by Scott Roos
photos by Scott Roos (Scotty the Rooster Photography)
When iconic rock bands share the stage, something magical happens. Such was the case at SaskTel Centre on Thursday, February 27th, when Our Lady Peace brought their highly anticipated "OLP 30" tour to the stage, alongside special guests Collective Soul. Both bands are celebrating three decades of music, (for OLP the formation of their band and for Collective Soul the release of the iconic "Blue" album) and the evening delivered a powerful reminder of why each group has earned their place in rock history.
Kicking off the night was Collective Soul, whose set took fans on a journey through their impressive catalog. Frontman Ed Roland led the charge with his signature stage presence as his band performed a mix of their biggest hits, including "Shine" from Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid and "The World I Know" from their self-titled Blue album, which, as mentioned, turns 30 this year. The band’s performance took the audience back to the "Big Shin 90's" with "Heavy" from Dosage and "Precious Declaration" from Disciplined Breakdown.
One of the highlights of the set was a surprising and tasteful cover of AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap", which added a fresh twist to their performance. Roland's vocals delivery was close to being bang on when it came to mimicking Bon Scott's signature timbre which was cool. The song, and the album itself, were touchstones for Roland and it showed.
Finally, even though the 30th anniversary of the "Blue" album wasn't directly mentioned during their set, it was clearly an important milestone in their legacy, and fans seemed to appreciate the deep connection between the band and this pivotal record in their history. The band’s performance was tight, and their energy helped set the stage for the night ahead.
After a short break, Our Lady Peace took the stage and from the moment they stepped on stage, they commanded the attention of the over 7,000-strong crowd. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of their formation, OLP delivered a set that blended nostalgia, energy, and artistry. Opening with "Superman’s Dead", a staple from their Clumsy album, OLP wasted no time getting to the heart of their legacy. Raine Maida’s vocals were on point, delivering each song with the intensity and emotion that fans have come to expect from this Canadian rock institution.
OLP's setlist was a celebration of their most defining tracks, spanning their entire career. The crowd erupted when they played "Innocent" from Gravity and "One Man Army" from Happiness… Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch. The band was clearly in sync, and their performance had the right balance of aggression, emotive ballads, and thoughtful artistry. Notably, "Life" from Spiritual Machines was a highlight, with the band shifting seamlessly from hard-hitting to introspective. The reclaiming of "Whatever", whose troubling past as a theme song for a WWE wrestler, was also a great moment. The track kicks ass and it was a nice touch to hear it played live again.
Perhaps one of the most touching moments was the tribute to The Tragically Hip, with a heartfelt cover of "Locked in the Trunk of a Car". It was a nod to the influence and impact of the Canadian rock scene, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm.
With tracks like "Somewhere Out There"Â and "Clumsy", OLP reminded everyone why they remain one of the most important and influential bands to come out of Canada in the last 30 years. The multi-generational crowd (ranging from older millennials to Gen Xers and even their kids) sang and danced along along to many of the songs, creating a communal, almost spiritual experience. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of music to bridge gaps and evoke memories.
The lighting and stage design also deserve a mention. With a vibrant array of spotlights, flashing lights, and a captivating color palette, the visuals added an extra layer to the experience, enhancing the already powerful music.
For the encore, OLP delivered a trio of hits, starting with "Not Enough" from OLP 30 Vol. 3. Raine Maida’s solo piano rendition of "4am" was a particularly special moment, building into a full-band climax before transitioning into "Automatic Flowers" and the ever-popular "Starseed". The band gave it their all, capping the night with an energetic and satisfying conclusion to a celebration of their remarkable 30-year journey.
Our Lady Peace’s show at SaskTel Centre was everything fans hoped for: an energetic, emotional, and highly nostalgic celebration of their 30-year career. From the well-chosen setlist to the tight performance, and the great visual experience, it was clear that OLP hasn't lost any of the magic that made them one of Canada’s most beloved rock bands. Add in the nostalgia of Collective Soul, and the night was a perfect rock experience for fans of all ages. A true celebration of rock, music, and memories—one that will be hard to forget.
