Winnipeg hardcore legends Comeback Kid launched their Wake the Dead 20th Anniversary Tour with an electrifying hometown show at the Burton Cummings Theatre, proving that two decades later, their seminal 2005 album still ignites chaos in the pit. The night was a celebration of hardcore across generations, featuring a stacked lineup that set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Pink Snot. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
The night opened with two back-to-back fifteen-minute sets from local punk acts Pinksnot and Meantime. First was Pink Snot, bringing their high-energy punk rock to an already buzzing crowd. Their short but fierce set included songs "Race of Doom," "Slip Away," "Let This Die," and "Dead Messenger," delivering blistering riffs and raw aggression to set the tone for the night.
Meantime followed with an unmatched momentum with a relentless assault of fast-paced punk rock. The band's intensity and stage presence ensured that no one in the venue was standing still.
Meantime. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Nashville's Orthodox took the energy up another level with their signature mix of chaotic metalcore and hardcore groove. Their set featured fan favourites like "Chameleon," "Head on a Spike," and "Panic," but it was their new, unreleased song "Dread Weight" that had fans buzzing. A major highlight of their set was when they performed their brand new single, "Commit to Consequence," which was performed with Comeback Kid's Andrew Neufeld, not only marking it as one of the first live performances of the song, released only days before the show, but the first time with Andrew. Orthodox closed their set with "The Anticipation," leaving the audience primed for what was to come.
Orthodox. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
The ever-unrelenting Cancer Bats delivered a ferocious set, paying homage to their own deep roots in Canadian hardcore. Classics like "Gatekeeper," "Hail Destroyer," and "Lucifer’s Rocking Chair" had the crowd in a frenzy, while "Winterpeg"—their ode to Winnipeg—was a clear fan favourite with the audience. Before the band capped off their set, they performed their now well-known explosive cover of the Beastie Boys’ "Sabotage," ensuring the energy never faltered before the main event.
Cancer Bats. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
From the moment Comeback Kid hit the stage, it was clear this wasn’t just any other show—it was a milestone in the band's history, marking both twenty years since the release of their second album, Wake the Dead, and twenty-five years as a band. The opening blast of "False Idols Fall" had the entire theatre shaking, and the intensity only escalated from there.
A defining moment of the night came early when original vocalist Scott Wade and original drummer Kyle Profeta joined the band for "The Trouble I Love" and "Talk Is Cheap." Before launching into "Talk Is Cheap," Wade told the crowd that this would likely never happen again, making it all the more special for longtime fans. The raw nostalgia and camaraderie between past and present members electrified the atmosphere, making it one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
The set continued with a mix of fan favourites, including "Partners In Crime," "Our Distance," "Bright Lights Keep Shining," and "Final Goodbye," closing out the first part of their set, which saw the band play ten of the eleven tracks off Wake the Dead, with unrelenting force.
Following a brief backdrop change, Comeback Kid returned with a set dedicated to their later catalogue, starting with "G.M. Vincent & I" and moving into newer anthems like "Do Yourself a Favor" and "Heavy Steps." However, the real anticipation peaked as they launched into songs from their debut album, Turn It Around, including "Step Ahead" and "All in a Year," and their massive track, "Broadcasting…"
After an already exhausting display of hardcore energy, Comeback Kid brought the night to a climactic close with the album’s iconic title track, "Wake The Dead." The entire theatre erupted as fans screamed along, moshed, and two-stepped to every single riff. The song remains just as powerful as it was twenty years ago, a testament to Comeback Kid’s lasting impact on the hardcore scene.
Comeback Kid. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Comeback Kid’s Wake the Dead 20th Anniversary Show was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of hardcore history, a reunion of old and new fans from all over the globe making their way to the city, and an unforgettable homecoming for one of Canada’s most beloved hardcore bands. With special guest appearances, nostalgic throwbacks, and relentless energy, the show solidified its place as one of Winnipeg’s greatest hardcore moments. If this opening night was any indication, the rest of the tour is bound to be legendary.