The Year in Photos: Our Favourite Concert Memories of 2023

This year was the first one since 2019 without any lockdowns, as well as far fewer cancellations than in recent years. The concert industry reflected this strength, producing the biggest tour of all time.

It wasn't all smooth sailing, of course: venue merch cuts remained a hot-button issue, and concerns over the ticketing industry enraged artists and fans alike.

Regardless, it was a year of incredible shows from some of the biggest and best in the biz — and Exclaim! was there to capture the best moments. Here are some of our favourite shots that our photographers captured in 2023.

Loviet
Toronto, ON
Monarch Tavern

Photo: Atsuko Kobasigawa

SZA
Toronto, ON
Scotiabank Arena, February 25

Photo: Stephen McGill

Weyes Blood
Vancouver, BC
Commodore Ballroom, March 21

Photo: Michaela DW

Kelela
Toronto, ON
The Opera House, March 24

Photo: Chris Gee

Caroline Polachek
Toronto, ON
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, April 17

Photo: Stephen McGill

Yves Tumor
Toronto, ON
History, May 9

Photo: Stephen McGill

Paramore
Toronto, ON
Scotiabank Arena, June 8

Photo: Stephen McGill

Daniel Romano's Outfit
Vancouver, BC
Rickshaw Theatre, June 15

Photo: Atsuko Kobasigawa

boygenius
Toronto, ON
Budweiser Stage, June 21

Photo: Karen K. Tran

Thundercat
Montreal, QC
Montreal Jazz Festival, July 5

Photo: Nadia Davoli

Sudan Archives
Halifax, NS
Halifax Jazz Festival, July 14

Photo: Richard Lann

Aquakultre
Sackville, NB
Sappyfest, August 6

Photo: Stephen McGill

Japanese Breakfast
Montreal, QC
Osheaga, August 6

Photo: Kamara Morozuk

Patti Smith
Toronto, ON
Budweiser Stage, August 20

Photo: Matt Forsythe

Arctic Monkeys
Toronto, ON
Budweiser Stage, August 30

Photo: Stephen McGill

Marc Rebillet
Victoria, BC
Rifflandia, September 15

Photo: Joshua Peter Grafstein

DEBBY FRIDAY
Toronto, ON
Polaris Music Prize Gala, September 19

Photo: Matt Forsythe

Janelle Monáe
Toronto, ON
Massey Hall, September 21

Photo: Stephen McGill

Wu-Tang Clan
Calgary, AB
Scotiabank Saddledome, October 14

Photo: Em Medland-Marchen

Fugees
Toronto, ON
Scotiabank Arena, October 26

Photo: Stephen McGill

The Beaches
Edmonton, AB
Midway Music Hall, November 8

Photo: Dana Zuk

KISS
Edmonton, AB
Rogers Place, November 10

Photo: Dana Zuk

Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Toronto, ON
History, November 11

Photo: Stephen McGill