Arkells, now an arena act, plays Edmonton in 2019
After years of “bubbling under” in the turbulent world of indie rock, Arkells is the latest Canadian rock band to ascend to the mainstream. The final confirmation is today’s announcement of their first cross-country arena tour.
In the wake of today’s release of their new album Rally Cry, the band will play Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 at Rogers Place, with Lord Huron in support. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Oct. 26.
Hailing from Hamilton in 2006, Arkells worked hard in the relative obscurity of the mid-level touring circuit. They won fans in Edmonton a number of times, either as an opening act or in some small venue. Meanwhile, with its grand and compelling “gospel-rock” sound, they started scoring hits on the alternative rock charts: Oh, the Boss is Coming, Leather Jacket, and more. Things really took off after they won a Juno Award in 2010 for “New Group of the Year,” once called the “Kiss of Death” award – but not this time. The buzz increased to a roar. Seven years later, the horn-laden Knocking at the Door became the major “hit” that would boost the band to the big leagues – and fittingly the band was chosen to close the Sonic Field Day event this summer.
