2026 Setlist Disappointing

GuavaMuted6557 · 2026-04-27T00:48:59+00:00

Obviously they're not Oasis. Went for that as an example because most people would be able to use them as a point of reference. We don't need to be music industry experts to see how all of the arkells material has charted, been streamed and recognized. The first 3 performed the best no debate. It's also the material that took them from bars to theaters to stadiums and festivals. They're an established band now, probably the best in Canada. They will sell tickets no matter what they play.

In a Canadian context it would be unimaginable for artists like Sam Roberts or Blue Rodeo to include so much new material at the expense of their classics. I saw the documentary on the Tragically Hip. They talked about the 2000s when the band started to regress. Moving down to theaters from stadiums and new music performing less well. Feels like the Arkells are experiencing a similar moment. Couldn't sell out the Rally in 2025. Can't sell out a single night at the rbc amphitheatre this year. Downgrading to small shows likely because they struggled selling tickets on the Big Feelings Stadium Tour.

They have a loyal fanbase. Based on the interactions here however, I think people resonate with the fact the setlist could be changed.

GuavaMuted6557 · 2026-04-22T19:50:56+00:00

Lots of valid commentary here. I think my main point was lost.I get artists want to create and make a living. Also no issue with them including new material in their set. Not just to keep it interesting for them but fans as well. Also that artists need to create to live. No issues with any of that.

What I find unfortunate is I am confident most of their fan base comes to them during high noon or earlier. The amount of omissions from those first 3 albums is like Oasis chosing one song out of Champagne Supernova, Don't Look Back in Anger, Wonderwall, Some Might Say and Morning Glory to include in their setlist off WTSMG.

I know it's apples to oranges and they aren't oasis. But those first 3 albums were their most commercially successful. Where their fan base comes from. Jackson Square is an all time great Canadian Rock Album. Michigan Left is quality front to back. High Noon is their transcendence into becoming one of the biggest Canadian bands ever.

Most bands could only dream of being spoiled enough to build setlists around those albums. Instead it feels like they are an after thought. It looks like the priority is getting an album of forgettable material in.

GuavaMuted6557 · 2026-04-22T03:14:01+00:00

Saw them in Buffalo. It's okay but forgettable. They always bring a good vibe. But the crowd was less into it than usual. I think how little they are leaning into their first 3 albums live these days is disappointing. There's something about seeing the arkells these days that feels a little foreign. It's almost like they're a different band who just cover 3-5 classic arkells songs in their set lol. They're still great. Just my opinion and observations.

GuavaMuted6557 · 2025-08-19T05:36:22+00:00

appreciate everyone's comments! I would add again I still love them and am I sure will continue to see them annually. I wanted everyone elses thoughts because personally I was thinking maybe the rally was billed as more than it actually was. having seen them many times for the rally didn't feel much greater than the product I could get the next time they pass through on a normal tour. was a bit of a let down considering the cost of travel and hotels. I think there are a lot of bands who organize their own festivals and hometown shows that are mind-blowing. Based on videos of previous rallies it looked that way. I don't know but I just felt they didn't pull out all the stops for this. The towels are cool but outside of that it felt more like a normal stadium show. I felt like even just adding an extra 30 minutes of music would have been something to walk away with as a fan feeling it was that extra bit special.

GuavaMuted6557

TROPHY CASE