Marianas Trench’s Sold-Out ‘Force of Nature’ Tour Lights Up Centre In The Square in Kitchener

Marianas Trench brought their Force of Nature Tour to Kitchener’s Centre In The Square on November 23, 2024, delivering a night filled with passion, theatricality, and unforgettable music. With opening act LØLØ setting the tone, the sold-out crowd experienced a dynamic blend of humor, heart, and high-energy performances.

Before the show, fans lined up in droves to snag merchandise, creating the longest line the venue has ever seen. Jade and Kelsey, part of the tour crew, worked tirelessly to keep up with the demand, showcasing their dedication to the band and its fans. This scene wasn’t unique to Kitchener—merch lines have reportedly been just as long at every stop.

LØLØ’s opening set was a vibrant mix of pop-punk anthems and crowd interactions. Performing for the first time in Kitchener, she wasted no time winning over the audience with songs like “The Floor Is Lava!!” and her cover of “I Love It”. Her golden pom-poms made their way into the crowd, adding a fun, interactive element that matched her energetic stage presence. By the time her set ended, it was clear that she had left a lasting impression. After the concert, LØLØ kept the energy alive by personally greeting fans, signing items, and taking selfies, creating a memorable experience for those in attendance.

At 9:10 PM, the headlining act began with a unique twist as Joel, the band’s drum tech, stepped onto the grass-covered stage dressed as a landscaper, pretending to mow the “lawn.” The bit ended with a birthday cake surprise for Joel, presented by frontman Josh Ramsay, which set a lighthearted tone for the night. Moments later, the band took the stage, and the crowd erupted as they launched into their opening song.

The set design was a visual feast, with a storm cloud prop hovering behind Ian Casselman’s drum kit, emphasizing the tour’s nature-inspired theme. At one point, artificial snow filled the venue during “Turn and Run”, prompting Josh to quip, “Like Canada needs more snow!” The playful banter with the audience was a hallmark of the show, alongside some surprisingly emotional moments that added depth to the performance.

Musically, the night was a masterclass in blending theatricality with heartfelt artistry. The setlist featured fan favorites alongside tracks from their newest album, Haven. During “One Love”, the crowd lit up the room with phone lights, swaying in unison to the heartfelt ballad. Josh’s solo performance of “Good to You” on a Brian May Signature guitar, also known as the Red Special was a standout, as his bandmates left the stage to let his soaring vocals take center stage. A fan in the audience marveled at his talent, saying, “Josh’s voice needs to be studied by scientists—it’s that amazing.

The band members each had their moments to shine. Mike Ayley led the verses of “All to Myself”, Ian Casselman brought humor to “Pop 101” with his rap section, and Matt Webb’s vocals during “Who Do You Love” added depth to the performance. Chris Wong, the band’s guitar tech, also had his moment in the spotlight during “Stutter”. The night’s final song, “Haven”, brought everything together with its rich, cinematic soundscapes and emotional weight.

The Force of Nature Tour highlights Marianas Trench’s unique ability to blend humor, intimacy, and larger-than-life theatrics. The band’s new material, inspired by The Hero’s Journey, resonated deeply, reflecting themes of resilience and hope. Combined with LØLØ’s performance, the evening left the audience energized and deeply moved, solidifying the night as one to remember.

Special thanks to Mahlet Sintayehu from Live Nation, Jamie Johnson at Strut Entertainment, and Becky Kovach at Big Picture Media for their invaluable assistance in making this coverage possible. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Marianas Trench

LØLØ

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Drew Osborne

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.