Mammoth in Montréal

Mammoth in Montréal: A Night of Pure Rock Energy

Montréal’s rock scene was alive and well as Mammoth rolled into town for a night that celebrated the spirit of modern and classic rock alike. With a lineup that mixed rising talent, seasoned veterans, and one of rock’s most talked-about modern projects, the show delivered a full spectrum of heavy riffs, powerful vocals, and undeniable stage presence. From the raw energy of a young UK band making waves internationally to the legacy-carrying power of Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth, the night proved that rock music is still thriving in 2026.

James & the Cold Gun

Opening the night was UK rock and roll band James and the Cold Gun, and their live sound was a surprising highlight. The band immediately showed why they’re climbing the ladder and expanding beyond the UK.

What stood out most was the band’s raw rockstar energy. In an era where many young bands try to reinvent genres entirely, James & the Cold Gun showed that simply loving rock music and embracing its spirit can still create something exciting and fresh. Their passion for the genre came through in every moment of the set.

The band released their album Face in the Mirror in 2025, and their performance made it clear that they are only continuing to grow. Seeing a young band with that level of intensity and authenticity felt refreshing and gave the crowd a glimpse of a group that could continue rising in the rock world.

10 Years

Next up was 10 Years, the most veteran band on the bill. Hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, the group has built a long career touring alongside heavy hitters like Korn, Disturbed, and Breaking Benjamin earlier in the 21st century.

Their set pulled from across their entire discography, giving fans a chance to hear songs spanning multiple eras of the band’s career. It was clear that a portion of the crowd knew them well, especially when they performed their song Fix Mefrom the 2010 album Feeding the Wolves.

The band also released a single in 2025 titled No Light, No Light. Another memorable moment came when they performed a cover of Heart-Shaped Box by Nirvana, adding a grunge classic to an already strong performance.

Mammoth

Closing out the night was Mammoth WVH, the solo project of Wolfgang Van Halen. The project took off after the passing of his father, Eddie Van Halen, with whom Wolfgang had performed from 2007 to 2020.

Mammoth delivers a powerful mix of rock and metal that immediately hits with impact. Wolfgang’s vocals and guitar skills anchor the entire performance, showcasing the depth of his talent as both a musician and songwriter.

After seeing Mammoth open for Creed in 2024, it felt necessary to come back and experience a full-length set—and it did not disappoint. The show was explosive from start to finish and felt like a celebration of pure rock.

Sometimes, if you’re lucky enough to catch the right night, Wolfgang even plays his father’s original signature guitar on stage, which is a true piece of rock history. But what makes the performance stand out most is that Wolfgang’s talent speaks entirely for itself. There is no “spoiled children” syndrome here—his musicianship, songwriting, and stage presence make Mammoth a must-see act.

Closing

From the youthful fire of James & the Cold Gun to the seasoned presence of 10 Years and the powerhouse performance of Mammoth, the Montréal show was a reminder that rock music continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Each band brought something unique to the stage, creating a night that celebrated both the past and the future of the genre. For fans of loud guitars, powerful vocals, and real rock energy, it was a show that proved the spirit of rock is still alive and thriving.

Mammoth in Montréal