Edgefest
Encyclopedia
Edgefest, a yearly outdoor rock concert festival that primarily promotes Canadian rock music, began in 1987 as a thank-you gesture to the listeners of Toronto
radio station 102.1 the Edge
and as a birthday party to commemorate both the station's tenth birthday, and the coinciding Canada Day
. Since then, it has spanned 20 years, over 300 bands, over 500,000 attendees, and 4 locations (Molson Park
in Barrie
, Ontario
, the Ontario Place
Forum, the Molson Amphitheatre, and most recently Downsview Park
). It is now the longest running rock show in Canada.
, Warped Tour
and Another Roadside Attraction
) to be a giant financial risk; the idea to hold a one-day festival with a bunch of non-superstar groups, was not regarded as a smart thing to do.
A lineup, including Blue Rodeo
, The Pursuit of Happiness, Teenage Head
, and the first foreign act, The Saints
, was easily arranged, but finding an appropriate location deemed to be difficult. Locations such as a farmer's field in Oakville, Ontario
were considered, but scrapped due to complications with staging, electricity, bathrooms and parking. Other suggestions included Mosport International Raceway and Cayuga Speedway
, but as they were unavailable too, Molson Park in Barrie was finally suggested. While it was a relatively unknown location, and organizers worried that no one would want to drive from Toronto to Barrie (approximately 90 km [55 mi]), there was no other choice, and by selling tickets through Pizza Pizza
locations for just $1.02 per ticket, 25,000 people arrived for the inaugural Edgefest, Wednesday, July 1, 1987.
Although the 1987 festival was supposed to be a one-off event, as the fireworks
went off at the end of the show, organizers were already thinking about the next year's show. Friday, July 1, 1988, the first Edgefest sellout, brought over 32,000 people to Molson Park, paying $5 each, to hear a mostly Canadian line-up, including the first of many appearances by 54-40
, as well as three foreign acts.
For 1989, Canada Day fell on a Saturday for the first time, which meant that some people would get the previous Friday off and others would get the following Monday (since when statutory holidays fall on the weekend, the day off is generally transferred to a weekday). As such, organizers once again worried that people would not want to come to the show; however, they were once again mistaken, as Highway 400 leading up to Molson Park was jammed in both directions (from Cottage country
to the north, and from Toronto to the south), and the festival was once again sold out. That year's lineup included Sass Jordan
, Sarah McLachlan
and The Tragically Hip
.
By the fifth show, in 1991, the owners had again been replaced, and the format (and radio station) had stabilized. For the first time in two years, a foreign act, the Violent Femmes
played, along with Blue Rodeo and the Crash Test Dummies
.
For the 1992 Edgefest, Molson
needed their park back, as they were planning "The Great Canadian Party", a series of Molson-sponsored concerts, simultaneously running across Canada on Canada Day 1992. However, the two companies came to an agreement to share the show, with half the bands booked by the Edge (including 54-40, The Tragically Hip, and Leslie Spit Treeo
) and the other half booked by Molson (including Sass Jordan
, Amanda Marshall
and Spinal Tap
).
Forum. 1993 was the first time the festival was called "Edgefest", a name that's stuck with the festival since; it was also the first year to have more than one day of concerts, taking place on July 1 and 2. The festival included The Odds
, The Watchmen
, Rheostatics
, and Day 2 featured the first ever Canadian performance by Radiohead
.
1 July 1994 also took place at the Ontario Place Forum, featured three international groups, The Proclaimers
, Toad the Wet Sprocket
, and The Lemonheads
. This show was among the last events held at the Forum. Even as the show was being booked, plans were underway to tear it down and replace it with the Molson Amphitheatre, which would play a big part in the future of Edgefest, starting with 1995.
, 21 May 1995. Over 9,000 people came to see Blur
and Elastica
, during the height of Britpop
. It was also an early major appearance for Our Lady Peace
, who were new and riding the success of their early Canadian hit singles "Starseed
" and "Naveed
" at the time, and Ned's Atomic Dustbin
was back for the last time before breaking up. 20,000 people came for the annual Canada Day version on 1 July, which featured an all-Canadian lineup including The Odds
, Treble Charger
, The Watchmen
, hHead
, Junkhouse
and Crash Vegas
. Although the day of the third 1995 Edgefest show, 5 August was rainy and cool, a good crowd came to see almost 30 bands, most of whom were Canadian, but also featured a pre-fame Sugar Ray
. The third 1995 Edgefest was notable at the time as Sloan
's farewell performance. (The band re-formed less than a year later.)
The festival's tenth incarnation took place on 30 June 1996, the first time there wasn't an Edgefest show on Canada Day, though the show was back at Molson Park. 35,000 people came to see Our Lady Peace
, The Tea Party
, I Mother Earth
, and the fifth Edgefest appearance of 54-40.
and four in Western Canada
. Beginning on June 28 in Barrie, the show moved on through Montréal, Quebec; Ottawa, Ontario; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and finally Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. At each stop, the same group of bands played, including Collective Soul
, Holly McNarland
, Silverchair
, Our Lady Peace and I Mother Earth.
The 1998 Edgefest tour was similar, again with eight shows in eight cities, resulting in eight sellouts. The lineups varied a bit between the cities, but for the most part there was the same group, including Bif Naked
, the Matthew Good Band
, Sloan
, Moist
, The Tea Party, and international content in Green Day
and the Foo Fighters
. Creed
played the second stage to add to the lineup of now famous bands that once played that stage at Edgefest.
1999 was the last year of the national experiment. Headlined by Hole
and Moist
, there once again were two days, as tickets for the July 1 show sold out within 5½ days. While the first day was miserably rainy, attendees toughed it out, and on the sunny and warm second show, there were another 20,000 people. Other performers in the thirteenth Edgefest included Big Wreck
, Silverchair
, Finger Eleven
, Len
, Wide Mouth Mason
, Gob
and Serial Joe
.
and Goldfinger
. Playing the side stage this year was both 3 Doors Down
and Nickelback
.
