In a city teeming with music and culture, Toronto’s vibrant live music scene is home to countless memorable performances. Yet, few acts leave an impression quite like Tommy Youngsteen, a Canadian classic rock tribute band that’s more than the sum of its all-star lineup. Featuring members and alumni from celebrated JUNO award-winning acts such as The Sam Roberts Band, Stars, Serena Ryder Band, The Arkells, and many more, this band has carved out a unique niche by paying homage to legendary rock music with authenticity and flair.
Originally a tribute to Tom Petty, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen — hence the moniker, Tommy Youngsteen — the band has since gone on to cover other iconic classic rock groups such as Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, and The Band.
According to Alan Snoddy, frontman and lead guitarist of Tommy Youngsteen, the goal is not to imitate but to celebrate the music and invite nostalgia with each performance. “A lot of the time, it’s not about what’s on the record or playing it note for note. It’s more how you remember it, how people remember things sounding.
“It’s just about finding good people that are good players and can personify [the music] a little bit on their own. And then that just winds up sort of transcending the whole,” Snoddy explains.
Last December, Tommy Youngsteen treated fans to a thrilling Fleetwood Mac tribute show that stood as a testament to the power of live music. Held in the historic back room of Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern, the night was a high-energy celebration of the iconic Rumours album. The group performed the record in its entirety, from the familiar first notes of “Second Hand News” to the haunting outro of “Gold Dust Woman.”
The setlist later expanded to include fan favourites from other Fleetwood Mac albums, such as “Everywhere,” “Rhiannon,” and “Landslide.” Eventually, the night capped off with Stevie Nicks’ classic “Edge of Seventeen,” during which the room pulsed with an energy that could only be described as electric.
It was a show that transcended tribute and captured Fleetwood Mac’s spirit.
Snoddy emphasizes that a Tommy Youngsteen concert shouldn’t just entertain but evoke a spectrum of emotions: “You should feel good, you should feel sad, you should feel fear.” While many concerts focus on maintaining “good vibes,” he believes the mix of emotions makes for a richer experience. “There can be bad vibes sometimes. It helps to keep things interesting and you learn [new] things,” he adds.
Performing in a variety of venues also shapes their approach. Snoddy notes the differences between playing in an arena or theatre versus smaller, more intimate settings. “In a theatre, people are much more engaged and quiet […] you’re more nervous about making a mistake,” he admits. On the other hand, smaller venues often bring lively, interactive energy, with audiences taking selfies and chatting while still enjoying the show.
Beyond their tribute performances, Tommy Youngsteen is looking to evolve. Although their foundation is rooted in classic rock, they’re eager to explore other genres, such as movie soundtracks — Snoddy mentioned Footloose as an inspiration — and even delve into soul and Motown.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic rock or simply looking for a night of incredible entertainment, this is a band that delivers on all fronts. Tommy Youngsteen is currently touring around the province, but they’ll be back at the Horseshoe Tavern on March 29 for their tribute to Canadian-American rock group, The Band. For updates on tour dates and tickets, click here or check out the band on Instagram.
— With files from Atena Bazargan
