Billy Talent headlines Burt Block Party

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/08/2023 (1120 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Billy Talent played their first show at the Burton Cummings Theatre 20 years ago, opening for fellow Canadian rock stars Sum 41, one of the biggest bands in the world in that era. Ben Kowalewicz, the lead singer of Billy Talent, who was 27 at the time, came out shirtless, screaming his band’s lyrics at the top of his lungs.

“I remember that tour vividly because it was the first time a band took us out on tour. We had no music out… so for (Sum 41) to do that in hindsight is really cool and special,” said the Toronto-based Kowalewicz. “(Sum 41) was one of the biggest bands in the world at that time. I’ve had people come up to me throughout the years and say I saw you guys open for Sum 41 so people were paying attention. It was very special.”

Twenty years later, some things have changed — Kowalewicz has a four-year-old daughter, for instance — but Kowalewicz’s passion for Billy Talent and performing burns brighter than ever as the band is set to headline the Burt Block Party Saturday.

“I was like a flame thrower back in the day… I’ve grown as an individual and as a human being. I still have that same energy. It’s just more bridled and harnessed as opposed to that kind of explosion,” said Kowalewicz, who credits his bandmates for the group’s longevity. “I’m just really fortunate to stand on stage with such amazing musicians… We’re very fortunate that we’ve had this energy and synergy that works between the four of us.”

Not only does their upcoming headlining concert come 20 years after their first performance at the Burt, but on the toes of the 20th anniversary of their eponymous debut album, which went quadruple platinum in Canada. The seven-time Juno Award winners have since released five more albums including last year’s Crisis of Faith, but they take time to mention the anniversary at every show.

“When we were recording that first record, it was really truthfully just a lot of fun and genuine, unbridled excitement that translates to the energy of the record,” said Kowalewicz. “We talk about it often, especially after the last few years of not being able to do what we do. We have this huge appreciation and are thankful to our fans and people that still (care) about this band.”

Despite having been together so long the members of Billy Talent still feel they are living their dream and plan to enjoy each moment as their future unfolds.

“I’m just holding on for the ride. I have no idea where this goes. This is all I’ve ever known. This is all I am. This is who I am,” said Kowalewicz. “What’s the old saying? You make a plan and God laughs… We’re playing rock shows and the shows are great so we take it one day at a time.”

Kowalewicz has fond memories of playing Winnipeg’s Canada Life Center on subsequent tours.

“There’s just such a rooted appreciation for music (in Winnipeg) going back to that first time we played 20 years ago until now (promoting) our last record. We wanted to do something different in 2022, so we did two nights at the Burt,” said Kowalewicz. “I remember walking out on stage and thinking ‘We could play for hours. I don’t want to leave this. This feels right. This feels good.’”

But they’ve never put on a show for Winnipeg fans quite like this: the Burt Block Party takes place outside the Burton Cummings Theatre between Smith Street and Notre Dame Avenue in a fully licensed site with bars and food trucks to complement the live music. Comeback Kid, The Flatliners, Miesha and The Spanks are also on Saturday’s bill.

As Kowalewicz and the rest of his bandmates gear up for Saturday’s outdoor show, Kowalewicz has a message for his fans.

“Just remember love and kindness and decency and compassion… remember not to sweat the small stuff,” said Kowalewicz, just as his four-year-old daughter ran over to him. “I would try to remember kindness. Kindness is cool.”

Words to live by, whether you’re a multi-platinum, multi-Juno-winning Canadian rock band or just a lover of rock music.

skyler.trepel@freepress.mb.ca