As the summer breeze swept through Toronto, the city’s music scene found itself ablaze with the scintillating sounds of Greg Howe’s guitar mastery. Taking the stage at the iconic Rockpile for his inaugural North American tour, Howe, accompanied by the illustrious bassist Stu Hamm and the thunderous drummer Gianluca Palmieri, kicked off a sonic journey that left fans buzzing long after the last note faded into the night.
From the moment the first chord reverberated through the venue, it was evident that this wasn’t just any ordinary concert; it was a celebration of virtuosity and musical camaraderie. As a photojournalist capturing the essence of the evening, I found myself swept up in the electrifying atmosphere, where every strum of the guitar and every beat of the drum felt like a revelation.
The setlist, carefully curated to ignite the audience’s passion, featured a blend of Howe’s original compositions and iconic covers that paid homage to rock legends of the past. Opening with the adrenaline-pumping “Kick It All Over,” Howe wasted no time in showcasing his impeccable technique and boundless energy. With each song, the trio delved deeper into the musical landscape, seamlessly transitioning from the sultry allure of Fleetwood Mac’s “Black Magic Woman” to the thunderous riffs of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.”
But it wasn’t just about the covers; Howe’s own compositions, such as “Obligatory Boogie” and “I Wonder,” showcased his distinctive style and boundless creativity. Hamm’s basslines provided a solid foundation, while Palmieri’s drumming added a dynamic layer of rhythm that kept the audience grooving all night long.
One of the highlights of the evening came in the form of a mesmerizing collaboration between Howe, Hamm, and Palmieri on “Tease,” a fusion masterpiece that left jaws dropped and hands raised in applause. It was a moment of pure musical synergy, where three virtuosos seamlessly melded their talents to create something truly extraordinary.
As the night drew to a close with a soul-stirring rendition of “Proto-Cosmos,” originally by The New Tony Williams Lifetime, it was clear that this wasn’t just a concert; it was a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire. Looking out at the sea of smiling faces and tapping feet, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to have been a part of such a magical evening.
In the words of one ecstatic fan, “Jesus, Greg is on fire!” Indeed, Greg Howe’s performance at the Rockpile was nothing short of incendiary, leaving an indelible mark on Toronto’s music scene and reminding us all why live music will always hold a special place in our hearts.
So here’s to Greg Howe, Stu Hamm, Gianluca Palmieri, and the countless other artists who continue to light up stages around the world with their talent and passion. May the music never stop, and may the memories of nights like these continue to resonate for years to come.
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.
