The Mummies play the Rickshaw
By Steve Newton
From the looks of things 2026 could be a pretty rockin’ year, whether in Vancouver’s clubs, soft-seaters, or the big ol stadium. Here’s 10 local gigs to score tickets to if it’s not already too late.
Tommy Stinson: former member of the Replacements and Bash & Pop performs with Karla Rose and Little Venom. January 8 at LanaLou’s. Here’s my interview with Tommy Stinson from 1993.
Band Together: fundraiser for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation features local acts Brass Camel, Antonio Larosa, Space Queen, Spendo, and Nick & the Stone Gems performing the music of Pink Floyd. January 17 at the Rickshaw Theatre.
Neptoon Records’ 45th Anniversary Party: Vancouver record store celebrates 45 years with performances by California garage-punk legends the Mummies, with guests the Vicious Cycles and Night Court. February 14 at the Rickshaw Theatre.
Strippers Union opens for Odds
Odds: Vancouver pop-rock greats from the ’90s, with guests Strippers Union, featuring Craig Northey of Odds and guitarist Rob Baker from the Tragically Hip. February 20 at the Commodore Ballroom. Here’s my interview with Craig Northey from 2021.
Black Label Society: heavy-metal quartet featuring guitarist-vocalist Zakk Wylde, with guests Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel. March 17 at the Orpheum Theatre. Here’s my interview with Zakk Wylde from 2005.
Grapes of Wrath and Limblifter: double-bill of Vancouver pop-rock and alt-rock bands from the ’80s and ’90s. May 23 at the Commodore Ballroom. Here’s my interview with Limblifter’s Ryan Dahle from 2000.
Bonnie Raitt plays the Queen E
Bonnie Raitt: American blues-roots singer-songwriter and slide-guitar specialist, with guest Jon Cleary. June 16 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Guns N’ Roses: L.A. hard-rock legends, featuring vocalist Axl Rose and guitarist Slash, with guests the Black Crowes. August 29 at BC Place. Here’s my interview with Slash from 1994 and my interview with the Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson from 1990.
Foo Fighters: rock legends from Seattle, featuring guitarist-vocalist Dave Grohl, with guests Queens of the Stone Age. September 20 at BC Place. Here’s my review of Foo Fighters in concert from 2015.
Rush plays two shows at Rogers Arena
Rush: Canadian prog-rock legends, featuring bassist-vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson, with new drummer Anika Nilles. December 15 & 17 at Rogers Arena. Here’s my interview with Geddy Lee from 1997 and my interview with Alex Lifeson from 2002.