[REVIEW] MIYAVI @ THE DANFORTH MUSIC HALL
5/15/2025
(Written for ADDICTED Magazine)
Before doors even opened at The Danforth Music Hall, the line for MIYAVI’s May 15th show wrapped around the block. Promoting the deluxe edition release of his LOST IN LOVE, FOUND IN PAIN album, Toronto fans clearly did not want to miss a second of the show. The energy inside only intensified once the lights dimmed and dancers hit the stage, priming the crowd for what would be a genre-blending, high-energy spectacle. MIYAVI came out in a sleek and cool black outfit and wasted no time launching into a fiery opener that immediately set the tone. Only joined on stage by drummer Izzy Lamberti—fresh off graduating college—and guitarist Lucas Seder, the trio proved you don’t need a massive band to bring massive sound.
MIYAVI’s performance was a seamless blend of technical skill and stage presence. With no shortage of blistering guitar work, he also brought choreography, theatrical lighting, and a warm, genuine energy that made the venue feel personal. Early standouts like Mirror Mirror gave fans a window into his vulnerable side, as he spoke about moving beyond the “tough samurai guitarist” image to explore the darkness inside we all may carry. The dancers, Kat Cheng and Emily Jo Jordan, returned to elevate the emotion on tracks like If You Know How To Dance, even blindfolding MIYAVI mid-song—a powerful visual to match the lyric, “losing my head”. Moments like this reminded the crowd that MIYAVI isn't just a guitarist—he’s a full-on performer.
Songs like We Stay Up All Night and Not Strong Enough turned the floor into a dance party, with fans moving shoulder to shoulder as MIYAVI weaved slick choreography between riffs. He cracked jokes, checked in with the crowd’s well-being, and even accepted a pack of Welch’s gummies from a fan. Even during a brief reset before playing Don’t Let Me Love You Like the Last Time, he openly admitted to some nerves, but then launched into the sultry, Santana-esque number with ease after support from the crowd. Vocally, he didn’t hold back. His ability to switch between soft melodies and raw, expressive wails (especially on Kimi ni Negai wo) was one of the night’s many highlights.
Throughout the set, MIYAVI celebrated not just his new deluxe album release but his whole journey, playing both classics and deeper cuts that showed off his growth. From the explosive BE STRONG to the crowd-pleasing You Already Know and No Sleep Till Tokyo, the crowd screamed lyrics back at him with unrelenting energy. By the time the main set closed, it was obvious an encore was inevitable. Fans roared his name until he returned, phone in hand to film the moment, grinning at the crowd’s unwavering love.
The encore delivered the emotional capstone the show deserved. One More Time gave everyone a chance to sway, arms raised and hearts full, while The Others got the entire venue clapping in unison—a celebration of unity and difference. MIYAVI closed out the night with Day 1, an explosive anthem that brought the house down. Even after recently injuring his thumb at his New York show, he showed no signs of slowing down. Toronto got the full MIYAVI experience: vulnerability, wild energy, technical brilliance, and sincere gratitude. An unforgettable night from an artist who continues to redefine what a rock show can be.
Keep up with the latest on MIYAVI on his Instagram and Website.
