POP Montréal Day 5 | Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Alone and Imperial on Stage

As the final act of the Pop Montreal 2023 festival, Bonnie “Prince” Billy delivered a performance that left the Rialto audience with a strong sense of bittersweetness.

From the moment he strummed the first chords of New Partner, his presence drew the crowd like moths to an incandescent light. With no backing band behind him, nothing but his endearing, unpretentious demeanour, coupled with that inimitable Kentucky drawl, Bonnie “Prince” Billy charmed every heart in attendance.

As he sang, every word and syllable carried weight, leaving the audience hanging on his every word, trying to decipher the depths of his poetic mind. He unpacked a sprawling set, spanning two decades of his musical creation. But of course, we were treated to songs from his latest album, Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You.

The evening’s magic wasn’t limited to Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s performance, however. Beginning with the opening set by singer Beyries, the whole evening felt like a journey back to a simpler time, reminiscent nonetheless of the rich traditions of North American folk music. With its intimate, emotional narration, Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s performance was a nod to the folk troubadours of yesteryear, passing on their heritage to the modern age.