August 30th, 1997
CNE Bandshell, Toronto, ON
with The Odds, headlining for MAdE
****1/2/*****
To anyone who's had to listen to me bitch about not being able to see the Killjoys whenever they play a gig--I made it!!! And it was worth the wait! These guys are wicked live! Their songs are so much more intense and misanthropic when they play in concert. So of course they did they "classics" like, "Today I Hate Everyone", "Dana", and the ever popular "Soaked" (so why does Shelley get eaten by the dog in that video???) And it was great to sing along to the music of a band from your hometown.. it's like somehow they're your songs as well 'cause you can relate to them so much. Tell me I'm not the only Killjoys fan who thinks so? I was a little disappointed that Gene didn't sing "Spacegirl" (he kinda blamed Mike for it when I asked him about it later), and that they didn't do "Someplace", which is and probably ever will be the most beautiful song ever written by someone out of Hamilton.
I got to meet the guys after the show.. but I talked to Shelley a bit before their set. It's kinda funny how quiet, thoughtful, and almost shy that they are considering their lyrics, which are the total opposite. This is one band from Hamilton that I'm really proud of and can relate to ALOT, and who I can make fun of the Peach festival with. Thanks alot Mike, Shelley, and Gene!
Want a laugh? click here to read "the Killjoys, a comic strip adventure."