen Band featuring Dave Marotta and John Mader on a June tour of North America, stretching from Chicago and Toronto down to Florida. And in September the CVB will play the western coast of the USA. This comes after the band’s European Festival tours in 2015 and the recording of a new release called The Grand Design.

The Carl Verheyen Band’s tour will be a rare chance for audiences to experience a powerful mix of blues, rock, jazz and even country from three world-class musicians in comparatively intimate venues. The Grammy-nominated Verheyen is joined by renowned bassist Dave Marotta, who has also performed with Phil Collins, Neil Diamond, Bruce Hornsby, Gino Vanelli, Manhattan Transfer, Kenny Loggins, and countless others. Marotta has also played bass on dozens of widely known movies and TV shows, ranging from American Idol to CSI. Ace drummer John Mader has performed or recorded with Booker T. Jones, Steve Miller, Pat Benatar, Patti Austin, Albert King, Randy Newman, and Bonnie Raitt. He has also played drums for several Tony Award-winning musicals, including Disney’s The Lion King, Rent, Mamma Mia, and the world premiere of Wicked.

Carl's newest recording called The Grand Design will be released in the next few days.

"This is the first time since in 4 years that my own band will tour the East and West Coast in the same year because of our busy schedules. So the three of are excited to re-connect with audiences there," said Verheyen. "Dave, John and I love playing more intimate venues and we look forward to bringing our music and energy to both longstanding and new fans."

General admission tickets are $17.50, available through LePointDeVente.com.

May 8, 2016
A Devil's Din album launch!
Psychedelic/space rock fans! Montreal's A Devil's Din will present the music of their brand new album on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at O Patro Vys (356 Mont-Royal East, Montreal)

A Devil's Din is launching its 2nd album, SKYLIGHT and you're all invited. There will be music, art, magic, and an awesome vegan repast from Soul Kitch'n.

Spinning the fuzzed-out psych nuggets on vinyl, Light Bulb Alley's own Jimmi Quinn will keep you all movin', groovin', skippin' & trippin when the band isn't doing the same!

Also, we are very happy to have Hyperdoodling guitarist John Lanthier on board to make sure the environment will appeal to the most discerning of Psychonauts.

$10 entry includes CD & vegan buffet!

May 5, 2016
Flying Joes at the Café Campus
The Montreal power-trio Flying Joes will launch their new CD Let It Out in Montreal on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Petit Campus (57 Prince-Arthur East) before going on the road for a extended tour that should continue all the way through October. Nearly a year after the release of their well-received debut album Let It Out, Flying Joes - Syd Bedard (vocals, bass), JF Arsenault (guitars) and Thomas Brodeur (drums) - will travel the roads of Montreal, Moncton and Edmunston and also in Laval, Waterloo, Ottawa, Sept-Îles, Quebec, Rouyn, Val d'Or, Quebec and Rimouski. Find all the dates of the tour at http://www.flyingjoes.com/tour.

Firmly anchored in blues-tinged rock, Let It Out evokes Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rival Sons and The Treatment while maintaining a solid contemporary sound. You will find that on the title track as well as on the excerpts of Battlefield, or the intense Flying High and Sunday Afternoon, riffs abound everywhere. As well as material from Let It Out, Flying Joes will take advantage of the tour to play new songs from their second album to be launched in spring 2017.

Formed in January 2014 from the ashes of the prog / art-rock band Jelly Fiche, Flying Joes is proof that rock is more alive than ever. Mastered by the legendary Glenn Robinson (Ramones, AC / DC, Keith Richards, Voivod), the album Let It Out is powered by the dexterity and the infectious energy of Syd Bedard (vocals, bass) and JF Arsenault (guitars). The two men are very proud to welcome to the group drummer Thomas Brodeur, who was also part of Jelly Fiche.

Admission for the café Campus show is $10 in advance, $13 at the door. Show will begin at 8:00 PM.

May 8, 2016
Time for Pink Floyd in Laval!
Hamadryad invites you to their tribute show Time for Pink Floyd on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 8:30 PM at Marina Venise (110 rue de Venise, Laval). Admission is $20.

TFPF stands out mainly by its vocal and musical fidelity, and offers a spectacle worthy of the famous British band. With 7 musicians on stage, TFPF will perform the best classics of the rock legend. An intimate concert not to be missed!

March 11, 2016
Keith Emerson dies
Keith Emerson, founding member and keyboardist of Emerson, Lake and Palmer and a prog rock legend, died Friday, March 11, 2016. He was 71. His bandmate Carl Palmer and the trio's official Facebook confirmed Emerson's death. TMZ reported that police found Emerson with a single gunshot wound to the head, though they could not confirm that Emerson died by suicide. "We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, aged 71. We ask that the family’s privacy and grief be respected," the band wrote.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson," Palmer wrote in a statement. "Keith was a gentle soul whose love for music and passion for his performance as a keyboard player will remain unmatched for many years to come. He was a pioneer and an innovator whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz. I will always remember his warm smile, good sense of humor, compelling showmanship and dedication to his musical craft. I am very lucky to have known him and to have made the music we did together."

