The Best Shows Hitting Vancouver September 2017

Don’t miss Guns N’ Roses, Lionel Richie, Janet Jackson and more awesome performers on stage this month

1. Guns N’ Roses at BC Place Stadium – Friday, September 1

They’re billing the Not in This Lifetime tour as a reunion. Sure, if your memory is shot and you believe the classic Guns N’ Roses lineup consists of only three guys, then I guess you can go with that. With the glaring absence of Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler notwithstanding, founding members Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan join forces in an effort to convince you that three out of five ain’t bad.

English alt/indie duo Royal Blood will open this event at 7:30 p.m., but given Axl’s historical indifference towards punctuality, I’ll set the Vegas line on GnR hitting the stage at no earlier than 10:30. (I’m merely speculating here. Don’t hold me to that assumption and don’t lose all your money! Just show up on time.) Wear your riot gear and never let it be said I didn’t remind you to eat a decent meal first.
Tickets from $35

2. Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey at Rogers Arena – Sunday, September 3

I’ll admit it, Lionel Richie is such a guilty pleasure that it’s difficult for me to sit still whenever I hear “Running With the Night.” The four-time Grammy Award-winning artist and 2017 Kennedy Center Honoree has so many amazing hits, it just seems like a complete no-brainer to christen this year’s round of shows as the All the Hits tour. Those residing within a six-block radius of Rogers Arena should prepare to secure all their fine stemware in bubble-wrap as the high-pitched sensation and never-ending circus of drama known as Mariah Carey will play support. In predicting the number of dancer dudes who will carry the stiletto-heeled diva onto the stage, I’ll just go ahead and set the over/under at four. I’ll take the over.
Tickets from $39.95

3. Westward Music Festival at Various Venues – Thursday, September 14 to Sunday, September 17

I know what you’re thinking: it seems a little odd to wrap your head around a summer festival in… September? But hey, considering the first day of autumn will strike the calendar on September 22nd, the Westward Music Festival slips in just under the wire. Over 35 performers will entertain at 15 live music events in venues throughout the city. Catch such diverse acts—from Vince Staples to A Tribe Called Red—from Gov’t Mule to Dear Rouge, and many more—all within a 2.5-km radius of each other, conveniently served by Vancouver’s network of bike paths. Strap on your helmet and start pedalling from the Vogue to the Biltmore, over to the Imperial and then the Fox, finally culminating at the Red Truck Brewery backlot where you can cap it off with a cold pop or two. It’s an excellent way to celebrate the final few days of the season.
Individual events from $10; wristbands from $59.50

4. Apocalyptica at The Commodore Ballroom – Saturday, September 23

If you missed Metallica’s epic stadium show last month, fear not. Apocalyptica has you covered. Celebrating the re-release of their landmark 1996 album Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, Finland’s neoclassical cello collective will once again challenge the way you think about metal. If you enjoy your classical music served a little bit on the dark side, consider this an experience you should definitely not miss.
Tickets $39.50

5. Janet Jackson at Rogers Arena – Tuesday, September 26

Never to be underestimated, Janet Jackson exudes pure Girl Power and proves the family talent doesn’t stop short at her famous brothers. A genuine force in the pop music industry for more than 30 years, the 51-year-old icon resumes the world tour she put on hold to give birth to her first child. I think it’s safe to say this lady can do it all. And don’t forget: her first name ain’t baby, it’s Janet—Miss Jackson if you’re nasty.
Tickets from $29

6. Paul Rodgers at Hard Rock Casino, Coquitlam – Friday, September 29

It’s awesome to consider Paul Rodgers has been in the music business for nearly 50 years. To be perfectly honest, I’m having a difficult time believing too many of the current flavours out there could sustain a career for that long! This British-born B.C. resident will no doubt take you on a trip down memory lane, performing numbers from his legendary tenure as frontman for Free, Bad Company and The Firm. Do not miss the opportunity to catch one of rock’s purest voices in the intimate confines of the Molson Canadian Theatre at the Hard Rock.
Tickets from $89.50