Chaos and Connection: Idles at Coca-Cola Coliseum with English Teacher
I arrived at Coca-Cola Coliseum just as a Canadian war bomber flew over BMO Field (directly outside the main entrance to the venue), accompanied by the roaring sound cannons and cheering fans. It was a fitting prelude to what awaited at an Idles show. After entering the coliseum and checking out the merch table, it was time for the Lily Fontaine-fronted UK band, English Teacher, to take the stage and set the tone for the night.
The band casually strolled onto the stage, took their positions, and immediately hit their stride with their blend of post-punk and indie rock. While they share similarities with acts like Dry Cleaning, Squid, and Honeyglaze, English Teacher has a unique quality that's hard to pin down – they're badass in their own distinct way. Fontaine seamlessly shifted between vocals, ripping guitar, and piano while drummer Douglas Frost relentlessly pummeled his kit for a half-hour straight. Lily even joined him on drums at one point, further showcasing her versatility and the band's chops performing live.
After a few songs, Lily stood center stage, smiled, and told the audience it was their first show in Canada. She also mentioned that this was the biggest crowd they'd ever played to, making the show even more special.
English Teacher's set was short and sweet but gave Toronto a solid crash course in their sound. Touring in support of their debut album, This Could Be Texas (released in April via Island Records), they left the crowd eager for more.
And then there was one—the one and only, Idles. As the roadies finished tuning guitars and taping down setlists, the lights dimmed to darkness, and the side-stage red clock began counting down from 90 minutes. The band wasted no time. Frontman Joe Talbot started pacing while drummer Jon Beavis, guitarists Mark Bowen and Lee Kiernan, and bassist Adam Devonshire built a wall of sound, kicking off their set with "Idea 01."
If you've never been to an Idles show, know this: it's pure chaos in the best way possible. The band thrives on high energy, doing everything they can to ignite the crowd and push the atmosphere to its peak. This night was no different. From Talbot and Bowen sprinting from one side of the stage to the other to Talbot randomly dropping to do push-ups three-quarters of the way through the set, it was mayhem. It climaxed when the guitarists plunged into the crowd, performing amongst the fans and even crowd surfing.
The night was fueled by a positive, infectious rage, making it a joyous experience. There's nothing like an Idles show; this one was another for the books.
After a night of nonstop energy, everyone was buzzing, exhausted but satisfied. Idles don't just put on a show; they create an experience that connects the band and the crowd in a way that goes beyond the music. It wasn't just about the chaos or the wild antics—it was about the raw energy and passion that filled Coca-Cola Coliseum. If English Teacher gave us a taste of what was to come, Idles delivered the full course meal, and we all left feeling like we'd been part of something unforgettable.
Check out our concert photos below to relive English Teacher, and Idles sets at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
CONCERT PHOTOS
IDLES
ENGLISH TEACHER
IDLES SETLIST
IDEA 01
Colossus
Gift Horse
Mr. Motivator
Mother
Car Crash
I’m Scum
Jungle
The Wheel
1049 Gotho
When the Lights Come On
Divide and Conquer
War
Wizz
Gratitude
Benzocaine
POP POP POP
Samaritans
Crawl!
The Beachland Ballroom
Never Fight a Man With a Perm
Dancer
Danny Nedelko
Rottweiler
Photography: Steve St. Jean
