Photos from Sam Roberts and Julian Taylor in Picton
[It’s that time of year when there every weekend features some kind of live music event. Virginia Meeks was out in Picton to cover a gig with Sam Roberts Band and Julian Taylor. – AC]
Fresh off a sold-out celebration of Chemical City‘s 20th anniversary earlier this year and with new music already in the works, Sam Roberts Band kicked off their Summer 2026 tour [on July 11] at Base31’s Drill Hall in Picton, reminding fans why the Montreal rockers remain one of Canada’s most enduring live acts.
Setting the tone for the evening was five-time JUNO Award nominee Julian Taylor. Rather than easing into the night with a subdued acoustic performance, Taylor opted for a full-band approach, bringing a blend of roots, rock, funk and soul that immediately connected with the crowd.
The upbeat set felt tailor-made for the warm summer evening, building momentum that carried seamlessly into Sam Roberts Band’s arrival.
Even the relentless heat couldn’t compete with the energy inside Base31, doing little to slow a crowd that danced, sang and cheered through every song, staying with the band until the final note rang out.
Roberts’ easygoing stage banter made the massive Drill Hall feel surprisingly intimate. He reminisced about his youth and spoke about how meaningful Base31 and Picton are to him, describing Prince Edward County as “the most beautiful place on earth” before diving into “Bridge to Nowhere.”
Between songs, he recalled camping at Sandbanks and driving past the former military base long before its transformation. Watching that vision come to life, he said, “is a beautiful thing to see.”
Musically, the band delivered a set that balanced longtime favourites with deeper cuts, moving effortlessly between driving rock anthems and more reflective moments.
Their unwavering dedication shone through in tight musicianship and seamless onstage dynamics, creating a performance that felt as polished as it was passionate.
Every chorus was met with a sea of voices, while the crowd’s enthusiasm never wavered despite the sweltering conditions.
A third encore brought the night to a close with “Don’t Walk Away Eileen,” a fitting send-off that became the soundtrack to hundreds of concertgoers making the slow walk back to their cars, many still singing along as the final notes faded into the warm County night.
