Rise Against, Destroy Boys, and Koyo Live In Winnipeg, MB - Night Two

On March 22, 2026, Rise Against returned to Winnipeg alongside rising acts Destroy Boys and Koyo, delivering a night that balanced urgency, catharsis, and community. The show marked night two at the Burton Cummings Theatre, and it wasn’t just a sold-out show—it was a statement. With it being both openers’ first time in the city over the course of these two shows, the energy inside the historic venue felt especially electric—like Winnipeg knew it had something to prove.

Koyo. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Koyo kicked things off with a set that wasted no time establishing their emotional, melodic hardcore roots. Opening with “Moriches,” the Long Island band immediately locked into a groove that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Tracks like “I Might Not” and “Life’s a Pill” carried a raw vulnerability, while “You’re On the List (Minus One)” and “Anthem” leaned into that classic, anthemic hardcore spirit. By the time they ripped through “Mile a Minute” and closed with “Ten Digits Away,” the crowd had fully bought in—sing-alongs were loud, and the pit was already alive. For a Winnipeg debut, Koyo didn’t just make a good first impression—they made a lasting one.

Destroy Boys. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Destroy Boys followed with a set that turned the intensity up several notches. From the opening punch of “You Hear Yes,” their performance was chaotic in the best way possible. Frontperson Alexia Roditis commanded the stage with a mix of grit and charisma, making songs like “Crybaby” and “American River” feel both confrontational and deeply personal. “Shadow (I’m Breaking Down)” and “Boyfeel” added emotional weight to the set, while “Beg for the Torture” and “Muzzle” kept the crowd moving at full speed. By the time they closed with “Fences,” the room was in a frenzy. For their first time in Winnipeg, Destroy Boys delivered a set that felt urgent and unfiltered—exactly what punk should be.

Up next was the main attraction, Rise Against. Opening with the explosive “Re-Education (Through Labor),” the Chicago punk veterans immediately reminded everyone why they’ve remained one of the most vital voices in the genre. The setlist was a carefully curated mix of fan favourites and deeper cuts, with “Under the Knife” and “Give It All” hitting early and hard. “Help Is on the Way” and “The Good Left Undone” showcased the band’s knack for pairing melody with message, while newer material like “Nod” fit seamlessly into the set.

Rise Against. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

One of the most memorable moments of the night came with “Chamber the Cartridge,” performed by the band live for the first time since 2024. The deep cut was met with a roar from longtime fans, proving just how much this band’s catalogue means to their audience. Similarly, “Like the Angel” made its first live appearance since 2024 during the encore, adding another layer of nostalgia and surprise.

The mid-set acoustic moment with “Hero of War” and “Swing Life Away” brought a brief but powerful pause to the chaos, with the entire theatre hanging onto every single word. But any sense of calm was quickly shattered by “Prayer of the Refugee,” which closed the main set in explosive fashion.

The encore was nothing short of perfect. “Make It Stop (September’s Children)” carried an emotional weight that resonated deeply, before “Like the Angel” and the ever-iconic “Savior” sent the crowd home on the highest note the band could achieve—voices hoarse, bodies exhausted, and spirits lifted.

Night two of Rise Against’s Winnipeg stop wasn’t just another tour date—it was a celebration of punk rock in all its forms. From Koyo’s heartfelt melodies to Destroy Boys’ chaotic energy and Rise Against’s seasoned, message-driven anthems, the night felt like a full-circle moment for the genre. For a city that doesn’t always get first-time visits from fast-rising acts, this show proved that Winnipeg shows up—and the bands will remember it.