On Saturday, November 24th, bands tore up the stage at the Rockpile in Etobicoke for Movember Madness II, where a portion of money raised from ticket sales and raffles at the show went towards the Movember charity in support of men’s cancer research.
Unless you actually live under a rock, you’ve heard of the Movember movement. Since the movement began in Melbourne, Australia in 1999, it has gained popularity around the world, recruiting millions of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas every year. Men are encouraged to shave clean on the 1st of November, and grow out the sweetest ‘stache they possibly can to raise money and awareness for men’s health issues.
The event was hosted by comedian Tim Nasiopolous, who got the crowd going with his great stand up before the show an between sets. He did a great job of introducing all of the acts, as well as urging the crowd to donate to the cause by bidding for cool items in the silent auction, and buying raffle tickets for prizes like a romantic trip for two to the Niagara region, and even cold hard cash. Closer to the end of the night, he went on the prowl through the crowd to award sashes and gift cards to the man and woman with the best mustaches.
Tim Nasiopolous
The night was kicked off with THE UNCHAINED, a four-piece melodic metal band from Toronto. They definitely brought something new, because since they didn’t have a singer, the music was the main focus. Tons of interesting drum fills and crazy riffs got the crowd cheering early on in the set. The Unchained managed to bring energy to the stage that was unlike anything else that night.
The Unchained
Next up was Left Turn City, a crowd favourite. Their hard-rock/party-till-we-drop attitude seemed to give the band the spirit of some serious party animals, getting people out of their seats to dance, drink, and have an overall good time.
Left Turn City
After them was Modified. Fronted by a female, they were definitely different from most of the other band in their genre, but they rocked out nonetheless. They got the crowd going with their rock tunes that featured some great solos.
Modified
Last, but certainly not least, was Last Bullet, the headliners for the night. Almost everyone in the house that night was out of their chairs and on the floor, ready to rock out. Starting with their instrumental song March of the Cowboy, the band made a dramatic entrance, then quickly proceeded to blow everyone’s minds with killer riffs, amazing guitar and drum solos, and of course the sweet dance moves of frontman Bryan Fontez. Last Bullet could not have been a better end to a great night, finishing a set that was too short for everyone’s liking, then coming back to play one more song after the crowd chanted for an encore. Stay tuned for an up-close-and-personal interview with the band in the near future!
Last Bullet
Movember Madness II was a great night for an even greater cause. If you didn’t get the chance to make it out this year, keep watch for a part III in 2013. You won’t be disappointed. For more photos, check out our camera roll on Facebook.
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