Thornley‘s Come Again 20th Anniversary show at the Danforth Music Hall was a night to remember.
The Standstills, a captivating 3-piece band, kicked off the night with an electrifying performance that left the already sizable crowd in awe.
Despite their modest lineup, The Standstills managed to create a remarkably powerful sound. Drummer Renee Couture’s dynamic flair and singer/guitarist Jonny Fox’s intense and emotive playing had the audience hooked from the start. The fact that Renee and Jonny are a married couple added a touch of sweetness to their stage presence, and the crowd couldn’t help but feel the connection.
Newer member bassist Brendan Mcmillan seamlessly blended with the duo, further enhancing the band’s dynamic set. The Standstills played a tight, polished show, and it was clear they were honored to be the direct support for Thornley’s milestone performance.
As their set came to a close, Jonny asked the crowd to sing Happy Birthday to his beautiful wife Renee, which they did with genuine delight. The Standstills proved to be the perfect match for this special occasion, setting the stage for Thornley’s highly anticipated 20th Anniversary celebration.
The packed venue was electric with anticipation as Thornley took the stage. From the moment they launched into their set, it was clear this was going to be a performance like no other. The band brought back former guitarist Paulo Neta for this special evening, The sound and harmonies were absolutely excellent throughout the night.
The group played most of the songs off the iconic Come Again album, but with a fresh twist that made the classics even better than the originals. Highlights included a powerful rendition of the Tears for Fears song Shout, which is a personal favorite of Ian Thornley’s sons.
All night long, Ian expressed his gratitude to the devoted fans who packed the Danforth. He admitted that he wasn’t even sure he wanted to do this anniversary show, but by the end of the night, he was clearly thankful that he did. The connection between the band and the audience was palpable, with Ian noting that he felt like he knew most of the people in attendance in one way or another.
The highlight of the evening was the band’s performance of their hit song Come Again, which had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. The 10-minute rendition was nothing short of mesmerizing, with lead guitarist Ian Thornley showcasing his virtuosic skills. At one point, Thornley shifted, and the entire crowd erupted in the chorus that took the musician by surprise, eliciting a huge smile from him. That moment actually gave me chills.
This was not simply a nostalgia-fueled trip down memory lane; it was a celebration of the enduring power of great songwriting and the ability of a talented group of musicians to breathe new life into beloved material. Thornley’s 20th Anniversary show at the Danforth Music Hall was a testament to the albums enduring legacy. If you missed this incredible celebration, you truly missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime event.
The line up included: Ian Thornley: Vocals / Guitarist – Paulo Neta: Guitarist / Vocals – Chris Caddell: Guitarist / Vocals – Dave McMillan: Bassist / Vocals – Sekou Lumumba: Drums
A special thanks to Live Nation for the accreditation.
For the full set list list click HERE.
All images by Sue Sadzak Hebert. ©2024. Please do not copy or use without consent.
The Standstills:
Thornley:
