Toronto hardcore punk veterans Cancer Bats are heading back on the road, and Victoria is on the map. For a band that has spent two decades touring the world—and are currently on a run celebrating 20 years of debut album Birthing the Giant—the excitement of playing live still hasn’t worn off.
“We’ve had moments in our career where we had to make really conscious choices about how to keep this fun,” says vocalist Liam Cormier. “At this point, 20 years later, we make sure we’re touring with bands we actually want to spend a month with. We want the drives to be fun, the crew to be great people, and every day to feel exciting.”
Formed in 2004, Cancer Bats emerged from a thriving Canadian punk and hardcore scene alongside bands like Alexisonfire, Comeback Kid, and Silverstein. At the time, the goal wasn’t fame or financial success—it was simply the chance to tour and play shows.
“All we wanted to do was live in a van and be on tour non-stop,” says Cormier. “The money side of things, we were pretty okay with figuring that out later.”
That mentality—passion before profit—is something Cormier still recommends to young creatives today.
“If what you want to do is create art, you kind of have to eat, sleep, and breathe that thing,” he says. “If you’re that passionate about it, there’s no way it won’t translate.”
In the 20 years since Cancer Bats first started touring, the music industry—and touring life—has changed dramatically. Early tours involved printed MapQuest directions, road atlases, and sometimes a single shared cell phone for the entire van.
“When we first started, you’d do interviews on pay phones,” says Cormier. “Now everyone has a phone, GPS, and social media documenting every show.”
While technology has made touring easier in many ways, it’s also changed how fans experience concerts. Many audience members now watch shows through their phone screens—something Cormier admits he has mixed feelings about.
“It’s not how I want to go to a show,” he says. “But it’s part of the experience now. People film the show and put it online, and that helps the band reach new people, too.”
Despite the changes, some traditions of the hardcore scene remain strong—especially the culture of supporting bands directly through merchandise and physical media.
“In our world, people love collecting vinyl, shirts, cassettes, all that stuff,” says Cormier. “Going to the merch table is just part of the culture.”
That connection between band and audience is ultimately what keeps Cancer Bats touring after all these years. According to Cormier, the sense of community at shows is what makes the long drives, late nights, and time away from home worthwhile.
“The best part is showing up in a city and seeing all these people who want to celebrate with you,” he says. “You hang out, chat at the merch table, and everyone leaves with a smile on their face. That sense of community is what keeps it exciting.”
With a reputation for explosive, high-energy performances, Cancer Bats shows have long been known for their intensity. These days, however, the band approaches touring a little differently than they did in their 20s.
“We stretch more, drink more water, and actually take care of ourselves now,” Cormier says with a laugh. “When we were 26, we were just skating around and going crazy.”
For fans in Victoria, the upcoming show promises the same chaotic energy the band has built its reputation on—just with a little more experience behind it. After two decades on the road, one thing hasn’t changed: Cancer Bats are still doing it for the same reason they started.
“If the community wasn’t there, this would be brutal,” says Cormier. “But the fans are amazing, and getting to share that energy with them is the best part.”
Cancer Bats
8 pm Saturday, April 18
$35, Capital Ballroom
thecapitalballroom.com