The Backsteps closed out their musical journey surrounded by the people who got them there.
After announcing their decision to part ways on Feb. 11 via Instagram, The Backsteps celebrated their final performance in a hometown show at The Mansion last Saturday on Feb. 22. Composed of Kingston locals Luke Garrison, ArtSci ’25, Seth Hunt, Devin Pierce, and Josh McEvoy, the band came together right out of high school and have been making music and performing together for five years.
But now, it’s time to say goodbye.
The Backsteps have played shows across North America, including the legendary venues like the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, and the Bowery Electric in New York City. A unique blend of alternative rock, punk and indie, The Backsteps consider themselves “Thrift Rock”—a more experimental take on classic rock.
The members of The Backsteps mutually agreed to part ways musically, while remaining close friends. With life pulling them in different directions, they decided last week to end on a high note with one final celebration.
Though sad to see their time as a band come to an end, they’re excited to celebrate all they’ve accomplished.
“We’re happy people want to come and celebrate with us, it’s a cool thing, so now I think I’m more excited just to play and just hammer out the old tunes,” Hunt, lead vocalist and guitarist, said in an interview with The Journal.
The show was a commemoration of the band’s five years together, playing a few songs from each of their three albums. Hunt and McEvoy shared the bittersweet emotions of dusting off old songs they won’t have the chance to play again, at least for a long time.
The show was opened by duo The Healey Brothers, performing a mix of country and rock covers as well as some of their original music. Following the opening act, the energy in The Mansion’s upstairs concert venue was undeniably nostalgic and celebratory.
Surrounded by friends, family, and fans, The Backsteps revelled in their last performance together, starting with three tracks from their first record, and going through their discography, including fan favourites “Livin’ in a Dream” and “Room On Fire.”
The encore consisted of two originals and a medley of seven covers, ranging from Taylor Swift to Green Day. As they played their final mashup of songs, the band encouraged the room to get up on stage and celebrate.
It was in this way, with their friends, family, and fans up on stage with them, The Backsteps closed out their final show.
From the recording rooms at St. Lawrence College to the Whisky a Go Go, the group has formed memories that will last a lifetime. Hunt and McEvoy reminisced about their first record, and the process of creation during their time together.
“There’s no pressure to make anything, right, I think having that no pressure also brought us together and just having, you know, not a care in the world” Hunt said.
Some of the band’s favourite memories are from touring around Canada and the United States, becoming closer than ever while on the road, sharing hotels and driving for hours at a time.
Living in the moment and practicing gratitude have become essential lessons for Hunt and McEvoy in their time together.
“If you had told 16-year-old me that I was doing the things I’m doing now I’d of never believed it,” McEvoy said.
The Backsteps hope to prove it doesn’t take a manager or a promotion company to make music, play shows, and go on tour. Being one of the only local bands without a promotion company throughout their entire run, their passion for making music shines through at every show.
“I think we are one of the few Kingston bands that did it all without going through promoters,” McEvoy shared.
Even with their passion and drive, The Backsteps wouldn’t be where they are today without the love and support of their friends and family, who supported them with a range of tasks throughout their run, from photography to production.
Hunt mentioned the undying support of long-time friend Ryan Woods, who would come down from Ottawa just to drive them to their shows, never asking for gas money and always paying full price for a ticket.
With some band members pursuing their careers and education, Hunt and McEvoy plan to continue making music. The two are working on putting together a new group and will be touring until the fall. Hunt recently released his first solo song, “Gabriella.” The two are excited to support their bandmates in whatever endeavours they pursue.
“There’re no hard feelings, it’s more just that this is where all of us want to be, and if we can’t help each other get to those places then we can help in other ways,” Hunt said.
Tags
Farewell, Final show, local music, Music, The Backsteps, The Mansion
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