It was a whirlwind day for Band of Rascals as they embarked on this year’s epic Tour De Shores. A one-day tour of Vancouver Island starting in Courtenay early in the day, then making their way to Nanaimo and Duncan before wrapping up on the sandy beach of Esquimalt Lagoon.
Tour De Shores spread the word about Rock The Shores, next month in Colwood, BC featuring Metric, City & Colour, Arkells, Eagles of Death Metal, The New Pornographers, Big Wreck, Current Swell, Jesse Roper, Band of Rascals and more.
A portion of the Colwood beach was transformed into an intimate venue like no other. Driftwood logs became impromptu bench seating, beer flowed from the impromptu beer garden, and the beach filled with local music fans ready to have their faces melted (or sunburnt) by the hot licks of both Stinging Belle and Band of Rascals.
Kicking off the afternoon was songstress Allie Bowman and her band Stinging Belle. While this may have only been the band’s sixth live show, Allie has already harnessed a unrivaled stage presence. Couple that with her powerful voice, and we have an epic rock band in the making.
Through and through the three piece, Stinging Belle knows how to bring the rock. When they open up Rock The Shores on July 22nd, 2016 I think they are going to make A LOT of new fans with their fast-paced and hard-hitting sound.
Band of Rascals’ final stop on Tour De Shores was to rock the shores of the Esquimalt Lagoon (see what I did there?), a stunning backdrop made up of ocean, forest, mountains, Professor Xavier’s School For Gifted Youngsters, driftwood, a historic lighthouse, and cruise ships making their way to downtown Victoria. It’s hard to forget we are perpetually surrounded by the beauty of Vancouver Island some days.
The entirely barefoot band seemed completely at home performing on the beach. It’s clear that they can bring the party anywhere with their infectious tunes as the crowd moved from the driftwood benches closer to the stage to enjoy Band of Rascals energetic live show. It was clear that the over-the-top rockers relished every moment by the huge grins on their faces during their entire set, especially when lead guitarist Malcom Owen-Flood hitched a piggyback ride off their manger through the crowd to the beach during a guitar solo.
It can’t just be us at Rocktographers that want more concerts like this on the beach. Let’s make it happen, Victoria.
