As Brett Emmons, lead singer of The Glorious Sons walks into the green room to speak with me, he is markedly calmer than when I had last seen him. Last night at The Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, Kentucky, he and his bandmates were whipping their loyal fans into a frenzy and quickly making new ones. That was a night Emmons and his five bandmates tore through their set, setting a difficult bar for the band that had to follow them. At this night’s show, Emmons would acknowledge a fan at their 50th show, and then turn and tell the audience “If you keep coming out, we’ll keep making music. We’re in this for a lifetime. We’re building this one brick at a time!” And fan by fan, that’s what this Canadian rock band is doing.
Very few modern rock bands encapsulate the spirit of perseverance and blue-collar grit quite like The Glorious Sons. Hailing from Kingston, Ontario (163 miles east of Toronto), they have carved a unique path, marked by a relentless work ethic, overcoming adversity and developing a deep connection with their audience. At the heart of this journey is Emmons, an old soul, who wears his heart on his sleeve, creates and inspires award-winning albums, and writes music with such originality and wisdom that his lyrics make him seem way beyond his years.
The Glorious Sons are Brett Emmons (vocals, guitar, harmonica) his older brother Jay Emmons (guitar, vocals), Adam Paquette (drums, vocals), Josh Hewson (piano, guitar, vocals), Peter Van Helvoort (bass guitar, vocals), and Steve Kirstein (guitar, vocals). This band enjoys playing sold-out arenas up north in their home country, but are building a significant audience here in the United States by relentlessly touring.
One aspect that sets The Glorious Sons apart is their dynamic stage presence, particularly Emmons, whose energy and authenticity captivated audiences. During live shows, Emmons bounces around like an errant pinball, careening off bandmates and equipment. It’s controlled chaos, and you can’t take your eyes off of him. Their performances are a testament to the band’s cohesion and Emmons’ ability to convey raw emotion, drawing fans into a shared experience that transcends the ordinary. This dynamic presence is not just about entertainment; it’s a cathartic outlet for both the band and their fans, creating a space where the weight of everyday struggles can be momentarily lifted. It’s common to see fans weeping during certain songs that touch them at a show. And those fans are of all ages, from seven to 77.
The band’s approach to mental health, both in their music and through Emmons’ openness, has further solidified their bond with fans. His candidness about his own struggles and the importance of addressing mental health themes in their songs has fostered a therapeutic environment at their shows. “It’s clear when people come to our band they are coming for a therapeutic sense,” Emmons shared, emphasizing the communal healing that occurs in the live music setting. Yet, he also acknowledged the limits of catharsis, stressing the necessity of actionable change for genuine healing, “unless you actually make the changes, singing and talking about it doesn’t help me.”
Emmons and the band have recently showcased a palpable sense of happiness and fulfillment on stage, marking a significant shift in their performance dynamic. This change is deeply intertwined with his personal journey towards well-being, as he candidly shared his decision to stop using drugs as a pivotal to this. He articulated this transformation, saying, “I’ve changed so much over the past six years, it’s not even funny.” This decision to embrace a healthier lifestyle has not only affected him personally but has also infused the band’s live performances with a new energy.
The band’s journey, marked by personnel changes and the constant grind of touring, has led to a deeper understanding among members and a collective realization of the rarity and preciousness of their path. “Facing adversity and choosing to look at things in a positive light,” Emmons explained, has not only bonded them closer together but has also reinvigorated their passion for music. “We all realized that it’s really rare to be able to do this for a living, so we never take that for granted.”
The recent tour marked a defining moment for The Glorious Sons, illuminating a renewed sense of unity and joy that had been elusive. This resurgence, as Emmons reflects, stemmed from tackling adversity with optimism, particularly highlighted by the swift adaptation to a lineup change before their extensive North American tour. The rigorous rehearsal schedule — “We had to rehearse every single day for three weeks to prepare Steve [Kirkstein] to learn 53 songs,” Emmons remarked — underscored their unwavering dedication and collective effort. This challenge not only tested their resilience but also strengthened their bond, bringing them closer as they shared the determination to maintain the essence of their music and live performances. Through this journey, The Glorious Sons have not just navigated the hardships but have emerged more connected, reinvigorated by the shared triumphs and the mutual respect that underpins their dynamic.
Towards the end of my conversation with Emmons, I asked him about the Juno Awards (Canadian Grammy’s) that would take place that night. Glory, their recent album, was up for Rock Album of the Year, an award his band had won for their two previous albums. “Oh, The Beaches are going to win”, said Emmons confidently about the band. (The Beaches did win.)
Emmons might play the confident rockstar up on stage, but reveals the vulnerability that is embedded in his own music and lyrics. The lyrics that so many of their mostly working-class audience can relate to, sing to, and even cry to. Lyrics that can make instant fans when delivered with unrelenting veracity on stage.
The Glorious Sons’ narrative is one of resilience, growth, and an unyielding commitment to authenticity. From the early days of touring around North America in a beat-up camper to playing Red Rocks and opening for The Rolling Stones three times, the band has remained steadfast in their mission. Their dynamic live shows, heartfelt engagement with their fans, and recent tour’s re-energizing effect highlight a band at its most unified, ready to take on any challenge. The band has come a long way since their humble beginnings, but their trajectory is straight up. Buckle up for the ride, and take advantage of seeing them in a more intimate venue like City Center, because they are truly one-of-a-kind when they are in their element.
Learn more about The Glorious Sons on YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and their official website. For extra content download the exclusive TGS Union app on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
The Glorious Sons and Southall with Them Dirty Roses
The City Center
505 S Chestnut St
Champaign
Th Mar 28th, 8 p.m.
$20 to $25
