Joyce Manor finally made their long-awaited return to Toronto this Friday, at the Danforth Music Hall, as part of their I Used To Go To This Bar tour. Taking over the venue after a postponed March 26 date due to illness, fans were excited to see the group feeling healthier and in higher spirits. With a stacked lineup featuring Combat, Teen Mortgage, and Militarie Gun, the night carried a steady wave of anticipation and energy. Kicking things off was Baltimore’s rising indie-emo outfit, still fresh off their 2024 debut LP. Despite being early in the night, they managed to pull in more than half the room, and held that attention while smiling and leaping around on stage. Their set leaned into a balance of introspective melodies and swelling instrumentals, creating a steady, engaging energy that had fans locked in from the jump. It was the kind of opening set that didn’t just warm up the crowd, it quietly set the tone for everything to come. 
Next up, Teen Mortgage shifted gears with a heavier, more stripped-down approach. Consisting of just James Guile on vocals and guitar, and Ed Barkauskas on drums, the duo delivered a performance that felt far bigger than the sum of its parts. Watching the two command the stage so seamlessly was impressive in itself, but it was their execution that really stood out – explosive, loud, and completely dialed in. Their set sparked real movement in the crowd, pulling moshers into the mix and injecting a raw, physical energy into the room. Co-headlining the night, California’s Militarie Gun brought a shift that bridged genres of hardcore, pop-punk, and alternative effortlessly. Since their 2020 debut EP My Life is Over, the band has built serious momentum, and their performance made it clear why. Their set blended mellow, almost understated moments with bursts of unexpected intensity, keeping the crowd engaged at every turn. Toronto showed up strong for their return, especially following their impromptu show at the Hard Luck just a month prior. It felt like a perfect lead-in, an appetizer that left the room buzzing in anticipation for what was next. 
Much-anticipated, Joyce Manor took the stage to a haze of light fog, their name glowing behind them as the crowd’s excitement peaked. There was a noticeable sense of relief and positivity in the room, with fans clearly happy to see the band back and in good health after the postponed date. That energy was immediately reciprocated as Joyce Manor came out swinging, diving into tracks like “Falling in Love Again” and “Heart Tattoo” as the floor danced and grooved along. Having been a staple in the punk and alternative scene since 2008, their connection with the audience was undeniable. Every lyric was shouted back, every transition met with movement, and for those near the front, it was a constant balancing act of dodging flying Converse and platform boots as crowd surfers poured over the barricade. The band powered through an overall 24-song set, maintaining momentum throughout as fans danced, sang, and took in every moment. Just when it seemed like the night had reached its peak, the crowd demanded more, and Joyce Manor delivered. Letting fans call the shots with a request, “Stairs” kicked off the encore before closing things out with “Chumped”, “Well, Whatever It Was” and “Five Beer Plan” ending the night on a high that felt both chaotic and cathartic.
With the tour heading into its second leg and featuring appearances from bands like Koyo and Hot Mulligan on select dates, tickets are bound to sell out fast! For those who couldn’t make it to the concert in Toronto, or just want to experience the night again – we were sure to capture it all in our exclusive photo gallery just below. You can keep up with Joyce Manor on Instagram @JoyceManorOfficial to stay up to date on everything the band does!
Article & Photos By Claudia K (@ThinkTwicePhoto)
