Mammoth WVH with Nita Strauss – Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, Ontario – November 13, 2023


Wolf Van Halen, the talented son of the late Eddie Van Halen, recently rocked the stage at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto with his band Mammoth WVH. The concert, part of their Mammoth II tour, was a mesmerizing experience for all in attendance.

The night kicked off with Nita Strauss, a renowned guitarist known for her electrifying performances. She took the stage to promote her second solo album, The Call of the Void, and showcased her exceptional skills and passion for music. Nita’s setlist consisted of nine songs, including three instrumental tracks that highlighted her guitar virtuosity. The absence of a singer during these songs allowed Nita’s shredding prowess to shine, captivating the audience with her technical precision and incredible talent.

The energy in the venue reached new heights when singer Kasey Karlsen joined Nita on stage for the remaining songs. Their collaboration created a dynamic atmosphere that had the crowd fully engaged and enthralled by their powerful performance. Nita continued to captivate the audience with her powerful guitar riffs and melodic solos, flawlessly executing each note and leaving everyone in awe of her talent.

Towards the end of her set, Nita closed with the anthemic track “Victorious,” a song that resonated deeply with both herself and the crowd. Its message of resilience and determination encouraged listeners to never give up or back down despite any obstacles they may face. As a latecomer to concert photography, these words resonated with me, and I appreciated every single aspect of the performance.

What truly set Nita apart was not just her musical abilities but also her humble and kind demeanor. In between sets, she took the time to connect with her fans by offering meet-and-greet opportunities at the merchandise booth, demonstrating her genuine appreciation for those who support her music.

After Nita’s electrifying performance, it was time for Mammoth WVH to take the stage. Wolf Van Halen, the frontman of the band, has undoubtedly inherited his late father’s immense talent. The concert was nothing short of spectacular as Mammoth WVH treated the audience to a mesmerizing 16-song setlist.

Wolf’s genuine expression of disbelief at the turnout as a headliner speaks volumes about his down-to-earth nature and gratitude toward his fans. Despite being born into rock royalty, Wolf remains grounded and appreciative of every opportunity to share his music with others. His talent shines through every note played and every lyric sung, captivating the audience throughout the entire show.

One of the standout moments of the night was when Mammoth WVH performed his father’s favorite song, “Think it Over.” This heartfelt tribute showcased his connection to his late father and his ability to infuse emotion into his performances. The band also showcased their versatility by slowing things down acoustically during the show and performing “Distance” exactly as it was written. This stripped-down rendition allowed for a more intimate connection with the audience and highlighted the raw talent within this young artist.

Despite some minor issues with his acoustic guitar during this segment, Wolf quickly resolved them and even jokingly played a snippet of Oasis’ “Wonderwall.” His dedication to delivering an authentic and genuine experience for his fans is truly admirable.

From energetic performances that got everyone hopping to emotionally charged moments that tugged at heartstrings, this concert was a testament to Wolf’s talent and passion for music. With such immense talent, there is no doubt that he will continue to climb the ranks of rock royalty.

If you have the chance to see Mammoth WVH live, I wouldn’t hesitate. Their performance is a must-see, and you won’t be disappointed. Special thanks to Embrace for the accreditation, and all images are by Sue Sadzak Hebert.

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