POP Montréal | We Were Stars

It’s hard to place another band that has experienced the trajectory of Montreal-formed indie pop outfit Stars. Celebrating the 20-year anniversary of one of their most iconic albums, Set Yourself On Fire, we were treated to the LP in its entirety, with all the live refinements that come with playing with all original members of the band for more than two decades. 

Stars have a reputation for their unique outlook on their fans, a deep and genuine gratitude that’s earned them a niche but truly hardcore following that hasn’t waned over the years. It was a pleasure to see this attitude firsthand when Stars took the stage in front of a sold-out house in the beautiful Rialto Theatre. Lead vocalist Torquil Campbell exudes a humble grace onstage, looking out upon hundreds of smiling faces with a warmth and kindness that’s hard to put into words. “We wrote these songs for you,” he said, “Because we knew you were out there.”

Stars bring stunning confidence to these old tracks, elevating them even further with the brilliantly placed additions of saxophone and violin, which add an elegant touch of nuance and orchestral beauty to their cavernous tracks. Vocalist and guitarist Amy Millan can hardly stop smiling long enough to deliver her delicate but delicious high-end vocals, while bassist Evan Cranley pounces across the stage with every note. Chris Seligman’s synthesizer work is beautifully moderated, deftly weaving in between hair-raising riffs from Chris McCarron on lead guitar. Millan and Campbell’s voices are true magic together, and when Cranley and Seligman hop on the mic to support, we’re treated to a harmonic feast for the ears.

Of course, it’s hard to compliment the vocals of Stars without mentioning the other guest performers: Nearly every member of the crowd. I found myself awe struck at the sheer dedication and love on display from the audience, who danced, cheered, and sang along in a way that I’ve scarcely seen, even from sold-out arena shows by world-famous musicians. It was so palpable that Stars let us sing the last song of the set, “Calendar Girl” from start to finish, word for word—a beautiful chorus of hundreds of voices coming together over their shared adoration of Stars.

Stars is a phenomenon in the truest sense of the word. What other artist commands such dedication from so many, with such effortless ease? What Canadian indie band boasts the longevity and endurance of this one? Who else rejects the idea of being an idol and instead reflects all the love and gratitude back at us without the slightest hint of irony or cynicism? Stars is a band unlike any other, and it was a pleasure to watch them take this well-deserved victory lap.

Photos by Stephan Boissonneault