Anders Professes His Love For Toronto In Front Of Sold-Out Hometown Crowd
The rising R&B artist invited his friends to help him shake up the Opera House with style.
By Daniel McIntosh
Photos by Ajay Hira
- Published on
July 23, 2022
Toronto, ON
The Opera House
Opener Dom Vallie was an early standout, putting on what was by far the most energetic set of the evening. He scurried around the barricade and did sets of sit-ups, even rolling out in a pair of Heelys. Roderick Porter also wowed the crowd with his emo edge, stopping his set to sing happy birthday to a lucky fan. The openers were also joined by 12AM, who let us in on his diverse influences by putting his own spin on Lil Wayne’s “I Feel Like Dying” and Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.”
Finally, Anders emerged. The 26 year-old, two time Juno-nominated artist ran through hits from his 669 EP as well as treating his hometown fans to cuts from his 2021 breakout album, Honest. Coming off his recent 2022 Juno nomination for Rap Single of the Year, his sound was enhanced by his band, which breathed new life into cuts like “Free Myself” with sweeping guitar riffs and thrilling drum flourishes.
At points, Anders waded through the barricade, professing his love for the city and his core fans in the crowd. The mass of pit dwellers drowned out their idol, reciting every word to “Love No More.” It was a hometown show to be remembered.
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