Photography Reviews

Concert Review: Killer Dwarfs @ Biltmore Theater in Oshawa, ON 11/10/23

By Taylor Cameron / November 17, 2023

A cold Friday night in their hometown of Oshawa, ON, The Killer Dwarfs came out to play at the Biltmore Theater for an unforgettable night of rock and roll. Fans from across Canada and even the United States, made their way into the iconic theater, the place being completely full when The Killer Dwarfs hit the stage.

Starting off the night were fellow canadian acts Sierra Levesque and the Darren James Smith Band. At the young age of eighteen, Levesque commanded the stage with maturity and ease. Her strong vocals and melodic guitar licks captured the audience’s attention quickly, Levesque’s performance captivating and entertaining. Holding her own, she fit in perfectly with the veteran performers. Her set impressed everyone in the room, this young musician proving that she is ready to take the rock world by storm.

Following Levesque was the Darren James Smith Band. Smith known for his work in Harem Scarem and Red Dragon Cartel, his performance did not disappoint. Playing an array of 70s rock covers along with his own solo material, Smith and his band entertained the room effortlessly. Smith’s vocals are powerful, the talented musician just as captivating as a front man as he is behind the drums. Although only having one rehearsal before the show, the band played everything seamlessly, everyone singing along to the fun rock ‘n’ roll set. 

As it hit 10 o’clock, the lights went down, and the crowd erupted into cheers. The Killer Dwarfs stepped out onto the stage. Russ Dwarf spun around in circles, whipping his hair around, his energy was still as high as in the 80s. A perfectly curated setlist to celebrate 40 years of the band, they played fan favorites such as “Stand Tall”, “Hard Luck Town” and “Tell Me Please”, as well as a new track “It Could Be You” (not confirmed). 

The Dwarfs, still an incredibly tight unit after forty-one years, showcased how much respect and love they have for one another throughout the set. These four musicians are truly brothers bonded by rock ‘n’ roll, their performance stayed captivating and exciting throughout the entire night. 

Half way through the set Bryce “Dwarf” Trewin (guitar) and Ange “Dwarf” Fodero (bass) joined Russ “Dwarf” Graham and Darrell “Dwarf” Millar onstage to play “Heavy Metal Breakdown” and “Can’t Lose” off their self titled debut album that turned forty this year. Heavy Metal history being left on the stage, there wasn’t a silent fan in the house. Cheering and singing along, everyone attending felt lucky to witness this rare occurrence.

With another surprise up their sleeves, we were brought to the second formation of the band. Ronald “Bad Ronbo Dwarf” Mayer, who replaced Fodero on bass, was warmly welcomed onstage to play “Last Laugh” and “Keep The Spirit Alive”. Bad Ronbo being responsible for the bass tracks on some of the dwarfs’ biggest hits, the crowd lost their minds at the special occasion in Metal history. Getting to witness three versions of the Killer Dwarfs lineup play on one night is something that will be forever unforgettable.

Closing out the night with “Dirty Weapons” the band’s energy stayed high until the very last note was played. Taking a bow center stage, the cheers from the audience went on for minutes. It truly was a special night of metal history and one that’ll be talked about and remembered for many years to come. 

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