AWOLNATION at The Edge’s Secret Show at Lee’s Palace

AWOLNATION at 102.1 The Edge's Secret Show at Toronto's Lee's Palace 2

Take one warm Toronto Thursday night, toss in some great people from 102.1 The Edge, throw in a touch of uncertainty, add the music and energy of alt-rock band AWOLNATION, mix it all together at Lee’s Palace, and you’ve got a fantastic recipe for a great show.

There’s something about a secret show that gets everyone talking and guessing. I arrived early enough to be standing in front of the stage and with enough time to chat with the people around me about who the band might be. Names tossed around were AWOLNATION, Imagine Dragons, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Black Keys. Someone had mentioned that the band was American so any hopes of July Talk disappeared with that nugget.

Earlier in the day, The Edge had teased us on Twitter. If you were paying attention, they dropped an obvious clue and I was stuck on this one.

I know and very much like AWOLNATION but I was surprised by this set. I was expecting a synth-centric sound and what I got instead was a seriously badass guitar rock vibe meshed with the synth and Aaron Bruno’s distinct vocals.

Aaron was sans guitar and used the stage like a master. He engaged with the crowd and looked genuinely happy to be there. With all lighting coming from behind the band, it was a very divine look that lent itself to this kind of show. They opened the set with the title track of their latest release, Here Come The Runts and moved through the set with a fury.

AWOLNATION - The Edge Secret Show - June 2018 Lee's Palace in Toronto Aaron Bruno

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Zach Irons guitar work. It was amazing, intense, ridiculously good, so tight and a joy to watch.

AWOLNATION - The Edge Secret Show - June 2018 Lee's Palace in Toronto Zach Irons

There were many great moments in this set but when Aaron started singing Like a Virgin during Not Your Fault it was amazing. But, nothing compared to the final song, Sail. The band’s breakout hit had everyone at Lee’s Palace singing along, and then they were gone.

Touring to support their release Here Come The Runts, AWOLNATION have been on the road since February. If you haven’t had a chance to see them, they’ve got dates booked through the end of October.

Did you know that AWOLNATION appreciates your input? Yep, they do, and they want your help crafting their set list. Check out this link and request your favourite songs to hear live at your show and support “Music Saves Lives”.

Now, get out to a show!

AWOLNATION’s Secret Show Set List

AWOLNATION at 102.1 The Edge's Secret Show at Toronto's Lee's Palace Set List

?HERE COME THE RUNTS
?HOLLOW
?7 STICKS
?PASSION
?KILL YOUR HEROES
?NOT YOUR FAULT
?TABLE FOR ONE
?MIRACLE MAN
?THE BUFFOON
?HANDYMAN
?*Thunderstruck*
?RUN
?BURN
?SAIL

More Photos of AWOLNATION

AWOLNATION - The Edge Secret Show - June 2018 Lee's Palace in Toronto Aaron Bruno
AWOLNATION - The Edge Secret Show - June 2018 Lee's Palace in Toronto Aaron Bruno

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