In 2001, Edgefest was one of the few years where the weather was absolutely miserable – rainy and bitterly cold. Headlined by Tool
, who flew in from Europe especially for the concert, but left right after playing their very short set, angering fans. Other bands that year included Bif Naked
, Gob
and the first appearance of Billy Talent
.
Later that year The Edge also hosted the first "Edgefest II," held at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto, on Saturday August 25. It was headlined by Blink 182 with other bands to perform including New Found Glory
and Sum 41
among others.
Emergency crews were busy all day during the 2002 Edgefest treating sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration
. Musically, Nickelback moved up from the side stage to headliners, and were joined by bands including Cake
(who left the stage after being pelted by bottles), 30 Seconds to Mars
, Default
, Simple Plan
and Theory of a Deadman
.
2003 was the most challenging one ever thrown. As the world believed that Toronto was a plague zone due to an outbreak of SARS, bands were nervous to come play there. To make matters worse, insurance companies refused to underwrite tours, in case someone at a show came down with SARS at a Toronto show and decided to sue. When the crisis
finally passed, Edgfest '03 took place, on 6 September. Billed as "The Last Bash in Barrie," due to the fact that once again the Edgefest festival would be leaving Molson Park for the Molson Amphitheatre at Ontario Place
, the show included The Tragically Hip, Sloan, Our Lady Peace, the Stereophonics
and Fefe Dobson
.
, the show also included Billy Talent's move to the mainstage, Alexisonfire
, The Salads
, Something Corporate
and Australia's Jet
.
Edgefest 2005 was headlined by Billy Talent, and also included Coheed and Cambria
, Jakalope
and Rise Against
. It was also the first year that there was a side stage designated for a certain record label, Underground Operations
, on which Bombs Over Providence
, Closet Monster
and Hostage Life
, among others, played.
As 2006 is the twentieth anniversary of Edgefest, two shows were scheduled. The first, billed as "Edgefest One", took place on 1 July. Headlined by Our Lady Peace
, who brought fans on stage, and encouraged fans to use their cameras (use of which is always prohibited) and even record an unreleased song, Kiss on the Mouth – Singer Raine Maida
went so far as to actually ask for a fan's audio recorder and sang into it, as well as into the microphone, during that song. Other bands included Keane, Mobile
, Neverending White Lights
and Hot Hot Heat
.
On 16 July, "Edgefest Two", the second Edgefest 2006 show took place. It had three stages – the main stage, the Edge Next Big Thing side stage, and the Bedlam Society/Dine Alone Stage, another record label-based stage. Performing at Edgefest Two was Yellowcard
, The All-American Rejects
, Story of the Year
and The Miniatures
.
It was announced that there would be no Edgefest in 2007.
On February 26, 2008, Dean Blundell announced the return of Edgefest. The show took place July 12, 2008 at Downsview Park with headlining band Linkin Park
. Other acts included Stone Temple Pilots
, the Sam Roberts Band, The Bravery
and others.
Edgefest 2009 was held on June 20, 2009. The show took place at Downsview Park. Billy Talent
were the headliners. The musicians that performed on the Main Stage in addition to Billy Talent were: AFI
, Alexisonfire
, k-os
, The Stills
, Arkells
, and Metric
.
In 2010, CFNY 102.1 The Edge opted to forgo a day long concert festival for several concerts throughout the summer months called "The Edge Summer Concert Series".
On January 24, 2011 the Dean Blundell Show announced Edgefest 2011. Headliners include Rise Against
, A Perfect Circle
and The Weakerthans
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
radio station 102.1 the Edge
CFNY-FM
CFNY-FM, promoted under the branding 102.1 The Edge, is a Canadian radio station, broadcasting at 102.1 FM. The station rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s due to its freestyle DJing format and unique choice to play alternative music...
and as a birthday party to commemorate both the station's tenth birthday, and the coinciding Canada Day
Canada Day
Canada Day , formerly Dominion Day , is the national day of Canada, a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act , which united three British colonies into a single country, called Canada, within the British Empire...
. Since then, it has spanned 20 years, over 300 bands, over 500,000 attendees, and 4 locations (Molson Park
Park Place (Ontario)
Park Place is a former park located at Highway 400 off Mapleview Drive East in the south end of Barrie, Ontario, Canada....
in Barrie
Barrie
Barrie may refer to:* Barrie, city in Ontario, Canada* Barrie , Canadian federal electoral district* Barrie , provincial electoral district* Barrie—Simcoe—Bradford, former Canadian electoral district...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, the Ontario Place
Ontario Place
Ontario Place is a multiple use entertainment and seasonal waterfront park attraction located in Toronto, Ontario, and owned by the Crown in Right of Ontario. It is administered as an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, just south of...
Forum, the Molson Amphitheatre, and most recently Downsview Park
Downsview Park
Downsview Park is a former Canadian Forces Base in the community of Downsview in Toronto, Canada. It contains about 231.5 hectares of land, of which more than 130 hectares are earmarked for traditional parkland, recreational and cultural amenities...
). It is now the longest running rock show in Canada.
The early years (1987-1989)
Edgefest began in 1987 as a conversation between Edge staffers in the lunchroom. The station had launched ten years earlier in 1977, and in order to celebrate their tenth birthday and Canada Day, the idea was given to throw a large outdoor rock festival. Although such a festival was seen at the time (before the likes of LollapaloozaLollapalooza
Lollapalooza is an annual music festival featuring popular alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock and hip hop bands, dance and comedy performances, and craft booths. It has also provided a platform for non-profit and political groups. The music festival hosts more than 160,000 people over a...
, Warped Tour
Warped Tour
The Warped Tour is a touring music and extreme sports festival. The tour is held in venues such as parking lots or fields upon which the stages and other structures are erected. The BMX/skateboarding shoe manufacturer Vans, among others, has sponsored the tour every year since 1995, and it is...
and Another Roadside Attraction
Another Roadside Attraction
Another Roadside Attraction is Tom Robbins' first novel, published in 1971 by Doubleday, which initiated what has grown to be considered his cult following.-Plot summary:...
) to be a giant financial risk; the idea to hold a one-day festival with a bunch of non-superstar groups, was not regarded as a smart thing to do.
