Show Review: CFMU Celebrates the Legendary Casbah

Cover Photo by Aydin Visanji (@melodiclens)

Last week I had the pleasure to go to one of the last shows at the Casbah, a pillar of Hamilton's music community over the last 24 years. For those who don't know, the Casbah, which has hosted performances from artists across and even beyond Canada alongside giving locals a platform to grow their music, has closed its doors as of last Saturday.

To celebrate The Casbah and its legacy, CFMU co-hosted a show with Lou Molinaro, with fantastic performances from Capitol, Lee Reed, and Peer Review. Even before the show started, it was lovely spending time with folks who have loved and supported both The Casbah and CFMU over many years. There was a feeling of celebration in the air, mixed, of course, with the darker clouds of grief. Nonetheless, it was fantastic talking to people about why The Casbah meant so much to them, and even reading about it on the paper that many had signed right in front of the front door.

The acts themselves too were, as expected, a treat. Peer Review started off the night bursting with the energy of their garage punk sound. Seeing all the folks who'd just been sitting around talking get swept away in the sound of their music was amazing to see. Afterwards, Capitol took to the stage with their cooler indie rock tracks, reminding me a lot of something like the Editors or even Joy Division. It was a blast getting to see their songs live after having played them on repeat on-air on the radio! Last, but certainly not least, Lee Reed brought his characteristic radical rap to get the audience going again. Seeing someone who has been so important to Hamilton's music scene for so long come and give a last show at a venue that has been important to Hamilton's music scene for so very long was an honour.

All in all it was a fantastic night. I'd recommend anyone check out any of these three artists if they get a chance, and I'd once more like to thank the Casbah for being such an institution in Hamilton over the last couple decades. CFMU and Hamilton hold you in our hearts.