The Arkells are a Canadian rock band from Hamilton, Ontario. Formed in 2006, the band consists of Max Kerman (lead vocals, guitar), Mike DeAngelis (vocals, guitar), Nick Dika (bass), Tim Oxford (drums), and Anthony Carone (keyboards, guitar). The Arkells have released 5 studio albums and are known for songs like “Knocking at the Door,” “Leather Jacket,” and “Relentless.”
As the Arkells continue touring and performing at concerts across North America, a common question fans ask is: do they have an opening act? The short answer is – sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. Opening acts are not a guarantee at every Arkells show. However, when they do have one, the opening act is often an up-and-coming Canadian indie rock/pop artist.
Factors That Determine If the Arkells Have an Opening Act
There are several key factors that determine if the Arkells will have an opening act at a particular show or tour:
Venue Size and Type
Larger venues and outdoor festivals make opening acts more likely, while smaller club shows may not have one. The Arkells often play at big arenas and festivals capable of holding 15,000+ fans. These large events will frequently book 1 or more opening acts to warm up the crowd. Smaller clubs may not have an opener since the Arkells can play a longer set themselves.
Tour Promoter
The tour promoter organizing the Arkells’ concerts will often book opening acts, either regional bands in each city or the same act travelling with them. Promoters may want to showcase new artists to fans.
Available Touring Schedule
If the Arkells are touring with another band for a stretch, then that artist will open their shows. But the Arkells don’t always tour with an opener who plays every date. Their schedule and the opening act’s schedule have to align.
Special Events
At festivals, charity concerts, or other special performances, an opening act is very likely. These big events use openers to kick off the show and set the mood.
So in summary, while not guaranteed, opening acts are more common at bigger venues, festivals, tour dates arranged by promoters, co-headlining tours, and special events. The Arkells’ touring schedule, available touring partners, and show details all factor in.
Noteworthy Opening Acts for the Arkells
Although not every Arkells concert has an opener, there are a few memorable artists who have opened for them over the years:
Frank Turner
In 2013, acclaimed British folk/punk singer-songwriter Frank Turner opened a string of Canadian dates for the Arkells. Turner warmed up crowds with his energetic acoustic songs and built anticipation for the Arkells.
Waters
This indie pop group from Toronto opened select shows for the Arkells during the band’s Morning Report tour in 2016. Their synth-pop sound was a popular lead-in for fans arriving early.
Tokyo Police Club
At the 2017 WayHome Music Festival, fellow Canadian rockers Tokyo Police Club played an opening set right before the Arkells hit the main stage. This show let two big indie acts share the same festival bill.
The Elwins
Also from Toronto, the upbeat indie pop quartet The Elwins opened for the Arkells during their 2017 Knocking at the Door tour. Their catchy guitar tunes got concert crowds excited.
The Beaches
This all-female rock band from Toronto supported the Arkells on the Rally Cry Tour in 2018. Their edgy and energetic sound complemented the Arkells’ headlining sets.
While not a comprehensive list, these examples show the diversity of opening acts that the Arkells have played with over the years when they do have an opener. Up-and-coming Canadian indie artists are most common.
Opening Acts Vary by City on Current 2022 Tour Dates
For their ongoing 2022 Blink Once Canada Tour, the Arkells are taking a flexible approach to opening acts that changes from city to city:
Haviah Mighty
The Polaris Prize-winning Toronto hip hop artist is opening multiple Blink Once tour stops, including:
- June 11 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
- July 15 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
- July 16 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
Crown Lands
This blues rock duo from Oshawa will open upcoming Arkells shows such as:
- August 27 – Quebec City, QC – Festival d’été de Québec
- September 23 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
- September 30 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre
Local/Regional Openers
Instead of having the same opener all tour, many shows will spotlight local or regional Canadian bands. For example:
Date | City | Opening Act |
---|---|---|
June 4 | St. John’s, NL | Hard Ticket |
July 9 | Winnipeg, MB | Chastity Brown |
September 3 | Victoria, BC | Said the Whale |
This approach gives different rising acts an opportunity to open in their hometown areas.
No Openers
There are also some tour stops without an opener listed, where the Arkells will likely play an extended set themselves:
- June 24 – London, ON – Rock the Park Festival
- July 22 – Dawson Creek, BC – Encana Events Centre
- July 29 – Penticton, BC – Penticton Lakeside Resort & Casino
So in summary, the 2022 Blink Once tour utilizes a mix of recurring opening acts like Haviah Mighty and Crown Lands as well as local artists and some shows without an opener. This keeps things fresh at each tour stop.
Conclusion
The Arkells do not have an opening act at every tour date, but often invite emerging Canadian indie talent to warm up the crowd when suitable. Openers are more common at bigger venues, festivals, dates booked by promoters, co-headlining tours, and special events. Guest openers have included Frank Turner, Waters, Tokyo Police Club, The Elwins, The Beaches and others over the years. For their 2022 Blink Once tour, Haviah Mighty and Crown Lands are recurring openers, joined by local acts in different cities. Opening bands provide a showcase for rising artists while getting crowds excited for the Arkells’ headlining sets. Checking the specific show details is the best way to confirm if there will be an opening act.