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Bush and Rival Sons Rock Halifax with Raw Passion
Last Friday night was nothing short of electric with Bush in Halifax, closing out the Canadian leg of their Loaded tour with a thunderous performance at the Scotiabank Centre. Alongside them were California’s Rival Sons, who added an explosive edge to the night with their blues-drenched brand of rock ‘n’ roll. Together, the two bands delivered a high-octane evening of sound, sweat, and nostalgia that Halifax won’t soon forget.
Rival Sons Debut in the Maritimes
For me, this was a first encounter with Rival Sons, and what an introduction it was. From the moment they took the stage, their gritty riffs and vintage tone demanded attention. Anchored by the magnetic presence of frontman Jay Buchanan, the band opened with a one-two punch in Open My Eyes and Tied Up, showcasing their seamless blend of heavy blues and modern rock swagger.
Midway through the set, Buchanan took a brief, heartfelt pause to speak on themes of love and forgiveness, setting the stage for a powerful rendition of Where I’ve Been. But the quiet didn’t last long – they roared back with Electric Man followed by Secret, a closer that saw Buchanan’s dynamic vocal range and Scott Holiday’s searing guitar solos take centre stage. The Halifax crowd welcomed them with open arms for their first-ever local performance, and what also marked their final night on the Loaded tour.
Bush Loaded: The Greatest Hits
As the stage reset, a towering wall of Mesa and Ampeg cabinets came into view, framing an elevated drum platform. The lights dimmed, the house music cut, and a surge of energy coursed through the arena. The roar of the crowd greeted Bush as they took the stage, launching straight into their explosive debut single Everything Zen. As luck would have it, they followed up with Machinehead while I was still in the photo pit – one of my personal favourites. Gavin Rossdale’s voice, rich with grit and clarity, proved every bit as powerful live as it is on record.
Mid-set, the band paused to express their gratitude to Canadian fans, reflecting on the warmth and support they received throughout the tour. The crowd responded in kind, only quieting for the somber, stripped-down performance of Letting the Cables Sleep. Phones lit up the arena in a sea of soft lights as Rossdale offered a haunting solo rendition of Swallowed, before the full band returned to thunder into Heavy Is the Ocean.
Then came one of the night’s most surreal moments: during Flowers on a Grave, Rossdale leapt from the stage and sprinted through the crowd, weaving through rows of fans, pausing for hugs, handshakes, and selfies. It was a raw, heartfelt gesture of connection, and easily one of the most memorable moments I’ve witnessed at the Scotiabank Centre.
Bush kept the energy burning through a four-song encore, opening with More Than Machines before diving into their version of The Beatles’ Come Together. The audience’s voices rose in unison, singing along with every word. The night came to a soaring conclusion with two beloved classics, Glycerine and Comedown, wrapping up the show in a wave of crowd-wide euphoria.
Having Bush in Halifax was more than just a concert; it was a celebration. A triumphant kickoff to the summer concert season, and a testament to the enduring power of rock to bring people together, stir emotions, and leave lasting memories.
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