A lineup, including Blue Rodeo
Blue Rodeo
Blue Rodeo is a Canadian pop and country rock band, which was formed in 1984 in Toronto, Ontario. They have been signed with Warner Music Group since their debut album Outskirts in March 1987...
, The Pursuit of Happiness, Teenage Head
Teenage Head (band)
Teenage Head is a Canadian rock group from Hamilton, Ontario and was one of the most popular Canadian punk rock bands during the early 1980s....
, and the first foreign act, The Saints
The Saints (band)
The Saints are an Australian rock band, which formed in Brisbane in 1974 as punk rockers. Founders were Chris Bailey , Ivor Hay , and Ed Kuepper . Alongside mainstay Bailey, the group has had numerous line-ups...
, was easily arranged, but finding an appropriate location deemed to be difficult. Locations such as a farmer's field in Oakville, Ontario
Oakville, Ontario
Oakville is a town in Halton Region, on Lake Ontario in Southern Ontario, Canada, and is part of the Greater Toronto Area. As of the 2006 census the population was 165,613.-History:In 1793, Dundas Street was surveyed for a military road...
were considered, but scrapped due to complications with staging, electricity, bathrooms and parking. Other suggestions included Mosport International Raceway and Cayuga Speedway
Cayuga Speedway
The Cayuga Speedway, also known as the Cayuga 2000 Speedway, is a racing track located near Cayuga in Haldimand County, Ontario, Canada.-History:...
, but as they were unavailable too, Molson Park in Barrie was finally suggested. While it was a relatively unknown location, and organizers worried that no one would want to drive from Toronto to Barrie (approximately 90 km [55 mi]), there was no other choice, and by selling tickets through Pizza Pizza
Pizza Pizza
Pizza Pizza is a Canadian franchise of pizza restaurants mainly located in the province of Ontario. Other locations operate in Quebec, Nova Scotia, in western Canada , and in non-traditional locations such as university campuses and movie theatres throughout Canada...
locations for just $1.02 per ticket, 25,000 people arrived for the inaugural Edgefest, Wednesday, July 1, 1987.
Although the 1987 festival was supposed to be a one-off event, as the fireworks
Fireworks
Fireworks are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display. A fireworks event is a display of the effects produced by firework devices...
went off at the end of the show, organizers were already thinking about the next year's show. Friday, July 1, 1988, the first Edgefest sellout, brought over 32,000 people to Molson Park, paying $5 each, to hear a mostly Canadian line-up, including the first of many appearances by 54-40
54-40
54•40 is a Canadian alternative rock group from Tsawwassen, British Columbia.The band takes their name from the slogan "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!", coined to express the expansionist agenda of James K...
, as well as three foreign acts.
For 1989, Canada Day fell on a Saturday for the first time, which meant that some people would get the previous Friday off and others would get the following Monday (since when statutory holidays fall on the weekend, the day off is generally transferred to a weekday). As such, organizers once again worried that people would not want to come to the show; however, they were once again mistaken, as Highway 400 leading up to Molson Park was jammed in both directions (from Cottage country
Cottage country
Cottage country is a common name in Eastern Canada for areas that are popular locations for recreational properties such as cottages and summer homes. The name is often applied locally; that is, any major population centre may have its own popular "cottage country" area...
to the north, and from Toronto to the south), and the festival was once again sold out. That year's lineup included Sass Jordan
Sass Jordan
Sarah "Sass" Jordan is a Canadian, Juno Award winning, rock singer/songwriter who grew up in Montreal.- Biography :...
, Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan
Sarah Ann McLachlan, OC, OBC is a Canadian musician, singer and songwriter. Known for her emotional ballads and mezzo-soprano vocal range, as of 2006, she has sold over 40 million albums worldwide. McLachlan's best-selling album to date is Surfacing, for which she won two Grammy Awards and four...
and The Tragically Hip
The Tragically Hip
The Tragically Hip, often referred to simply as The Hip, is a Canadian rock band from Kingston, Ontario, consisting of Gordon Downie , Paul Langlois , Rob Baker , Gord Sinclair and Johnny Fay . Since their formation in 1983 they have released 12 studio albums, two live albums, and 46 singles...
.
Transition period (1990–1992)
Between 1989 and the end of 1990, CFNY underwent a change in management, which brought with it a change in format, and a lot of anger in listeners. Even most of the on-air staff agreed with the listeners, though they couldn't say anything. While the festival did go on that year, and once again sold out Molson Park, many people came in order to protest the new programming policies (in fact, someone even hired a plane to tow a protest banner over the park). However, the show went on glitch-free, and featured second appearances by 54-40 and The Tragically Hip.By the fifth show, in 1991, the owners had again been replaced, and the format (and radio station) had stabilized. For the first time in two years, a foreign act, the Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes were an American alternative rock band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, initially active between 1980 and 1987 and again from 1988 to 2009...
played, along with Blue Rodeo and the Crash Test Dummies
Crash Test Dummies
The Crash Test Dummies is a Canadian folk rock/alternative rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba, widely known for their 1993 single "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm".The band is most identifiable through Brad Roberts and his distinctive bass-baritone voice...
.
For the 1992 Edgefest, Molson
Molson
Molson-Coors Canada Inc. is the Canadian division of the world's fifth-largest brewing company, the Molson Coors Brewing Company. It is the second oldest company in Canada after the Hudson's Bay Company. Molson's first brewery was located on the St...
needed their park back, as they were planning "The Great Canadian Party", a series of Molson-sponsored concerts, simultaneously running across Canada on Canada Day 1992. However, the two companies came to an agreement to share the show, with half the bands booked by the Edge (including 54-40, The Tragically Hip, and Leslie Spit Treeo
Leslie Spit Treeo
Leslie Spit Treeo were a Canadian folk-rock band in the 1980s and 1990s. The band took its name from the Leslie Street Spit area of Toronto Harbour.-History:...
) and the other half booked by Molson (including Sass Jordan
Sass Jordan
Sarah "Sass" Jordan is a Canadian, Juno Award winning, rock singer/songwriter who grew up in Montreal.- Biography :...
, Amanda Marshall
Amanda Marshall
Amanda Meta Marshall is a Canadian pop-rock singer.She grew up in Toronto in a biracial family to a White Canadian father and a Black Trinidadian mother...
and Spinal Tap
Spinal Tap (band)
Spinal Tap is a parody heavy metal band that first appeared on a failed 1979 ABC TV sketch comedy pilot called "The T.V. Show", starring Rob Reiner...
).
Evicted from Molson Park (1993-1994)
In 1993, Molson again needed the park for their own purposes, but this time, they didn't want to share with Edgefest – so the festival packed up and relocated to the old Ontario PlaceOntario Place
Ontario Place is a multiple use entertainment and seasonal waterfront park attraction located in Toronto, Ontario, and owned by the Crown in Right of Ontario. It is administered as an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, just south of...
Forum. 1993 was the first time the festival was called "Edgefest", a name that's stuck with the festival since; it was also the first year to have more than one day of concerts, taking place on July 1 and 2. The festival included The Odds
Odds (band)
Odds are a Canadian alternative rock band. The band's power pop style has been frequently compared to that of contemporaries such as Squeeze, Elvis Costello, Weezer, Tom Petty, Sloan, The Clash, XTC, Franz Ferdinand, and The Tubes.-Odds :...
, The Watchmen
The Watchmen
The Watchmen is a Canadian rock band. They were one of the most commercially successful Canadian alternative rock groups of the mid to late 1990s. During their peak years the band had three gold records and one platinum record...
, Rheostatics
Rheostatics
Rheostatics was a Genie Award-winning Canadian indie rock band, active from 1980 to 2007.Although they had only one Top 40 hit, "Claire" in 1995, they were simultaneously one of Canada's most influential and unconventional rock bands, a band whose eclectic take on pop and rock music has been...
, and Day 2 featured the first ever Canadian performance by Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
.
1 July 1994 also took place at the Ontario Place Forum, featured three international groups, The Proclaimers
The Proclaimers
The Proclaimers are a Scottish band composed of identical twin brothers, Charlie and Craig Reid . They are probably best known for the songs "Letter from America", "I'm On My Way" and "I'm Gonna Be ". The band tours extensively throughout Europe and other continents...
, Toad the Wet Sprocket
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Toad the Wet Sprocket is an American alternative rock band formed in 1986. The band consists of singer/guitarist Glen Phillips, guitarist Todd Nichols, bassist Dean Dinning, and drummer Randy Guss. The band enjoyed chart success in the 1990s with the singles "Walk on the Ocean," "All I Want,"...
, and The Lemonheads
The Lemonheads
The Lemonheads are an American alternative rock band first formed in 1986 by Evan Dando, Ben Deily and Jesse Peretz. Dando has remained the band's only constant member....
. This show was among the last events held at the Forum. Even as the show was being booked, plans were underway to tear it down and replace it with the Molson Amphitheatre, which would play a big part in the future of Edgefest, starting with 1995.
The Road from the Forum (1995-1996)
Once the new Molson Amphitheatre was built, Molson was happy to show it off, and offered it to Edgefest for three dates in summer 1995. The first was on the May long weekendVictoria Day
Victoria Day is a federal Canadian public holiday celebrated on the last Monday before May 25, in honour of Queen Victoria's birthday. The date is also, simultaneously, that on which the current reigning Canadian sovereign's official birthday is recognized...
, 21 May 1995. Over 9,000 people came to see Blur
Blur (band)
Blur is an English alternative rock band. Formed in London in 1989 as Seymour, the group consists of singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree. Blur's debut album Leisure incorporated the sounds of Madchester and shoegazing...
and Elastica
Elastica
Elastica were an English alternative rock band that played punk rock-influenced music. They were best known for their 1995 album Elastica, which produced singles that charted in the US and the UK.-History:...
, during the height of Britpop
Britpop
Britpop is a subgenre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom. Britpop emerged from the British independent music scene of the early 1990s and was characterised by bands influenced by British guitar pop music of the 1960s and 1970s...
. It was also an early major appearance for Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace is a Canadian alternative rock band that formed in Toronto, Ontario in 1992. Headed by lead vocalist Raine Maida since its formation, the band additionally consists of Jeremy Taggart on percussion, Duncan Coutts on bass, and Steve Mazur as lead guitarist...
, who were new and riding the success of their early Canadian hit singles "Starseed
Starseed (song)
"Starseed" is the second single off Our Lady Peace's first album Naveed, released in 1994. It was remixed and released on the soundtrack to Armageddon. Also, a live version from the 2003 Live album was released as a single. The song was also planned to be included on the soundtrack for Drew...
" and "Naveed
Naveed (song)
Naveed is a single from Our Lady Peace's debut album of the same name, Naveed. It was released April 17, 1995 in the United States and in January 1996 in the United Kingdom as the fifth and final single from the album. The song performed well on the charts, and became a smash hit in Canada,...
" at the time, and Ned's Atomic Dustbin
Ned's Atomic Dustbin
Ned's Atomic Dustbin are an English rock band formed in Stourbridge in West Midlands in November 1987. The band took their name from an episode of The Goon Show. The band were unusual for using two bass players in their lineup: Alex Griffin played melody lines high up on one bass, and Mat Cheslin...
was back for the last time before breaking up. 20,000 people came for the annual Canada Day version on 1 July, which featured an all-Canadian lineup including The Odds
Odds (band)
Odds are a Canadian alternative rock band. The band's power pop style has been frequently compared to that of contemporaries such as Squeeze, Elvis Costello, Weezer, Tom Petty, Sloan, The Clash, XTC, Franz Ferdinand, and The Tubes.-Odds :...
, Treble Charger
Treble Charger
Treble Charger was a Canadian rock group, consisting of vocalist Greig Nori, bassist Rosie Martin and drummer Trevor MacGregor. Guitarist Bill Priddle, a founding member of the band, left in 2003. They began with a melodic indie rock style, but evolved into more of a pop punk band after signing to...
, The Watchmen
The Watchmen
The Watchmen is a Canadian rock band. They were one of the most commercially successful Canadian alternative rock groups of the mid to late 1990s. During their peak years the band had three gold records and one platinum record...
