On a chilly December night, Club Regent Event Centre heated up with the electrifying performances of rock bands Big Wreck and Texas King, along with a special solo appearance by Winnipeg's own Daniel Greaves, the lead vocalist of local band The Watchmen. The evening promised a diverse range of music, and it certainly delivered.
Daniel Greaves. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Daniel Greaves took the stage first, treating the audience to a blend of covers and original songs from The Watchmen. His setlist was a mix of soulful ballads and energetic rock tunes performed intimately on piano, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist. Highlights included his renditions of James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James" and Billy Bragg's "St. Swithin's Day," which captivated the audience with their raw emotion. Greaves also impressed with his performances of "All Uncovered" and "Stereo," two beloved tracks from The Watchmen's repertoire, and his cover of Harry Styles' "Watermelon Sugar" and Zach Bryan's "Something in the Orange," which added a modern twist to the set.
Texas King. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Following Greaves' soulful performance, Texas King burst onto the stage with their high-energy rock sound and high-octane stage performance. The band's setlist was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring both anthemic rockers and introspective rock ballads. Tracks like "Changes" and "Boomerang" had the crowd on their feet, while the band's cover of Post Malone's "Chemical" added a fresh spin to the band's energetic set. Texas King's performance was a testament to their musical prowess and stage presence, leaving the audience craving for more. As the night reached its peak, Big Wreck took the stage -the first time the band's performed in Winnipeg since 2019- with an explosive energy that ignited the Club Regent Event Centre. The band's setlist was a journey through their extensive discography, featuring both fan favourites and newer tracks of their recently released EP, Pages. Songs like "Bombs Away" and "Inhale" showcased the band's signature blend of heavy riffs and melodic hooks, while their rendition of The Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Runnin'" was a crowd-pleaser with guitarist Chris Caddell singing the tune. Frontman Ian Thornley's powerful vocals and guitar skills were on full display throughout the set, captivating the audience with every single note.
Big Wreck. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
The highlight of the evening came during the band's encore when Daniel Greaves joined Big Wreck on stage for a special performance of "The Oaf." The collaboration between the two artists was a fitting end to an unforgettable night, bringing together two generations of Canadian rock music in a moment of pure musical magic.
In conclusion, the concert featuring Big Wreck, Texas King, and Daniel Greaves was a testament to the enduring power of Canadian rock music over the last few generations. Each artist brought their unique style and energy to the stage, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. As the crowd spilled out of Club Regent Event Centre, the echoes of the night's performances lingered in the air, a reminder of the magic that happens when great music meets a passionate audience.