MIYAVI’s Concert in Toronto for the 20th Anniversary Tour – A Review

Just a week before I headed to see ONE OK ROCK I stumbled upon an Instagram Story ad announcing Miyavi’s concert in Toronto for the 20th Anniversary Tour. Seeing as I was in a bit of a mini-concert phase, I decided to attend alone.

Ticket Cost

The tickets only cost about $40 for standing floor spots at The Axis Club theatre on College & Bloor. My injury from rollerskating just before the concert nearly stopped me from attending, but fortunately, I was healing at a decent rate, so I still attended.

Arriving at the Venue

I drove to Miyavi’s concert in Toronto in peak traffic and got there about 30 minutes before the concert started, as you can see in the video. I found one of the last parking spots available in the lot across from the venue and swiftly crossed the street. It was so cool to see the tour bus outside the venue!

The bouncer at the door deadpanned at me and said I was like the third black person he saw here. He didn’t know black people came to concerts like this. Like, homie, this is Toronto. Broaden thy horizons.

Tour Merchandise Review

As soon as I entered, there was a small merch table, but I didn’t like any of the merchandise they were selling. I could have made it to the front of the stage if I really wanted to. However, I wanted a super relaxed adult concert experience, so I stayed closer to the back. The venue was already pretty packed, but people seemed really respectful of people’s personal space.

The Concert Experience

And when Miyavi went on stage….wow, what star power. I’ve been listening to his music since he was in his 20s, and it’s crazy how consistent he is. It’s encouraging to see him getting more mainstream. He deserves so much credit for being one of the most talented guitarists I’ve ever seen live.

He plays like his guitar is singing. Check out my Vlog to hear his music. It’s incredible. I can’t believe it’s all him playing live. It’s like he transports himself to another place when he plays. In addition, I love that he’s a dad of three kids, married to his wife, and still manages to perform on tour once a year.

I played Snakes by Miyavi, featured in the animated Netflix show, Arcane, on the night drive home, and it was so epic. I love the crescendo at the beginning. The opening of Snakes reminds me of Karen O’s rendition of Immigrant Song featured in the movie, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Honestly, this made me realize how much fun it was to take myself on a solo date to see my favourite artists. I might not get the chance to do that again. It was stunning! Highly recommend doing that.