, hHead
HHead
hHead were a Canadian alternative rock band in the 1990s. The band consisted of Noah Mintz, Brendan Canning and a succession of drummers. They were originally known as Head, but added the second h after discovering that another band was already recording as Head.The band's first album, Fireman, was...
, Junkhouse
Junkhouse
-History:Formed in 1989 in Hamilton, Ontario, the band consisted of vocalist and guitarist Tom Wilson, guitarist Dan Achen, bassist Russ Wilson and drummer Ray Farrugia....
and Crash Vegas
Crash Vegas
Crash Vegas was a Canadian folk rock band which formed in 1988, and achieved moderate success in the early 1990s.-Biography:The band was formed by Michelle McAdorey and Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo in 1988. Jocelyne Lanois joined the band as bassist and shortly after Ambrose Pottie as drummer...
. Although the day of the third 1995 Edgefest show, 5 August was rainy and cool, a good crowd came to see almost 30 bands, most of whom were Canadian, but also featured a pre-fame Sugar Ray
Sugar Ray
Sugar Ray is a band from Orange County, California. The band, starting off more as an alternative metal band, first gained fame in 1997 with their release of the song "Fly". This song's success, coupled with its pop rock sound that was quite different from the rest of their material at the time,...
. The third 1995 Edgefest was notable at the time as Sloan
Sloan (band)
Sloan is a Toronto-based alternative rock quartet from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Throughout their 20-year tenure Sloan has released 10 LPs , two EPs, a live album, a "best of" collection and no less than thirty singles...
's farewell performance. (The band re-formed less than a year later.)
The festival's tenth incarnation took place on 30 June 1996, the first time there wasn't an Edgefest show on Canada Day, though the show was back at Molson Park. 35,000 people came to see Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace is a Canadian alternative rock band that formed in Toronto, Ontario in 1992. Headed by lead vocalist Raine Maida since its formation, the band additionally consists of Jeremy Taggart on percussion, Duncan Coutts on bass, and Steve Mazur as lead guitarist...
, The Tea Party
The Tea Party
The Tea Party is a Canadian rock band with blues, progressive rock, Indian and Middle Eastern influences, dubbed "Moroccan roll" by the media. Active throughout the 1990s up until 2005 when the band broke up, The Tea Party released eight albums on EMI Music Canada, selling 1.6 million records...
, I Mother Earth
I Mother Earth
I Mother Earth, or IME, was a Canadian alternative rock band. The band was at the peak of its popularity in the mid-to-late 1990s; its members have moved on to other projects.-Early years:...
, and the fifth Edgefest appearance of 54-40.
The "National Phase" (1997-1999)
At the end of 1996, a promoter asked the Edgefest organizers if they could put the whole festival on the road, and as such, Edgefest 1997 was held across Canada, with four dates in Eastern CanadaEastern Canada
Eastern Canada is generally considered to be the region of Canada east of Manitoba, consisting of the following provinces:* New Brunswick* Newfoundland and Labrador* Nova Scotia* Ontario* Prince Edward Island* Quebec...
and four in Western Canada
Western Canada
Western Canada, also referred to as the Western provinces and commonly as the West, is a region of Canada that includes the four provinces west of the province of Ontario.- Provinces :...
. Beginning on June 28 in Barrie, the show moved on through Montréal, Quebec; Ottawa, Ontario; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and finally Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. At each stop, the same group of bands played, including Collective Soul
Collective Soul
Collective Soul is an American rock band originally formed in Stockbridge, Georgia. Collective Soul broke into mainstream popularity with their first hit single, "Shine", which came from their debut album Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid, released in 1993...
, Holly McNarland
Holly McNarland
Holly McNarland is a Canadian musician, singer and songwriter.She collaborated with Matthew Good on the song "Flight Recorder From Viking 7" from the album Loser Anthems as well as on the song "Pony Boy" from Matthew Good's greatest hits package In a Coma...
, Silverchair
Silverchair
Silverchair were an Australian rock band, which formed in 1992 as Innocent Criminals in Merewether, Newcastle with the line-up of Ben Gillies on drums, Chris Joannou on bass guitar and Daniel Johns on vocals and guitars. The group got their big break in mid-1994 when they won a national demo...
, Our Lady Peace and I Mother Earth.
The 1998 Edgefest tour was similar, again with eight shows in eight cities, resulting in eight sellouts. The lineups varied a bit between the cities, but for the most part there was the same group, including Bif Naked
Bif Naked
Bif Naked is a Juno Award-winning, Indian-born American-Canadian multi-platinum record selling, rock singer, writer, poet, motivational speaker and actress.-Personal life:...
, the Matthew Good Band
Matthew Good Band
Matthew Good Band was a Canadian alternative rock band formed by Matthew Good that existed from 1993 to 2002. The band consisted of Good , Dave Genn , Ian Browne and Geoff Lloyd from 1995 to 1999...
, Sloan
Sloan (band)
Sloan is a Toronto-based alternative rock quartet from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Throughout their 20-year tenure Sloan has released 10 LPs , two EPs, a live album, a "best of" collection and no less than thirty singles...
, Moist
Moist
Moist was a five-piece Canadian alternative rock band that was popular in the mid-to-late-1990s. The band was led by lead singer David Usher, along with Mark Makoway , Jeff Pearce , Kevin Young and Paul Wilcox .-Biography:...
, The Tea Party, and international content in Green Day
Green Day
Green Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tre Cool...
and the Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...
. Creed
Creed (band)
Creed is an American rock band formed in 1995 in Tallahassee, Florida. Becoming popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the band has released three consecutive multi-platinum albums, one of which has been certified diamond, and has sold over 28 million records in the United States, with an...
played the second stage to add to the lineup of now famous bands that once played that stage at Edgefest.
1999 was the last year of the national experiment. Headlined by Hole
Hole (band)
Hole is an American alternative rock band that originally formed in Los Angeles in 1989. The band is fronted by vocalist/songwriter and rhythm guitarist Courtney Love, who co-founded Hole with former songwriter/lead guitarist Eric Erlandson...
and Moist
Moist
Moist was a five-piece Canadian alternative rock band that was popular in the mid-to-late-1990s. The band was led by lead singer David Usher, along with Mark Makoway , Jeff Pearce , Kevin Young and Paul Wilcox .-Biography:...
