16 shows to catch at this year’s POP Montreal

In a city bursting at the seams with music festivals, POP Montreal generally offers the most eclectic line-up, and this year is no exception. From dance music pioneer Giorgio Moroder to metal icons Motörhead, no genre is safe from the onslaught of POP as it takes over the city from September 16 – 20.

With so many shows to choose from, we’ve selected some of this year’s highlights below. Tickets for all shows can be purchased separately, while the most musically adventurous will likely want to grab one of the assortment of festival passes to catch as many shows as possible.

Wednesday, September 16

The Sonics at Theatre Fairmount

Garage rock legends The Sonics have been at it since the early 60’s, and their recent live shows have apparently still been total barn burners. Les Breastfeeders will get moving first. Do not miss the chance to catch one of the originators of blown-out rock n’ roll in such an intimate venue. $30/$33, 9:00pm, 5240 Parc Ave. 

Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats at Theatre Corona

U.K. doom slingers Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats are heading back to town following a sold-out show at Bar le Ritz a few months back, fresh off the release of their latest LP, The Night Creeper. Ruby the Hatchet and Ecstatic Vision open. We’re giving away a pair of tickets to the show here, but enter quick; the contest wraps up on Tuesday. $20/$23, 8:00 pm, 2490 Notre-Dame West.

OBN III’s at Casa del Popolo

Austin’s OBN III’s play full-tilt aggressive garage rock, with frontman Orville Bateman Neeley III routintely egging on the crowd in the best punk rock provocateur tradition. Too bad they’re not on the Sonics bill, but hopefully the set times gods make it possible to catch both shows. Girl Arm, Blanka and Grosser open up. $10/$12, 9:00pm, 4873 Saint-Laurent.

Thursday, September 17

Ought at Ukrainian Federation Hall

Ought were one of the best acts we caught at POP last year, and are returning in advance of their highly-anticipated new LP, Sun Coming Down. Tasseomancy and Nennen open. $15, 8:00pm, 5213 Hutchison Street. 

The Diodes at PHI Centre

The Diodes basically kick-started Toronto’s early punk scene, and the band’s own Crash N’ Burn bar was Canada’s first punk venue, hosting early shows for The Ramones, The Nerves and countless others. Those early days of TO punk will get the full retrospective treatment tonight with a rare show by the reunited Diodes, a slide-show from the era by Don Pyle (of the equally legendary Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet), a set by Gord Lewis and Dave Rave of Teenage Head, a screening of the rare short film on Crash N’ Burn and a set by local garage band The Frisky Kids. Rock n’ Roll High School is officially in session! $20/$25, 7:00pm, 407 Rue Saint Pierre.

Mikal Cronin at Theatre Fairmount

Mikal Cronin knows his way around a great pop hook, and constantly evolves his style just enough to never feel stale, including on his great new LP, MCIII, where his arrangements reach a Phil Spector-level wall of sound. He headlines a stacked show including guitar-pop whiz Cairo Gang, Calvin Love and Les Marinellis. $16/$20, 9:00pm, 5240 Parc Ave. 

Friday, September 18

Will Butler at The Rialto

The night after his band screens The Reflektor Tapes in the same venue, Will Butler will play his largest solo Montreal gig yet, at the classy Rialto Theatre. Will’s solo output is focused more on gritty garage rock and electro pop than the intricate arrangements of The Arcade Fire, and this should be another high-energy performance, following his pair of sold-out record release shows back in March. Tropic Harbour and Algodón Egipcio open. $25, 8:00pm, 5723 Parc.

Motörhead and Anthrax at Olympia

Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has had his share of serious health problems recently, which have forced the band to cut short or outright cancel a number of dates. Thankfully, by all accounts they killed it at Chicago’s Riot Fest last weekend, so the band appears all set to destroy a Montreal stage once again tonight. Thrash titans Anthrax open up, making this an incredible bill of timeless metal. Sold out, 7:30, 1004 St. Catherine East. 

Godflesh at Le National

U.K. industrial metal pioneers Godflesh have only toured sporadically since reuniting back in 2010, which makes this rare Montreal stop all the more exciting. One of the most influential groups to merge the energy and attitude of punk and metal with electronics, the band’s rage-fueled sound sound has lost none of its power over the years. New York’s Prurient and locals Pelvic Floor open. $25/$30, 8:00pm, 1220 St. Catherine East. 

Cannibal Ox and Jean Grae at Club Soda

Back in 2001, NY hip hop duo Cannibal Ox released their groundbreaking debut, the El-P produced The Cold Vein, before essentially disappearing from public view amidst sporadic chatter that their follow-up was on its way. That fabled sophomore LP finally came out this year with Blade of the Ronin, and the duo are now out on the road in support of it, including tonight’s gig with fellow NY rapper Jean Grae, along with Lyric Michelle and Wasiu. $25/$30, 8:00pm, 1225 St. Laurent. 

Giorgio Moroder at Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Italian dance music pioneer Giorgio Moroder is often credited with creating electronic music as we now know it. His synth-heavy sound has appeared on records by everyone form Donna Summer to David Bowie, to the recent collaborations with millennials like Sia and Charli XCX. Moroder is probably best known for his 80’s film work, from the pulsing soundtrack of The Neverending Story to the pop-schmaltz of Top Gun. His set at the ornate Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste will easily be one of the most unique at this year’s POP. Organ Mood opens. $45/$50/$60, 9:00pm, 309 Rachel East.

Saturday, September 19

Babes in Toyland at The Rialto

Recently-reunited 90’s alt-vets Babes in Toyland are back after a 14-year hiatus, for what is likely the most anticipated show at this year’s POP. We spoke to drummer Lori Barbero about the unexpected reunion on the latest episode of the Bad Feeling Podcast – you can check that out here. $27, 8:00pm, 5723 Parc.

Built to Spill at Club Soda

Good luck choosing between this and Babes in Toyland tonight, as another classic 90’s band, Idaho’s Built to Spill, make a rare stop around these parts. Crosss and Clarke and the Himselfs open. $22.50/$25, 8:00pm, 1225 St. Laurent.

Murder by Death at Bar le Ritz PDB

Murder by Death’s dark alt-country vibe is the perfect way to send off a hectic Saturday at POP. Local pop-punk torchbearers Laureate will kick things off on a cheerier note first. $18/$20, 9:00pm, 179 Jean Talon West. 

Heartless Bastards and Alberta Cross at Petit Campus

Ohio’s Heartless Bastards will put Campus’ bar staff to work tonight, as the soulful roots-rock outfit teams up with indie-folk act Alberta Cross for this solid double-bill. $15/$20, 9:00pm, 57 Prince-Arthur East.

Sunday, September 20

Bully and Heat at Divan Orange

Bully fit right in with the actual 90’s bands playing this year’s POP, channeling the fuzzy aggro-pop of that decade alongside singer Alicia Bognanno’s introspective lyrics. Locals Heat and Fake Limbs open. $15, 9:00pm, 4234 St. Laurent.