The Best Shows Hitting Vancouver in October 2022

From homegrown international superstars to rock ‘n’ roll royalty, it’s all happening this month

1. Michael Bublé at Rogers Arena – Saturday, October 1Facebook/Michael Bublé

It’s doubtful I have any United Statesers reading my column (I call them that because I think it’s funny they’ve poached the term “Americans” strictly for themselves, considering the Americas cover almost the entire land mass of the Western Hemisphere). But, if you’re skimming this thread right now and you live south of the 49th, I’d like to offer a pronunciation key for Michael Bublé. Take note: Entertainment Tonight is getting it wrong. It’s BOO-blay (emphasis on the BOO), not boo-BLAAAAY (emphasis on the BLAAAAY). It might also be prudent to teach you how to properly pronounce Jacob Tremblay and Céline Dion, but this isn’t about them, and it might be too much for today anyway. I know, I know, it’s hard to speak Canadian. Sorry. But regardless, the favourite son hailing from the mean streets of Burnaby is all set to bring his signature crooning style back close to the fringe of his hometown for an excellent “evening with” performance. For those not in the know, that means no opening act. It’s just the cute, funny guy with the clever commercials for flavoured fizzy water. Show up on time or face utter disappointment along with your embarrassing mispronunciation.
Tickets from $88.15

2. Styx and Nancy’s Wilson’s Heart at Abbotsford Centre – Thursday, October 6Facebook/Styx

Now here’s the perfect event for social media’s entitled trolls to lose their collective minds over. At the headline position, you have the fabulous Styx, who have been without their original lead singer, Dennis DeYoung, for well over 20 years now. Then, fronting the opening slot, you have the equally fabulous Nancy Wilson presenting her own version of her storied band Heart, again, without the lead vocals provided by her sister, Ann. But here’s the thing—Styx is a much better band without DeYoung, whom I often equate to Ethel Merman. I mean, Ethel was great, but she wasn’t much of a rock star. Check out our national treasure Lawrence Gowan on keys and leads (as always, sharing vox duties with Tommy Shaw and James J.Y. Young), and you’ll see what I mean. As for Nancy, I’ve battled naysayers who won’t give her a chance, claiming she should do what they say. I wouldn’t kid about this— they’re literally telling her what to do with her career. Imagine holding legendary status in the rock ‘n’ roll ranks for close to 50 years, and having some lunchbucket dude with a mullet and a gun rack tell you you’re doing it wrong? Step off, Kyle! The nerve. But believe me, if you have an open mind, and you’re willing to give these two class acts a fair shot, you will not regret purchasing a ticket for this event.
Tickets from $61.75

3. Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band at Abbotsford Centre – Saturday, October 8Ringo Starr

It really seems like 2022 has been a great year for classic rock concerts in this region, and at this point in the program, I can think of none more classic (for those coming to town, anyway) than Ringo Starr. The erstwhile drummer for some band named after bugs (or something like that) will bring his trademark “peace and love” to the valley with some of his best musical pals in tow. Anyone who’s ever seen one of these good-time All Starr hootenannies will tell you it’s never about Ringo. While the affable 82-year-old teenager will sit in the background, tapping the skins while bobbing his head in time, he’ll graciously leave the showboating to his friends Steve Lukather, Edgar Winter, Colin Hay, Gregg Bissonette, Hamish Stuart and Warren Ham. Don’t miss out on this chance to catch a living legend in action.
Tickets from $125.75

4. Elton John and BC Place Stadium – Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22Elton John

So, it turns out Elton John isn’t just that random guy who did the spoken word thing on Steven Wilson’s last album. Stop laughing, I’m kidding—he also played piano on an Alice in Chains record. Man, you people are hostile critics! All joking aside, this 75-year-old legend has it in him to circumnavigate the globe a multitude of times just to make sure every living person on the planet (or more accurately, those with dosh) has a chance to see him one last time before he packs it in on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Missed him when he was here at Rogers Arena for three phenomenal concerts back in 2019? Why not re-mortgage your home for a single seat in the upper summit of the city’s bulkiest of football barns? I’m obligated to insert a very low ticket alert here, as there are only verified re-sale (ie: legalized scalping) and platinum tickets (i.e.: Ticketmaster’s answer to Uber surge pricing) available for the purchasing. Can you feel the love tonight? I guess it all depends on the girth of your wallet. Sherpa guide not included.
Tickets from $178.50

5. Wardruna at Orpheum Theatre – Wednesday, October 26Wadruna

When taxed with trying to decipher Wardruna to the uninitiated, I struggle to clearly illuminate their esoteric quality. It just seems half-witted to tell you they’re a dark ambient Norwegian folk outfit. Sure, I can mention they’re a band that bases their recordings and concerts on historical Nordic sources such as Norse runes and the sayings of Odin, performing their music on traditional instruments like deer-hide frame drums, tagelharpas and goat horns, but is that enough to explain it? Not really. Wardruna is a band that must be experienced in a live setting to be understood. Don’t get what I’m talking about? Neither do I! So click on that ticket link and find out for yourself. But do it now because there is merely a handful left.
Tickets from $56

6. Carly Rae Jepsen at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Arena – Saturday, October 29Carly Rae Jepsen

If I asked you to name the winners from all six seasons of Canadian Idol (without looking them up on Google), you’d likely end up shrugging your shoulders with an “I dunno” response, right? But if I questioned you on who holds the title for most successful contestant, there’s likely no doubt the name Carly Rae Jepsen would be the first to spring to mind. She may not have been topping any charts immediately after competing in 2007, but thanks to an enthusiastic fan by the name of Justin Bieber (not sure if you’ve heard of him), this talented young lady from Mission managed to break ground—and records—with the release of the ridiculously catchy “Call Me Maybe” in 2011, becoming the best-selling single of 2011… worldwide! Now, after five acclaimed albums, she’s getting ready to release the more introspective The Loneliest Time on October 21, giving you just enough time to buy it and absorb it before the show. And oh, if you’re keeping track on the whole Idol thing, she came in third on Season 5. Remember the winner and runner-up? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
Tickets from $58.60