We Are Story Tellers
ONE OK ROCK In Vancouver was an eclectic celebration of music and community. The 4-man band from Japan kicked off the first night of their DETOX North American Tour to a sold-out Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Arena. With a 16-song setlist, ONE OK ROCK flawlessly blended their legendary past with their bold new sound. Spotlighting their latest triumph, Album 11: DETOX. Fans, proudly known as the 10969ers, turned the arena grounds into a sea of band tees, tour merch, and signs. The excitement was clear, with one heartwarming sight catching everyone’s attention: a Canadian flag passed from fan to fan, gathering signatures and messages of love in hopes it would reach the band and show just how deeply they’re cherished in the city. At 6 PM, the doors swung open and the rush began. Fans screamed, sprinted to the pit, and scrambled for limited-edition DETOX merch. The energy didn’t let up for a second. Once the crowd found their places, it didn’t take long for everyone to jump back to their feet as Stand Atlantic set things off!
Openers usually crescendo the anticipation, but Stand Atlantic came in like a sonic explosion. The Aussie pop-punk/indie rockers weren’t just opening the show, they came with something to prove. With this being their first-ever appearance in the city, they hit the stage like a tidal wave. Their upbeat irresistible hooks and high-octane charisma, left nothing but positive marks on all fronts. From the first chord, the crowd was all in. Fans and first-timers alike danced, jumped, and shouted along to every beat. Their set was a joyful, sweat-soaked celebration of sound that turned curious listeners into instant fans. Stand Atlantic’s successful visit proved they won’t be missed long. As I know others and myself are counting down the days til their next visit. And with that, it was time for ONE OK ROCK In Vancouver.
The set officially kicked off with the explosive “Puppets Can’t Control You,” immediately establishing the high-octane energy that would define the rest of the show. As the crowd erupted, each member of ONE OK ROCK was introduced in turn, setting the stage for what would become a tightly executed, high-impact performance. Drummer Tomoya laid down a thunderous foundation, while bassist Ryota delivered punchy, driving lines that reverberated through the arena. Guitarist Toru followed with crisp, electrifying riffs, building the momentum. Then came vocalist Taka, who emerged with such intensity that commanded the stage with such razor-sharp vocal prowess. From the opening track onward, the energy in the venue was relentless. Fans pressed against the barricade, crowd surfers moved in waves, and the atmosphere teetered between exhilaration and chaos, in the best way possible. Every element of the performance was delivered with such passion, it was clear the band had no intention of slowing the pace.
As Vancouver was the kickoff show of the DETOX Tour, all eyes were on the setlist, and ONE OK ROCK In Vancouver did not disappoint. While fans expected hard-hitters like “Tiny Pieces,” “NASTY,” and “Dystopia”. It was the surprise throwbacks from Ambitions, Eye of the Storm, and Luxury Disease that lit up the night. One of the show’s most electric moments came when Taka went into chaos as he followed the sides of the arena. From leaping off platforms mid-solo to flawless synergy between band and fans, ONE OK ROCK In Vancouver pushed every limit, making it one to remember.
The two-song encore delivered a climactic finish that tied the entire night together with explosive precision. If there was ever a moment that embodied the show’s deeper theme of community, it was during “+Matter,” when thousands of voices rose in unison, singing as one. It felt like a collective release, the anthem of a crowd that refused to hold back. Closing with “We Are,” the band left fans suspended in a state of near-euphoria, even as the final notes faded into the night. But the experience didn’t end inside the arena. Outside, the streets of UBC became an extension of the show. Echoing with chants, laughter, and spontaneous singalongs. Some fans walked, others ran, many still shouting lyrics into the cold night air as if the concert hadn’t ended at all. It was a powerful testament to ONE OK ROCK’s grip on their community.
Thank you to ONE OK ROCK In Vancouver and their incredible team for allowing us to capture such an extraordinary show. If you’d like to find out more about the group or find future DETOX Tour dates, please visit here: https://www.oneokrock.com/en/
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