, there once again were two days, as tickets for the July 1 show sold out within 5½ days. While the first day was miserably rainy, attendees toughed it out, and on the sunny and warm second show, there were another 20,000 people. Other performers in the thirteenth Edgefest included Big Wreck
Big Wreck
Big Wreck is a rock band formed by Ian Thornley in 1994. They disbanded in 2002 and Ian Thornley went onto a successful solo career with his own band Thornley. In 2010, Ian Thornley and Brian Doherty reunited for a cross-Canada tour, playing both Big Wreck and Thornley songs. Doherty then...
, Silverchair
Silverchair
Silverchair were an Australian rock band, which formed in 1992 as Innocent Criminals in Merewether, Newcastle with the line-up of Ben Gillies on drums, Chris Joannou on bass guitar and Daniel Johns on vocals and guitars. The group got their big break in mid-1994 when they won a national demo...
, Finger Eleven
Finger Eleven
Finger Eleven is a Canadian rock band from Burlington, Ontario, formed in 1989. They have currently released five studio albums, with their album The Greyest of Blue Skies bringing them into the mainstream...
, Len
Len (band)
Len is a Canadian alternative rock group from Toronto, Ontario. They are best known as a one-hit wonder for their song "Steal My Sunshine" in 1999. The band consists of siblings Marc Costanzo and Sharon Costanzo .-Studio albums:...
, Wide Mouth Mason
Wide Mouth Mason
Wide Mouth Mason is a Canadian blues-based rock band, consisting of Shaun Verreault , Safwan Javed , and Gordie Johnson . Former bassist Earl Pereira was also co-founder of Wide Mouth Mason...
, Gob
Gob (band)
Gob is a Canadian punk band from Langley, British Columbia formed in 1993, The Band consists of Tom Thacker, Theo Goutzinakis, Gabe Mantle and Steven Fairweather. Gob's most successful album is World According to Gob and their most successful song to date is I Hear You Calling...
and Serial Joe
Serial Joe
Serial Joe was a Canadian band from Newmarket, Ontario which consisted of high school students Ryan Dennis , Ryan Stever , John Davidson and Dan Stadnicki . The group released four full-length albums...
.
SARS, and "The Last Bash in Barrie" (2000-2003)
With Edgefest 2000, the Canada-wide tour had ended, and it was back to the usual Canada Day bash at Molson Park. Creed graduated to the main stage, and was joined by FilterFilter (band)
Filter is a rock group formed in 1993 in Cleveland by singer Richard Patrick and guitarist/programmer Brian Liesegang. Filter has released five studio albums, the most recent being The Trouble with Angels, which was released on August 17, 2010....
and Goldfinger
Goldfinger (band)
Goldfinger is a Los Angeles pop punk/ska punk band that formed in 1994. Currently, the band is composed of vocalist/guitarist John Feldmann, guitarist Charlie Paulson, bassist Kelly LeMieux, and drummer Darrin Pfeiffer...
. Playing the side stage this year was both 3 Doors Down
3 Doors Down
3 Doors Down is an American rock band from Escatawpa formed in 1996. The band consists of Brad Arnold , Matt Roberts , Todd Harrell , Chris Henderson , and Greg Upchurch ....
and Nickelback
Nickelback
Nickelback is a Canadian rock band from Hanna, Alberta. Since 1995 the band has included guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist and back-up vocalist Ryan Peake and bassist Mike Kroeger.. The band's current drummer and percussionist is Daniel Adair who has been with the band since 2005....
.
In 2001, Edgefest was one of the few years where the weather was absolutely miserable – rainy and bitterly cold. Headlined by Tool
Tool (band)
Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...
, who flew in from Europe especially for the concert, but left right after playing their very short set, angering fans. Other bands that year included Bif Naked
Bif Naked
Bif Naked is a Juno Award-winning, Indian-born American-Canadian multi-platinum record selling, rock singer, writer, poet, motivational speaker and actress.-Personal life:...
, Gob
Gob (band)
Gob is a Canadian punk band from Langley, British Columbia formed in 1993, The Band consists of Tom Thacker, Theo Goutzinakis, Gabe Mantle and Steven Fairweather. Gob's most successful album is World According to Gob and their most successful song to date is I Hear You Calling...
and the first appearance of Billy Talent
Billy Talent
Billy Talent is a Canadian post-hardcore band from Streetsville, Ontario. They formed in 1993 with Ben Kowalewicz as the lead vocalist, Ian D'Sa on lead guitar, bassist Jon Gallant and drummer Aaron Solowoniuk ....
.
Later that year The Edge also hosted the first "Edgefest II," held at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto, on Saturday August 25. It was headlined by Blink 182 with other bands to perform including New Found Glory
New Found Glory
New Found Glory is an American rock band from Coral Springs, Florida. Formed in the summer of 1997, founding members were lead vocalist Jordan Pundik, guitarists Chad Gilbert and Steve Klein, bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Joe Marino...
and Sum 41
Sum 41
Sum 41 is a Canadian rock band from Ajax, Ontario. The band was formed in 1996 and currently consists of members Deryck Whibley , Tom Thacker , Jason McCaslin and Steve Jocz .In 1999, the band signed an international record deal with Island Records...
among others.
Emergency crews were busy all day during the 2002 Edgefest treating sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration
Dehydration
In physiology and medicine, dehydration is defined as the excessive loss of body fluid. It is literally the removal of water from an object; however, in physiological terms, it entails a deficiency of fluid within an organism...
. Musically, Nickelback moved up from the side stage to headliners, and were joined by bands including Cake
Cake (band)
Cake is an American alternative rock band from Sacramento, California. Consisting of singer John McCrea, trumpeter Vince DiFiore, guitarist Xan McCurdy, bassist Gabe Nelson and drummer Paulo Baldi, the band has been noted for McCrea's sarcastic lyrics and deadpan voice, DiFiore's trumpet parts, and...
(who left the stage after being pelted by bottles), 30 Seconds to Mars
30 Seconds to Mars
30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
, Default
Default (band)
Default is a Canadian post-grunge/alternative rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia. Since forming in 1999 they have released four albums, and have sold more than a million records...
