By Wayne Baggs
Seeing Big Sugar tear up The Danforth Music Hall on February 20, 2026 was like stepping back into the best parts of the ’90s—only louder, tighter, and somehow even cooler.
From the minute Gordie Johnson hit the stage, that signature blend of blues, reggae, and gritty rock riffs filled the room like a freight train rolling through Toronto’s east end. The Danforth is the perfect venue for a band like Big Sugar—intimate enough to feel every bass vibration in your chest, but big enough to let the sound fully breathe. The crowd was a mix of longtime fans (a few of us with some grey hair showing) and younger faces discovering what real groove-driven rock feels like.
They ripped through classics like “Diggin’ a Hole” and “If I Had My Way,” and the entire floor was moving. Johnson’s guitar tone was thick and swampy, and the rhythm section locked in so tight it felt effortless. What stood out most was how powerful and relevant the songs still sound. There’s no nostalgia act here—Big Sugar plays with conviction and fire, like they’ve still got something to prove.
By the encore, the whole place was pumped, clapping and singing along. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a reminder of how good live music can be when it’s played with heart, soul, and serious chops. Big Sugar absolutely delivered.
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