Kings of Thrash Storm Canada: A Venue-Focused Preview
In May 2026, Canadian metal fans are in for a treat: Kings of Thrash, fronted by former Megadeth luminaries David Ellefson (bass) and Jeff Young (guitar), along with Chaz Leon (vocals, guitar) and Fred Aching (drums), will hit three cities in Ontario and Quebec for a celebration of the band’s early thrash era. The run opens in Toronto on May 1 at Rockpile West, followed by Montreal’s Piranha Bar (May 2) and Ottawa’s Brass Monkey (May 3).
The Band & The Mission
Kings of Thrash “The Mega Years” revisits the early thrash classics that defined the genre in the 1980s, showcasing songs from Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! and So Far, So Good… So What! — material not performed live in several decades.
Reflecting on the project, David Ellefson says, “I think we’ve assembled an energetic song list and group of musicians to capture the spirit of a genre we helped create & define so many years ago. Fans have been requesting these songs for a long time now and it seems like a good moment to bring them back to the stage.”
Jeff Young adds, “The mission here is to bring a connection of goodwill through the music, with a collaboration of musicians and friends in our community. Our thrash tribe casts a wide net to give people hope in a time when they’re looking for something positive & uplifting. What better way to do that than through the music which has become the soundtrack to our lives.”
Spotlight: The Rockpile West – Toronto’s Home of Heavy
Few Toronto venues wear their rock credentials as proudly as The Rockpile West. Known for its loyal community and no-nonsense atmosphere, it has become a haven for hard rock and metal fans who crave authentic, loud, and live music. From classic-era acts to rising shredders, the Rockpile’s stage has hosted a who’s who of 1980s metal royalty — including names like L.A. Guns, Stryper, Slaughter, Vixen, Enuff Z’nuff, and Faster Pussycat — proving that the genre’s pulse is still beating strong north of the border.
The venue’s success starts with Dominic (“Dom”) Chiaromonte, owner and driving force behind Rockpile West, whose leadership has built a fan-focused, high-quality concert experience. Steve Hoeg, the full-time booker and tireless promoter, has earned a reputation for bringing international artists to Canada who might otherwise skip the trip, pairing headline acts with emerging local bands to keep the scene vibrant. On the technical front, Jake Disman, the respected front-of-house audio engineer, ensures that every riff, solo, and scream hits the crowd exactly as it should. Together, Dom, Steve, and Jake have turned Rockpile West into a place where fans come for the music, the energy, and the experience — night after night.
Photo Credit: Dave Dickson
Why It Matters
With streaming dominating the music industry, venues like The Rockpile West keep the soul of live rock alive. They give fans an intimate setting where they can connect with the music and musicians on a human level — sweat, volume, and all. Hosting a tour like Kings of Thrash solidifies the Rockpile’s reputation as one of Canada’s most important stops for heavy music, proving once again that Toronto’s metal scene refuses to fade quietly.
Catch Kings of Thrash Live
- May 1, 2026 – Rockpile West, Toronto, Ontario
- May 2, 2026 – Piranha Bar, Montreal, Quebec
- May 3, 2026 – Brass Monkey, Ottawa, Ontario
🎟️ Tickets + VIP upgrades: www.kingsofthrash.com
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