, Simple Plan
Simple Plan
Simple Plan is a Canadian pop punk band from Montréal, Québec. The band has had no line up changes since its inception in 1999. Members are Pierre Bouvier , Jeff Stinco , Sébastien Lefebvre , David Desrosiers and Chuck Comeau...
and Theory of a Deadman
Theory of a Deadman
Theory of a Deadman is a Canadian rock band from Delta, British Columbia, formed in 2001. The band is currently signed to Roadrunner Records as well as Island Records. The band also includes traits of other music styles, such as country and acoustic, as well as their post-grunge and alternative...
.
2003 was the most challenging one ever thrown. As the world believed that Toronto was a plague zone due to an outbreak of SARS, bands were nervous to come play there. To make matters worse, insurance companies refused to underwrite tours, in case someone at a show came down with SARS at a Toronto show and decided to sue. When the crisis
Crisis
A crisis is any event that is, or expected to lead to, an unstable and dangerous situation affecting an individual, group, community or whole society...
finally passed, Edgfest '03 took place, on 6 September. Billed as "The Last Bash in Barrie," due to the fact that once again the Edgefest festival would be leaving Molson Park for the Molson Amphitheatre at Ontario Place
Ontario Place
Ontario Place is a multiple use entertainment and seasonal waterfront park attraction located in Toronto, Ontario, and owned by the Crown in Right of Ontario. It is administered as an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, just south of...
, the show included The Tragically Hip, Sloan, Our Lady Peace, the Stereophonics
Stereophonics
The Stereophonics are a Welsh rock band now living in turners x that formed in 1992 in the village of Cwmaman in Cynon Valley, Wales. The band currently comprises lead vocalist and guitarist Kelly Jones, bassist and backing vocalist Richard Jones, drummer Javier Weyler, guitarist and backing...
and Fefe Dobson
Fefe Dobson
Felicia Lily "Fefe" Dobson is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Her self-titled debut album earned her two Juno Award nominations. Her second album, Sunday Love, was not released and she was terminated from her recording company...
.
Recent concerts
In 2004, Edgefest moved back to the Molson Amphitheatre. Headlined by Finger Eleven and Good CharlotteGood Charlotte
Good Charlotte is an American rock band from Waldorf, Maryland that formed in 1996. Since 1998, the band's constant members have been lead vocalist Joel Madden, lead guitarist and back-up vocalist Benji Madden, bass guitarist Paul Thomas and rhythm guitarist and keyboardist Billy Martin...
, the show also included Billy Talent's move to the mainstage, Alexisonfire
Alexisonfire
Alexisonfire was a five-piece, Juno-nominated post-hardcore band that formed in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada in 2001. The band consisted of George Pettit , Dallas Green , Wade MacNeil , Chris Steele , and Jordan Hastings .They describe their music as "the sound of two Catholic high-school girls...
, The Salads
The Salads
The Salads are a punk rock band from Ontario, Canada, with strong reggae tendencies. They are currently signed to their own label, Maui Wowie Records, after having been signed to Kindling Music, a sub-division of Warner Music Canada.- History :...
, Something Corporate
Something Corporate
Something Corporate is an American rock band from Orange County, California, formed in 1998. Their current line-up includes pianist and vocalist Andrew McMahon, guitarist Josh Partington, bassist Kevin Page and drummer Brian Ireland....
and Australia's Jet
Jet (band)
Jet are an Australian rock band formed in 2001 while attending St Bede's College Mentone in Melbourne, . The band consists of lead guitarist Cameron Muncey, bassist Mark Wilson, and brothers Nic and Chris Cester on vocals/rhythm guitar and drums respectively...
.
Edgefest 2005 was headlined by Billy Talent, and also included Coheed and Cambria
Coheed and Cambria
Coheed and Cambria is an American progressive rock band from Nyack, New York. Formed in 1995, the group incorporates aspects of progressive rock, punk rock, metal and post-hardcore....
, Jakalope
Jakalope
Jakalope is a Canadian pop/electronica group. They are named for the fictional animal of the same name, although the animal's name is more commonly spelled jackalope. The band was formed in 2003 by noted Canadian industrial musician and producer Dave "Rave" Ogilvie most famous for his studio work...
and Rise Against
Rise Against
Rise Against is an American punk rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The band currently consists of Tim McIlrath , Zach Blair , Joe Principe and Brandon Barnes .Rise Against spent its first five years signed to the independent record label Fat Wreck Chords, on which it...
. It was also the first year that there was a side stage designated for a certain record label, Underground Operations
Underground Operations
Underground Operations is an independent punk rock record label based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1995, the label was originally based in Ajax, Ontario....
, on which Bombs Over Providence
Bombs Over Providence
Bombs Over Providence was a Canadian pop-punk/punk rock band from Brampton, Ontario. They were one of the first bands signed to Underground Operations. Their lyrics mainly have a theme of politics. They broke up around the same time Closet Monster did....
, Closet Monster
Closet Monster
Closet Monster was a Canadian punk rock band from Ajax, Ontario.-Biography:Closet Monster formed in 1997 and broke up in 2005. They played their final show on December 8, 2005 at the Phoenix in Toronto with Underground Operations label mates Dead Letter Dept, Bombs Over Providence, Hostage Life and...
and Hostage Life
Hostage Life
Hostage Life was a Canadian punk band from Toronto, Ontario. Formed in 2002, Hostage Life released its first EP, Sing for the Enemy on Toronto's independent punk rock label, Underground Operations, home to such bands as Closet Monster and Protest The Hero...
, among others, played.
As 2006 is the twentieth anniversary of Edgefest, two shows were scheduled. The first, billed as "Edgefest One", took place on 1 July. Headlined by Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace is a Canadian alternative rock band that formed in Toronto, Ontario in 1992. Headed by lead vocalist Raine Maida since its formation, the band additionally consists of Jeremy Taggart on percussion, Duncan Coutts on bass, and Steve Mazur as lead guitarist...
