Photos by Sharon Steele – The Glorious Sons electrified the crowd at the PNE Amphitheatre on July 14, delivering a high-octane performance as part of the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival™ in Vancouver. The multi-Juno Award-winning rock outfit from Kingston, Ontario, took the stage during a mid-afternoon slot, bridging the gap between highly anticipated FIFA World Cup matches. Performing at one of the tournament’s premier live music hubs, the band brought their signature grit and raw energy to Hastings Park, drawing a massive crowd of both soccer fans and die-hard rock enthusiasts to the open-air venue.
The performance highlighted Vancouver’s month-long celebration of sport and culture, seamlessly blending world-class athletics with Canada’s premier musical talent. Frontman Brett Emmons commanded the stage with his typical fierce charisma, leading the band through a setlist packed with chart-topping alternative rock hits and anthems from their latest album. Between the massive broadcast screens showcasing the beautiful game and the roaring live guitars, the afternoon perfectly captured the unity and vibrant energy of the global tournament.
THE BLUE STONES
The Blue Stones brought their massive, blues-infused rock sound to the PNE Amphitheatre on July 14, delivering an unforgettable performance at the 2026 FIFA Fan Festival™ in Vancouver. Taking the stage at Hastings Park on a high-energy Tuesday afternoon, the acclaimed alternative rock duo from Windsor,Ontario, proved exactly how much sonic power just two musicians can command. Serving as the perfect mid-tournament musical escape for soccer fans and rock aficionados alike, their foot-stomping rhythms and heavy riffs set an electric atmosphere, warming up the crowd ahead of co-headliners and fellow Ontario rockers, The Glorious Sons.
Guitarist/vocalist Tarek Jafar and drummer Justin Tessier locked into a heavy, seamless groove, tearing through a setlist of fan-favorite tracks and gritty anthems. Their raw performance brilliantly highlighted the festival’s mandate of pairing the global excitement of the World Cup with elite Canadian musical talent. Positioned amidst massive broadcast screens displaying tournament action, the duo’s blues-rock grit provided a booming soundtrack that perfectly captured the high-stakes energy and unifying celebration of the historic sporting event.