After discovering the Hammond and Moog in his teenage years, Emerson grew into one of the greatest keyboardists of his generation, first as a member of the Nice before founding the prog supergroup Emerson, Lake and Palmer. ELP formed in 1970 after Emerson, guitarist Greg Lake (formerly of King Crimson) and drummer Carl Palmer, a veteran of the Crazy World of Arthur Brown, joined together for a project that would better showcase their musicianship. - Rolling Stone Magazine 11/03/2016

March 5, 2016
Riverside's Piotr Grudzinski dies
Terrible news from the polish prog metal band Riverside. In a short statement on the band's official website:

"In our deepest pain and disbelief we would like to inform you that our dearest friend and brother Piotr Grudzinski has passed away this morning. We kindly ask you to respect the privacy of his family and friends."

UPDATE: The cause of his death has been revealed, he died of natural causes, from a heart attack. Piotr was 40 years old.

April 2, 2016
Amon Amarth in Montreal
Swedish melodic death metal band Amon Amarth will be at the Metropolis (59 Ste-Catherine East, Montreal) on Friday, April 29, 2016, to present the music of their album Jomsviking, accompanied by special guest Entombed A.D.

Check-out Amon Amarth's video clip At Dawn's First Light, from Jomsviking.

Doors at 7:00 PM, show begins at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $36.50, available through Ticketmaster or at the Metropolis boxoffice.

March 8, 2016
Buffalo Theory album launch!
Buffalo Theory MTL presents its new EP Skeptic Knight at Petit Campus on Friday, March 18, 2016. The group will be accompanied by Coups d'pied dans face, WarCall and Naked High. Presale: $10, at the door $14. Doors open at 7:30 PM, show at 8:00 PM.

February 27, 2016
Martin Levac "1985 - The Show" kickstarter
After the successful release of his brilliant "1985" album, the talented musician/composer Martin Levac is once again organizing a kickstarter campaign for his project to bring 1985 onstage! Here's Martin in his own words, describing the project:

Following the success of the 2015 campaign for the production of the 1985 album, now I want to offer you the show! This show will be composed with songs of my 3 original albums as well as some ''covers''. The musicians and the technical team will be the same as on the Dance Into The Light show. I promise you a stunning and high quality show!

We've sharpened our pencils and estimated total costs of $35,000. The funds will go to cover : the rehearsal studio fees, musical arrangements, the musicians pay, lighting design, staging , costumes , accessories , projector and a screen, transportation, food, promotional material, all costs related to the pre-production of the show. I would like to mention that we have no grant and we produce everything ourselves from A to Z. My Kickstarter goal is $10 000. So about 1/3 of expenditure. for everything else... There is Master Card!

So if this project titillates your interest, head on down to the Martin Levac 1985 - The Show Kickstarter page and drop a few loonies on what looks to be a fantastic concert poject! Also check his 1985 Concert project Youtube video!

A sublime performance, with top-notch musicians, and an absolutely brilliant stage setting, completely out of the ordinary! I must have seen hundreds of concerts in my life and I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like it! A cross between The Wall show, and the motion picture ...

Kudos to the idea of starting off the show with "When The Tigers Broke Free", a song by Roger Waters, who at the time did not make it on "The Wall" but was an integral part of the history of the famous concept album.

9 musicians on an imposing stage on two levels with a spectacular light show, 5 brilliant vocalists: Sébastien Lacombe offering Pink's tortured vocals, Sylvain Auclair, oscillating between Gilmour and the mean school teacher, Richard Petit with the threatening tone of Pink's "Surrogate band" and "The Trial" Judge, and Eva Avila & Meggie Lagacé offering a moving choir. I really got into that show full tilt!

I tip my hat to the formidable guitarist Michel Bruno who was able to capture the essence of Gilmour with solos that gave me goosebumps! The whole team was like fine clockwork, it was really beautiful to see!

I swear to you, you have to see this! I guarantee you hours of intense pleasure! And if you missed the show, fear not! They will be back at the Club Soda on Friday, March 4, 2016! Show at 8:30 PM, tickets $32.25 now available through the Club Soda website.

Msny thanks to Michel Parent for the great photos. Check his Facebook page for the whole album!

January 17, 2016
Besnard Lakes at Théâtre Plaza
Montreal's indie rock band The Besnard Lakes will be at Théâtre Plaza (6505, St-Hubert Street) on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 8:00 PM for the Launch party of their new album A Coliseum Complex Museum.

Tickets in Avance: $17, at the Door: $20 available through Blue Skies Turn Black.

January 3, 2016
Metal from Québec at the Piranha Bar
Les Productions SHOW6.ca present on Friday, February 12, 2016 at the Piranha Bar (680 Ste-Catherine West, Montreal) four Quebec heavy metal bands: Distoriam, Without Fate, Trobar and Elektro Metal Projekt. A wonderful evening of local metal! Admission: $10, show at 9 PM (Doors: 8:30 PM), 18 +.