, who brought fans on stage, and encouraged fans to use their cameras (use of which is always prohibited) and even record an unreleased song, Kiss on the Mouth – Singer Raine Maida
Raine Maida
Raine Maida , is a Canadian musician best known as being the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the alternative rock band Our Lady Peace. He has come to be known for his unique countertenor nasal falsetto singing voice, as well as his cryptic and poetry-influenced song lyrics...
went so far as to actually ask for a fan's audio recorder and sang into it, as well as into the microphone, during that song. Other bands included Keane, Mobile
Mobile (band)
Mobile were a Canadian Alternative Rock band from Montreal initially composed of Mathieu Joly , Christian Brais , Pierre-Marc Hamelin , Dominic Viola and Frank Williamson . Their debut album, Tomorrow Starts Today, was released in 2006. The band was nominated for two Juno Awards in 2007 and went...
, Neverending White Lights
Neverending White Lights
Neverending White Lights is a Canadian music collaboration project fronted by Daniel Victor from Windsor, Ontario, and featuring several artists mainly from Canada and the United States. Daniel Victor performs all musical instruments, with most of his songs featuring guest singers...
and Hot Hot Heat
Hot Hot Heat
Hot Hot Heat is a Canadian indie rock band formed in 1999 from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.-Career:Dustin Hawthorne and Steve Bays had been in many different bands together since 1995 and met Hawley in 1998. In 1999, Hawley bought a Juno 6 keyboard and asked Bays to try playing it, as no one...
.
On 16 July, "Edgefest Two", the second Edgefest 2006 show took place. It had three stages – the main stage, the Edge Next Big Thing side stage, and the Bedlam Society/Dine Alone Stage, another record label-based stage. Performing at Edgefest Two was Yellowcard
Yellowcard
Yellowcard is an American pop punk/alternative rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1997, and based in Los Angeles, California since 2000. Their music features the use of a violin, unusual for the genre...
, The All-American Rejects
The All-American Rejects
The All-American Rejects are an American rock band formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1999. The band consists of lead vocalist and bass guitarist Tyson Ritter, lead guitarist, Nick Wheeler, rhythm guitarist, Mike Kennerty, and drummer Chris Gaylor....
, Story of the Year
Story of the Year
Story of the Year is an American rock band formed in St. Louis, Missouri in 2000. The band was initially named 67 North but was then changed to Big Blue Monkey...
and The Miniatures
The Miniatures
The Miniatures are an alternative rock band from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Their members include founding members Andrew Kennedy , Steve Toms , Chris Finn , Shawn Feeney , drummer Nick Skalkos, bassist Ryan Allen, keyboardist/guitarist Kevin Hundt and singer/songwriter/guitarist Ian Smith.In 2000,...
.
It was announced that there would be no Edgefest in 2007.
On February 26, 2008, Dean Blundell announced the return of Edgefest. The show took place July 12, 2008 at Downsview Park with headlining band Linkin Park
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
. Other acts included Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots is an American rock band from San Diego, California that consists of Scott Weiland , brothers Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo , and Eric Kretz ....
, the Sam Roberts Band, The Bravery
The Bravery
The Bravery is an American rock band from New York City that consists of Sam Endicott , Michael Zakarin , John Conway , Mike Hindert , and Anthony Burulcich...
and others.
Edgefest 2009 was held on June 20, 2009. The show took place at Downsview Park. Billy Talent
Billy Talent
Billy Talent is a Canadian post-hardcore band from Streetsville, Ontario. They formed in 1993 with Ben Kowalewicz as the lead vocalist, Ian D'Sa on lead guitar, bassist Jon Gallant and drummer Aaron Solowoniuk ....
were the headliners. The musicians that performed on the Main Stage in addition to Billy Talent were: AFI
AFI (band)
AFI is an American alternative rock band from Ukiah, California that formed in 1991. They have consisted of the same lineup since 1998: lead vocalist Davey Havok, drummer and backup vocalist Adam Carson, with bassist Hunter Burgan and guitarist Jade Puget, who both play keyboard and contribute...
, Alexisonfire
Alexisonfire
Alexisonfire was a five-piece, Juno-nominated post-hardcore band that formed in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada in 2001. The band consisted of George Pettit , Dallas Green , Wade MacNeil , Chris Steele , and Jordan Hastings .They describe their music as "the sound of two Catholic high-school girls...
, k-os
K-os
Kevin Brereton , better known by his stage name k-os , is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer...
, The Stills
The Stills
The Stills were a Canadian rock band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 2000. The band consists of Tim Fletcher , Dave Hamelin , Olivier Corbeil , and Liam O'Neil , Gregory Paquet .-History:The band members have known each other since the age of...
, Arkells
Arkells
Arkells are a Canadian rock band, formed in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2006, they signed with Dine Alone Records, the label for other Canadian acts such as City and Colour, Attack In Black, Alexisonfire, and Tokyo Police Club.-Band history:...
, and Metric
Metric (band)
Metric is a Canadian indie rock and New Wave band founded in 1998 in Toronto. The band has also at various times been based in Montreal, London, New York City and Los Angeles...
.
In 2010, CFNY 102.1 The Edge opted to forgo a day long concert festival for several concerts throughout the summer months called "The Edge Summer Concert Series".
On January 24, 2011 the Dean Blundell Show announced Edgefest 2011. Headliners include Rise Against
Rise Against
Rise Against is an American punk rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The band currently consists of Tim McIlrath , Zach Blair , Joe Principe and Brandon Barnes .Rise Against spent its first five years signed to the independent record label Fat Wreck Chords, on which it...
, A Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The original incarnation of the band also included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums...
and The Weakerthans
The Weakerthans
The Weakerthans are a four-piece Canadian indie rock band.-History:The band was formed in 1997 in Winnipeg, Manitoba by John K. Samson, after he left the punk band Propagandhi to start a publishing company. Samson joined forces with bassist John P...
See also
- List of Edgefest Lineups
- List of festivals in Canada
- Music of CanadaMusic of CanadaThe music of Canada has influences that have shaped the country. Aboriginals, the British, and the French have all made unique contributions to the musical heritage of Canada. The music has subsequently been heavily influenced by American culture because of its proximity and migration between...