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Mannequin Pussy In Vancouver
Mannequin Pussy in Vancouver was a fierce reminder that the city’s punk scene is anything but dead. Since their last visit in 2023 at The Cobalt, the Philly band has seen a meteoric rise. The release of I Got Heaven in 2024 launched them from underground darlings to punk rock icons. I knew this show would be huge the moment the Commodore Ballroom date sold out so fast that a second night had to be added. Unfortunately, scheduling issues meant the first night was canceled, making the one-night-only experience all the more essential.
Although we missed Florida’s Gouge Away open the night, the word around the venue was unanimous. They absolutely crushed it. Fans were already hoping for a future headline show. From the moment we climbed the iconic Commodore stairs, it was clear this night would be different. The venue was packed from wall to wall, the crowd loud enough to drown out the house music, and everyone looked ready for battle. When 9:15 hit, the roar of anticipation was deafening. As soon as “Sometimes” kicked in, Vancouver was fully locked in. Missy Dabice’s voice, eerie yet commanding, became the pulse of the room. While her vocals cast a spell, the band behind her turned the floor into a battlefield of sound and motion.
Setlist and Highlights
Mannequin Pussy’s discography has always been unpredictable, and their Vancouver set followed suit. It built slowly and then dropped with intensity during “Softly,” sending the energy into overdrive. Dabice held the crowd in the palm of her hand, channeling rage, heartbreak, and release in equal measure. They tore through 17 tracks including “Aching,” “Pigs Is Pigs,” and “I Don’t Know You.” Bassist Bear was shirtless and fearless. Guitarist Maxine performed in a sailor fuku outfit with style and fire. Drummer Kaleen Reading drove the pace with precision, while touring synth player Carolyn Haynes added depth and distortion. “Loud Bark” was a full-blown explosion of sound. It was at this moment the crowd transformed from energetic to primal.
Vancouver did not just match the energy. It fed it. Crowd surfers flew nonstop. Circle pits opened up across the floor. Fans swarmed the barricade. Security was overwhelmed and barely able to hold the line. The Commodore turned into a pressure cooker of sweat, movement, and pure punk fury. Mid-set, Dabice laid her message bare. “Fuck religion,” she shouted. “Fuck the current administration.” It was more than a rallying cry. It was a declaration. Then came “I Got Heaven.” The entire room erupted. Thanks to TikTok, streaming, and word of mouth, this track has become a cultural touchstone. Vancouver sang every word with conviction. It felt like protest and celebration wrapped in one voice.
In Closing
Mannequin Pussy in Vancouver was part punk show, part spiritual release, part indie confession. It all came to a close with “Romantic,” the final track from their 2016 album. The song captured everything about the band’s essence. Emotion. Power. Catharsis. As fans poured into the night and Cher’s “Believe” played overhead, one question lingered. It was not “Do you believe in life after love?” It was “Do you believe in Mannequin Pussy?”
After that show, the answer was clear. Yes.
I’d like to thank Mannequin Pussy In Vancouver and their incredible team for allowing us to experience the jaw-dropping chaos that was the I Got Heaven Tour. If you’d like to catch a future tour date or find out more about the group, please visit here: https://mannequinpussy.com/
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