Three Days Grace brought their Alienation tour to Casino Rama on July 19, delivering a high-energy, emotional and nostalgia-filled night that left the near-capacity crowd screaming, jumping and singing along from start to finish.
Opening the show was Kasador, a four-piece indie band from Kingston, Ontario, who were a last-minute addition to the lineup. While the pairing felt somewhat unorthodox given the vast differences in musical styles, Kasador performed enthusiastically and gave the crowd an energetic introduction to the evening.
Once Three Days Grace took the stage, the atmosphere changed immediately.
The band opened with Domination, a track from their latest album, Alienation, and wasted no time setting the tone for the night. What followed was a 22-song setlist that blended the band’s biggest hits with newer material, showcasing both their evolution and their enduring ability to connect with fans.
The set included fan favourites such as Animal I Have Become, I Am Machine, The Mountain and I Hate Everything About You, along with newer songs including Apologies, Mayday and Don’t Want to Go Home Tonight.
One of the highlights of the evening was the acoustic portion of the show. The stripped-down set included Lost in You, Chalk Outline, Pornstar Dancing, My Sharona and Lifetime. During this portion of the performance, the band laughed, reminisced and reflected on their past. A montage of photos showing the band members as kids added an especially personal touch. For a moment, it felt as though the audience had been transported back to the band’s humble beginnings, when they would gather around a campfire in Norwood and perform together. It was a rare and intimate glimpse into the history behind the music.
Lifetime carried an especially emotional moment for Matt Walst, who dedicated the song to his late father in law. The heartfelt emotion was clearly visible, creating one of the most moving moments of the night.
This was also my first time seeing Adam Gontier and Matt Walst share the stage as dual vocalists, and the combination was nothing short of a vocal powerhouse. The two traded lyrics back and forth and complemented each other exceptionally well. Their chemistry was evident, adding another dynamic layer to the performance.
The show also featured a special guest appearance from Adam’s brother, Kyle, who joined the band on stage for one song, Don’t Want To Go Home Tonight.
After an unforgettable night of music, the band closed the show with Riot. The crowd erupted, jumping and screaming — myself included. Adding to the excitement, Matt Walst’s young son came out on stage and joined in on the celebration. It was an adorable moment that brought an already electric finale an extra dose of family warmth.
Three Days Grace delivered everything fans could have hoped for: the hits, the new music, the nostalgia, the emotion and an incredible amount of energy.
I absolutely loved the show. It was a powerful reminder of why Three Days Grace continues to be such a beloved live act, and Casino Rama was treated to one unforgettable night.
All photos Sue Hebert Sadzak ©2026. Please do NOT copy or use without permission.
Kasador:
Three Days Grace:
