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Venue
BORN RUFFIANS IN CONCERT:
Canadian indie rockers Born Ruffians make driving, post-punk-inspired music full of spindly guitars, syncopated rhythms, and soaring sing-along vocals. At their dynamic live shows the band takes audiences on an epic journey, tearing through anthemic tracks like "I Need a Life" and "Permanent Hesitation" with a mixture of adrenaline-fueled energy and focused intensity. They're masters of tension and release, building suspense with dramatic pauses and adding depth to their songs with ambient guitar textures. Whether they're playing early cuts like "Hummingbird" or performing songs from their acclaimed 2015 album Ruff, Born Ruffians always impress with their stylish indie rock sound and electrifying stage presence.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Born Ruffians formed in Midland, Ontario in 2004 and relocated to Toronto later that year. Their early performances and a growing online reputation attracted the attention of UK imprint Warp Records, and in 2006 the band issued their self-titled debut EP on the label. Lead single "This Sentence Will Ruin/Save Your Life" received heavy airplay on Canadian radio, drawing the band out for extensive touring alongside groups like Franz Ferdinand and Peter Bjorn and John. Their rise continued in 2008 with the release of their full-length debut album Red, Yellow & Blue, which got a boost when it was featured on the popular British drama Skins. More touring followed, including a string of Australian dates for the St. Jerome's Laneway Festival with bands like Girl Talk, Stereolab, and Tame Impala. Born Ruffians’ fourth album Birthmarks was written over the course of three years on the road, and critics hailed the record's mature sound and dynamic, harmony-filled tracks like "Needles". With their fifth album Ruff generating buzz in 2015, Born Ruffians have fans eagerly awaiting to experience the new material in concert.
Encore
Not only are the Born Ruffians amazing artists, musicians, singers and song writers but they’re also super entertaining! Shondi was so much fun! From the hooded capes to the devil himself, it was an awesome event!
So great to see the Ruffians again, Awesome night of old and new jams! Audience was fully engaged, belting out lyrics and dancing away! Shondi did not win, really didn’t stand a chance, the encore was unexpected and it was great to hear more songs from 15 years ago. Possibly the best show I’ve been to this year! E
Born Ruffians pulled out all the stops. Lots of energy, lots of surprises and something for everyone. And they get better and better every time they perform.
I love this band so much! Their melodic, quirky and fun songs are amplified through their high energy live performances! I love the idea behind Shondi Festoon despite not knowing exactly what it is. It was my first one but certainly not my last! I can't wait for their new album release and their next set of tour dates - hopefully again at the Danforth as it's one of my favourite Toronto live music venues. All I ask is that "Oh, Cecelia" be played next Toronto show please :D
I've seen this band several times and they never disappoint. This show was no exception.
Looking forward to Shondi Festoon 3 and the new album!!
Probably one of the best nights of my life. Born Ruffians have such a great stage presence and really know how to preform. Loved it!
great energy, great setlist, soo happy that they played all of the fan favourites like hummingbird, I need a life, foxes mate for life, etc. Sound was perfect, love the small venue, everything was ace!!!
First time seeing Born Ruffians. They had great energy on stage, and the music was tight. They sounded great in the Opera House, but the Opera House always sounds amazing. The new guy in the band really filled out the songs - he did a great job. I would surely see them again live. The opening band (I didn't catch the name) was a great choice to rev the crowd up for the headliner. Any time you involve the crowd in the show as heavily as they did you will end up with a very charged atmosphere, which makes for a great show. Thanks for choosing the Opera House! Love this venue.
I'm a big born ruffians fan and had never seen them live - and they did not disappoint! Energetic, entertaining and i loved the subtle variations of some songs. I can't wait til they come back!
