Well, that was some JUNO Awards, wasn’t it? And it started with a performance by–wait for it–RUSH!

The JUNO Awards were back in Hamilton after an absence of some years, and the city did it right.

The venue was the TD Coliseum, the completely refurbished Copps Coliseum. It’s a fine facility and was a great place for the JUNOS broadcast. And when the lights went down for the TV, show was on stage? Rush.

Yes, Rush. They took the occasion to introduce new drummer Anika Niles and the lineup that they’ll take on tour starting later this year. And their choice of material? They very appropriate “Finding My Way” from the debut album.

God, I love this so much. And the visuals in the background? Perfect.

Then there was this appearance by Billy Talent when they received their Humanitarian Award for all the charity week they’ve done. I’m so proud of their speeches. This is one of the best acceptances you’ll ever see.

Then there was the big Joni Mitchell tribute featuring Joni herself and Sarah McLachlan.

Need a summary of everything? Here you go.

Here are all the winners in the rock categories.

Groups of the year: The Beaches

They beat out Three Days Grace, Arcade Fire, Mother Mother, and Peach Pit.

Alternative Album of the Year: Aysanabee, Edge of the Earth

Also in the running was Saya Gray (Saya), Yves Jarvis (All Cylinders), The OBGMS (Sorry It’s Over), and PUP (Who Will Love After the Dogs?)

Metal/Hard Rock Album of the Year: Despised Icon, Shadow Work

Counterparts (Heaven Let Them Die), Cryptosy (An Insatiable Violence), Silverstein (Antibloom), and Unreqvited (A Pathway to the Moon)

Rock Album of the Year: The Beaches, No Hard Feelings

Bryan Adams (Roll with the Punches), The Blue Stones (Metro), The Damn Truth (The Damn Truth), grandson (Intertia), and Three Days Grace (Alienation) were also in the running)