The Sheepdogs brought their Live & Outta Sight Tour for a long overdue stop at Victoria, BC’s Royal Theatre for what might be not only our first concert of the year but one of the best.
For many of us this was our first night back in the Royal Theatre this year and our first concert of 2023. Thankfully, Winnipeg-based singer-songwriter, Kris Ulrich lulled us back into live music gently.
Ulrich, armed only with his voice and electric guitar silenced a restless audience with a short set from his forthcoming album, Big in the USA. Slowly, Kris Ulrich’s solo performance incorporated the members of Boy Golden with each song until the entire band and the man himself joined in.
You might better know Liam Duncan as the infamous Boy Golden. He is the founder, minister, and principal songwriter at The Church of Better Daze. His commanding presence was felt throughout the room as he belted out song after song from his debut album, Church of Better Daze. Seamlessly weaving in some laughs and banter with bandmates and the audience leaving everyone with sore cheeks from smiling so much. Watching him interact with fellow band member, Fontine was a special treat as they share an especially fun dynamic.
For many of us Boy Golden’s hit single, KD and Lunch Meat became the soundtrack of our summer in 2022. The dream of quitting your day job and running away has never felt quite as romantic as it does these days. By the time the band finally got to this song late in the set the sold-out Royal Theatre was completely enamoured with Boy Golden giving him the standing ovation he and his band clearly deserved.
It seemed like it had been over a year since The Sheepdogs announced their return to The Garden City and even longer since we’ve seen the timeless Saskatchewan-born rockers.
The Royal Theatre exploded in energy as soon as The Sheepdogs took the stage. Lead-singer, Ewan Currie soaked it in before matching every drop of that energy with the first strum of his guitar and launching into Rock and Roll (Ain’t No Simple Thing).
The band’s staggering twenty song set never seemed to lose momentum as they slipped between huge singles like Who?, Bad Lieutenant, How Late, How Long, I Wanna Know and a mixture of songs off their latest record, Outta Sight.
It was refreshing to see a band of The Sheepdogs tenure deliver a non-stop lesson in high energy rock and roll. They barely gave us in the audience time to come up for air as we all cheered for more. Scarborough Street Fight was a particular highlight when it came to watching this well oiled machine work.
The Sheepdogs have always put on a fantastic show but it felt like there was a new energy in them. Without a doubt that has a large part to do with their newest member, Ricky Paquette. The guitarist shone brightly with several larger than life solos and high kicks.
As the band wound down their set with their biggest hits Feeling Good and I Don’t Know it was clear to see how they’ve become one of Canada’s success stories in the music world. Their time tested and true rock sounds have a lasting impression that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
The night ended with the band inviting Boy Golden back onto the stage to join them for a family band take on the Neil Young classic, Are You Ready for the Country? It was a fitting way end the night and also kick-off another year of live music.
