From Thunder to Haven: Marianas Trench Live at the PNE
Alice Cavers
Shows
Aug 24, 2025
A Night Of Nostalgia And Theatrics As Marianas Trench Lit Up Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum In 2025.
Walking through the PNE on August 24th, 2025, you could feel the buzz of excited millennials getting geared up to see local Canadian pop-rock music legends, Marianas Trench. Standing outside the Pacific Coliseum, it was easy to be drawn into the excited chatter from long-time Marianas Trench fans who were ready to go wild to the soundtrack of their youth, as well as vibe to the band's current albums. One eager fan pressed his friends, “Okay, dude, but Masterpiece Theatre or Ever After?!," while another asserted with a grin, “Hey, listen, as long as they play Shake Tramp I’ll die a happy lady.” Losing yourself in the plethora of nostalgic debates outside the venue, it was clear that the tickets were for two shows.
Walking through the PNE on August 24th, 2025, you could feel the buzz of excited millennials getting geared up to see local Canadian pop-rock music legends, Marianas Trench. Standing outside the Pacific Coliseum, it was easy to be drawn into the excited chatter from long-time Marianas Trench fans who were ready to go wild to the soundtrack of their youth, as well as vibe to the band's current albums. One eager fan pressed his friends, “Okay, dude, but Masterpiece Theatre or Ever After?!," while another asserted with a grin, “Hey, listen, as long as they play Shake Tramp I’ll die a happy lady.” Losing yourself in the plethora of nostalgic debates outside the venue, it was clear that the tickets were for two shows.
Formed in 1999 by frontman Josh Ramsey, Marianas Trench includes local musicians Matt Web (lead guitar), Mike Ayley (bass), and Ian Casselman (drums). With six studio albums released, a Juno Award, and a stellar triple-platinum status, the Vancouver band has been recognized internationally for their catchy, early 2000s emo-pop hits as well as their newer, theatrical storytelling albums whose tight, ethereal harmonies and dramatic narratives unfold like an edgy rock opera.
Formed in 1999 by frontman Josh Ramsey, Marianas Trench includes local musicians Matt Web (lead guitar), Mike Ayley (bass), and Ian Casselman (drums). With six studio albums released, a Juno Award, and a stellar triple-platinum status, the Vancouver band has been recognized internationally for their catchy, early 2000s emo-pop hits as well as their newer, theatrical storytelling albums whose tight, ethereal harmonies and dramatic narratives unfold like an edgy rock opera.
As Josh Ramsey’s pre-concert hype song, AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” boomed through the 80,000-square-foot coliseum, the crowd's energy grew with the communally screamed “thunder.” Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and the crowd's roar reached a crescendo as melancholic ambient soundscapes of thunder and howling wind filled the venue, marking the beginning of an atmospheric buildup to the band's theatrical seven-minute entrance song, "A Normal Life," from their 2024 album, Haven. Walking onto the stage, already locked in a tight harmony, the group took their positions and let their slow-burning introduction build into a cinematic soundscape of commanding vocals, orchestral strings, powerful percussion, and gritty electric guitar riffs that transformed the coliseum into glam rock heaven. With the crowd hooked, the band launched into the rest of their 20-song setlist, consisting of a mix of their nostalgic emo-pop anthems like "Desperate Measures," "Stutter," and All to "Myself, "(notably sung by lead electric guitarist, Matt Webb) as well as their more current, refined tracks like "I’m not Getting Better" and "Down to You." Midway through the show, Josh acknowledged the fans who had been following the band since their iconic 2009 album, Masterpiece Theatre, which set off an excited roar from long-time fans that overwhelmed the coliseum. As a tribute, the band delved into a nostalgic medley that combined three of the album's beloved songs: "Cross My Heart," "Celebrity Status," and "Shake Tramp." Though some were noticeably disappointed they didn’t receive the full Masterpiece Theatre experience in its 2009 glory, the medley gave an exhilarating flashback of emo-pop anthems fans have been jamming to for fifteen years.
As Josh Ramsey’s pre-concert hype song, AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” boomed through the 80,000-square-foot coliseum, the crowd's energy grew with the communally screamed “thunder.” Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and the crowd's roar reached a crescendo as melancholic ambient soundscapes of thunder and howling wind filled the venue, marking the beginning of an atmospheric buildup to the band's theatrical seven-minute entrance song, "A Normal Life," from their 2024 album, Haven. Walking onto the stage, already locked in a tight harmony, the group took their positions and let their slow-burning introduction build into a cinematic soundscape of commanding vocals, orchestral strings, powerful percussion, and gritty electric guitar riffs that transformed the coliseum into glam rock heaven. With the crowd hooked, the band launched into the rest of their 20-song setlist, consisting of a mix of their nostalgic emo-pop anthems like "Desperate Measures," "Stutter," and All to "Myself, "(notably sung by lead electric guitarist, Matt Webb) as well as their more current, refined tracks like "I’m not Getting Better" and "Down to You." Midway through the show, Josh acknowledged the fans who had been following the band since their iconic 2009 album, Masterpiece Theatre, which set off an excited roar from long-time fans that overwhelmed the coliseum. As a tribute, the band delved into a nostalgic medley that combined three of the album's beloved songs: "Cross My Heart," "Celebrity Status," and "Shake Tramp." Though some were noticeably disappointed they didn’t receive the full Masterpiece Theatre experience in its 2009 glory, the medley gave an exhilarating flashback of emo-pop anthems fans have been jamming to for fifteen years.
Within their hour-and-a-half time on stage, fans enjoyed several standout moments, such as Josh running through the screaming theatre during “Pop 101” and "Haven’t Had Enough," Mike Ayley and Matt Webb impressing fans by stepping up to lead vocals for two songs, and a stripped-down, heartfelt solo from Josh of "Good to You." Ending the show strong with fan favourite, "Fallout," the beloved Vancouver rock group said a final thank you to their home city and left the crowd buzzing with an adrenaline you can only receive after reuniting with a band that soundtracked your angsty teen years.
Within their hour-and-a-half time on stage, fans enjoyed several standout moments, such as Josh running through the screaming theatre during “Pop 101” and "Haven’t Had Enough," Mike Ayley and Matt Webb impressing fans by stepping up to lead vocals for two songs, and a stripped-down, heartfelt solo from Josh of "Good to You." Ending the show strong with fan favourite, "Fallout," the beloved Vancouver rock group said a final thank you to their home city and left the crowd buzzing with an adrenaline you can only receive after reuniting with a band that soundtracked your angsty teen years.
