MONTREAL – In this city, there are festivals for everyone – from jazz lovers to people who just want to laugh.
Heavy Montreal is a haven for head-banging rockers, and with the festival going into its seventh year, it shows no signs of slowing down.
“In our heads we kind of always know who we want,” organizer Daniel Glick told Global News, adding he works all year to secure bands that suit everyone’s taste – from punk rock to death metal.
“That’s something we focused on from day one, bringing in all kinds of audiences.”
Here are five bands you might not have known were playing Heavy Montreal this year, according to Glick:
Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg with Andrew W.K.
“This is probably something you wouldn’t see a few years ago,” said Glick of Marky Ramone, the drummer and last living original member of American punk rock band The Ramones.
“There’s just so much history with the Ramones.”
Iggy Pop
“Iggy Pop is a music icon, a legend,” said Glick of the American singer-songwriter, musician and actor.
Pop is most known as the singer for influential protopunk band The Stooges.
“Everyone loves Iggy. His music fits with everyone – he’s one of the original punk rockers.”
Alexisonfire
“Alexisonfire definitely fits in Heavy and they’ve played it before,” said Glick, who said he’s grateful to have them in Montreal.
The band got back together this year to play just a handful of festivals including the Reading and Leeds festivals in England, Sonic Boom in Edmonton and of course, Heavy Montreal.
“It’s cool to get them back. It’s something special.”
The Agonist
“We always love to help support local bands,” said Glick of extreme metal band The Agonist, which was founded in Montreal in 2004.
“We’re starting to understand the whole scene, who’s out there and who we like so we can support them.”
Every year, Glick said, he works to reserve certain spots to give local bands a much-needed platform to shine through.
Heavy mania
Heavy mania isn’t exactly a band – it’s what organizers came up with to take Heavy Montreal to a whole other level – including some crazy wrestling matches.
“It’s the third year we’re having them and the wrestlers get better and better,” said Glick.
“It’s great entertainment. People love it. I love it. Our wrestlers are great.”
It’s also a bit of an ode to Glick’s grandfather, who took him to wrestling matches as a boy.
WATCH: Heavy Montreal from last year
There will also be panel conferences with people in the industry to discuss hard rock and metal music as well as international music festivals and more.
Over 75,000 people attended Heavy Montreal last year – the biggest to date – and with pre-parties starting on Aug. 3, Glick said he sees no signs that the festival is going to slow down.
Heavy Montreal takes place on Parc Jean-Drapeau Friday, Aug. 7 to Sunday, Aug. 9.
rachel.lau@globalnews.ca
Follow @rachel_lau
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