My formative years were largely characterized by the music I listened to, the bands that I worshipped and the lyrics that I devotedly memorized. All of the ‘firsts’ that I experienced between the ages of sixteen and twenty – first kiss, first love, first graduation, first job, first trip abroad – can be easily traced back through my (still existent) CD collection. As such, when a favourite band or musician that I haven’t heard from in years suddenly releases a new album and tour schedule, it seems blasphemous, on my part, to not buy a ticket and give them my love. This will certainly be the case for Snow Patrol, who will grace the Metropolis stage on April 16, following the release of their newest album ‘Fallen Empires’ on January 20.

Snow Patrol’s last appearance in Montreal was in September 2009, on the heels of their album ‘A Hundred Million Suns’ (2008); this album received little acclaim and the show (which I was naturally front-row-centre for) comprised a great deal more of their popular, older work and pretty well the entirety of their amazing sophomore album ‘Eyes Open’ (2006).

All of this to say, these Irish boys put on a spectacular performance, all of the words to all of their songs somehow came back to me the moment they hit the stage, and I expect nothing less from their visit to Montreal this spring.

Snow Patrol will be joined by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran; tickets are $39 and can be purchased here.

~ Photo and Words: Tyler Yank