Wheatus and also-ran Live In Winnipeg, MB

For a band whose legacy is so often reduced to one song, Wheatus made it abundantly clear in Winnipeg that their story runs far deeper—and far more heartfelt—than nostalgia alone. On April 7, 2026, the band finally graced the city for the first time in their twenty-six-year history, kicking off the final leg of their sprawling Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Tour with a night that felt equal parts celebration, time capsule, and communal catharsis.

also-ran. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Before the headliners took the stage, local pop-punk outfit also-ran warmed up the crowd with a set that felt tailor-made for the occasion. Running through tracks like “When” and “Numb the Pain,” the band leaned into punchy hooks and earnest lyricism, quickly winning over early arrivals. “I Don’t Know Who I Am” and “You Mean Nothing To Me Now” showcased a more introspective edge, while “Citizens Arrest” and “Nothing Spectacular” brought back that scrappy, basement-show intensity.

By the time they closed with “Cool,” also-ran had done more than just open the show—they’d set a high bar, proving Winnipeg’s scene is alive and thriving. From the moment Wheatus launched into “Truffles,” it was clear this wouldn’t be a simple nostalgia run-through. Frontman Brendan B. Brown led the band with an infectious mix of humour, humility, and genuine gratitude—frequently pausing to acknowledge the significance of finally playing Winnipeg after more than two decades.

Instead of having a setlist that was a carefully curated journey through their catalogue, the band left it up to the audience to decide what the band plays around the ten tracks that make up their self-titled debut album. “Hump’Em N’ Dump’Em” arrived with a playful twist, weaving in “Material Girl,” while “Sunshine” and “Leroy” kept the energy buoyant. Fan favourites like “Punk Ass Bitch” and “Wannabe Gangstar” drew massive reactions, proving the crowd’s connection to the band runs deeper than radio hits.

Wheatus. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Covers were sprinkled throughout the night, each one feeling intentional rather than filler. Their take on Green Day's “Basket Case” was raw and reverent, while “My Music at Work” paid tribute to The Tragically Hip in a way that resonated deeply with the Canadian audience. Brendan also said Gord Downie was one of the best lyricists ever to live. Later, their rendition of “A Little Respect” by Erasure—complete with a “My Girl” outro—became one of the night’s most joyful, singalong-heavy moments.

Mid-set highlights like “Valentine,” “Love Is a Mutt From Hell,” and “Lemonade” showcased the band’s underrated songwriting depth, while “Fourteen” and “I’d Never Write a Song About You” leaned into the vulnerability that has always been at the core of Wheatus’ appeal.

A particularly powerful moment came with their cover of “Time Stand Still,” a fitting nod to Canadian legends Rush that underscored the reflective nature of an anniversary tour. When the opening riff of “Teenage Dirtbag” finally rang out, the room transformed. Every voice in the venue joined in, turning the song into something bigger than itself—a shared memory spanning generations. It wasn’t just a highlight; it was a reminder of why the song has endured for twenty-five years.

Instead of going out with bombast, Wheatus chose intimacy. Answering a fan request, Brendan B. Brown performed one more alone for an unplugged, off-mic performance of “Marigold Girl.” No amplification, no theatrics—just artist and audience, sharing a quiet, almost fragile moment that felt uniquely personal.

Wheatus’ long-overdue Winnipeg debut wasn’t just a concert—it was a statement. A band often boxed into a one-hit-wonder narrative delivered a set brimming with personality, depth, and reverence for both their own history and the music that shaped them as artists.

Kicking off the final leg of their two-year twenty-fifth-anniversary tour, they didn’t just celebrate the past—they reaffirmed their place in the present. And for one night in Winnipeg, that connection felt undeniable.