Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
SHOWS & TICKETS
ABOUT
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings are one of Canada’s most enduring and quietly influential roots supergroups—a band built not on industry calculation but on friendship, deep musical respect, and a shared devotion to songcraft. Formed in the mid-1990s by three of the country’s most accomplished musicians—Tom Wilson, Colin Linden, and Stephen Fearing—the group has become synonymous with a distinctly Canadian blend of Americana, folk, blues, and country.
The band’s origin story is rooted in homage. In 1996, Wilson, Linden, and Fearing came together to record High or Hurtin’: The Songs of Willie P. Bennett, a tribute to the late Canadian songwriter Willie P. Bennett. What began as a one-off project quickly revealed an uncommon chemistry. Each member brought a fully formed artistic identity—Wilson’s gritty, poetic intensity, Linden’s masterful guitar work and deep blues pedigree, and Fearing’s lyrical warmth and melodic sensibility. Rather than compete for space, their voices intertwined, creating a sound that felt both loose and deeply intentional.
From that foundation, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings evolved into a working band whose albums and live performances celebrate collaboration. Their follow-up album Kings of Love, established the trio as more than a tribute act, while pushing further into original material and earned critical acclaim. Over the years, releases like BARK, Let’s Folic, Let’s Frolic Again, South, King of This Town and Oh Glory have showcased the band’s evolving sound—always rooted in tradition, yet open to reinterpretation.
A defining characteristic of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings is their collaborative spirit, not only among themselves but with a wide circle of guest artists. Their records often feature notable voices from across the roots and Americana spectrum, reinforcing the band’s role as both participants in and curators of a broader musical community. Kings and Queens, for example, pairs the trio with a lineup of celebrated female vocalists,while Kings and Kings pairs with celebrated male vocalists, highlighting both their versatility and their commitment to musical dialogue.
Individually, Wilson, Linden, and Fearing maintain prolific solo careers, which lends the band a unique dynamic. When they reconvene, it is less a routine obligation than a deliberate creative choice. That sense of occasion infuses their recordings with an unforced authenticity. There is a lived-in quality to their music—songs that feel shaped by years of touring, storytelling, and shared experience. Their arrangements often favour space and restraint, allowing lyrics and interplay to take precedence over flash.
Your visit
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Become a member today and unlock exclusive benefits – like early access to tickets with members-only presales, monthly ticket giveaways, and an insider's tour of the legendary Massey Hall. Plus, enjoy premium in-venue perks, including private lounge access, priority bar service, and complimentary coat check—all while supporting the vital, mission driven work we do for artists and our community.
Massey Hall is located at 178 Victoria Street (corner of Shuter Street & Victoria). Reach us at 416-872-4255 or [email protected].
By Subway
Massey Hall is a short walk from both Dundas and Queen stations on the Yonge Line.
- From Dundas Station: Walk south on Yonge, then turn left on Shuter Street.
- From Queen Station: Walk north on Yonge, then turn right on Shuter Street.
By GO Transit or VIA Rail
From Union Station, take the Yonge subway line north to Queen Station and exit via the north platform.
Parking
Massey Hall does not have its own parking lot, but several options are available nearby:
- Eaton Centre underground lot (entrance at Yonge & Shuter)
- Green P at 25 Dundas St. E. (at O'Keefe)
- Green P at 37 Queen St. E. (at Victoria)
Bags are discouraged and subject to security screening. Bags larger than 14" x 14" x 6" are not permitted. Allowed bags must be soft-sided and fit completely under your seat.
Massey Hall is committed to creating an inclusive experience for all guests. Recent upgrades include enhanced amenities, accessible seating, and—for the first time in our 126-year history—elevator access to bars, washrooms, and upper levels via the 178 Victoria Street entrance (southeast corner).
The 100 Floor section can be General Admission for designated concerts.
Accessible seating is available on all levels and can be purchased online, or by calling 416-872-4255.
Bars and washrooms are available on all three levels of the venue.
- Floor level guests: Please use the Muskoka Spirits Basement Bar.
- Balcony and Gallery guests: Access the Grolsch Balcony Lounge on Level 2 and GrolschGallery Lounge on Level 3 via the glass corridors through the Allan Slaight Auditorium.
Coat check is available at the Muskoka Spirits Basement Bar. Please note that Massey Hall is a cashless venue, so only credit or debit cards are accepted.
For everyone’s safety, all guests will go through a quick security screening before entering, including bag checks and metal detectors.
Thanks to our official hotel partner, our patrons receive exclusive offers across the Pantages Hotel and Silver Hotel Group locations including:
- Music fans visiting Massey Hall will receive 15% off available room rates at Pantages Hotel
- Music fans visiting Roy Thomson Hall will receive hotel rates of 20% off available room rate at Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
- Additional preferred rates at partner hotel properties including Hotel Victoria, The Anndore House and Novotel Toronto Centre.
BOX OFFICE & TICKETING INFORMATION
- When you purchase tickets, you will be sent a link to your digital wallet, accessible on any smart mobile device
- Log in using your Massey Hall or Roy Thomson Hall login credentials, no new passwords to remember!
- No app download required and your tickets can be saved in Apple Wallet or Google Wallets
- Tickets include a QR code to be scanned on arrival at the venue
If you do not have a mobile phone, please contact our ticketing and box office team at [email protected] or by phone at 416-872-4255 after purchasing your tickets.
Digital Tickets are paperless tickets accessed through your digital ticket wallet on your mobile device. After purchasing tickets, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to your digital wallet. Log in, select your performance, and your tickets will be ready to scan. You can easily share tickets so each guest has their own. Click here for our Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there service charges?
Service fees cover the operational costs of ticketing and vary by event and promoter requirements.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds are only available:
- If you purchase Booking Protect at checkout (via our third-party partner)
- If an event is cancelled
For postponed events, we’ll contact you with your options.
Cash refunds are not available; alternate arrangements will be offered if needed.
Reach us at 416-872-4255 or [email protected].
The box office opens 3 hours before each event.
Note: All transactions are cashless.