“We came, we raved, we loved” – Swedish House Mafia

Last week, the phenomenon that is Swedish House Mafia finally made their ‘One Last Tour’ appearance in Toronto. Ever since they announced their impending split to pursue individual solo careers, EDM fans have been flocking to ticket booths in hopes of getting one last chance to see them in action.

Swedish House Mafia (credit: Carl Lindstromm)

The deadly trio – Axwell, Angello and Ingrosso are all well known for their own accomplishments. How many groups have you seen where each member can easily pack stadiums for a solo act? This isn’t Justin Timberlake casually leaving the guys of ‘N Sync to get milk at the grocery store.

Due to demand, Toronto was lucky enough to get a two-day, back-to-back performance over the weekend. Call it the Swedish touch – the group has re-written the meaning of commercial dance music. With an ability to consistently dish out Top 40 bangers, they’ve got the formula and it has you raging.

Side Note: Dancing Astronaut recently published a great article on ‘the secret to Sweden’s musical success’. It’s a good read… see the part about ‘Lunch Time Raves’. #nofair

Lines were rammed at the Rogers Centre for both nights as colourfully dressed ravers queued outside in the cold – we showed up for the second show (Feb 23). Fellow Swedish DJ, Otto Knows, opened the night while fans flooded the venue. Floor passes were the only way to go to ensure we got the full experience.

Call me biased since I used to live in Sweden, but I gravitate toward the melodic, thumping and vocal style of Swedish dance versus any other. My expectations were high and I wasn’t disappointed. The band opened with ‘We Come We Rave We Love’ followed by brilliant drops into ‘Greyhound’ and ‘Raise Your Hands’. Guys and gals in attendance knew the drill as they quickly got into their signature jumps and shuffles that would put any Harlem Shake to shame.

The light production was stellar and was coupled with some fancy pyrotechnics which you don’t get to see often at these shows. My favourite moments were mixes into ‘In My Mind’, ‘Teenage Crime’ and a beautiful finish into ‘Save the World’. The gang even paid tribute to Canada at one point which put us all into our happy zone.

As the tour name suggests – this is their very last tour. To be honest, don’t be surprised if they stage a comeback in the future. SHM is a brilliant dance machine that can’t be turned off forever.

Download Swedish House Mafia on iTunes

Set list for the night:

1. We Come We Rave We Love / Greyhound / Raise Your Hands 
2. Ran Tam Tam 
3. Generation 303 (with Nicky Romero) 
4. Quasar / Spectrum / Insomnia / Sweet Disposition 
5. Silenced by the Night 
6. Calling [Instrumental] / I Found U [A cappella] 
7. Kidsos / Calling [A capella] 
8. In My Mind (Axwell Mix) (with Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl) 
9. Rage / Tell Me Why [Steve Angello and Axwell Remix] / Silhouettes [Nari & Milani Remix] / Top of the World [A cappella] 
10. Clash (with Alesso) 
11. ID 
12. Resurrection [Axwell's Recut Club Version] 
13. Here We Go (with Hard Rock Sofa & Swanky Tunes) 
14. Antidote / Zeus 
15. You Got the Love [Mark Knight Remix] 
16. In the Air [Axwell Remix] 
17. KNAS (with Steve Angello) 
18. Teenage Crime (with Adrian Lux) 
19. Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall (Coldplay vs. Swedish House Mafia) 
20. Don’t You Worry Child
21. Sunrise (Won’t Get Lost) [Tommy Trash Remix] 
22. Euphoria 
23. Miami 2 Ibiza 
24. Atom / One 
25. Save the World [Acoustic] / Don’t You Worry Child (Acoustic)

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