Bush – Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour with Filter & Rival Sons
Bush – Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour with Filter & Rival Sons
Location: Ottawa | Date: May 6, 2025
Review and photos by Cole Lewis of The Photo Roadies
The Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour rolled into Ottawa with an electric mix of nostalgia, raw talent, and full-throttle performances from three bands who know how to command a stage.
Filter opened the night with a moody, atmospheric set that set the tone just right. Emerging from the shadows under a haze of blue, purple, and green lighting, they immediately transported the crowd back to the late ’90s and early 2000s. With a setlist stacked with fan favorites, the band sounded as strong as ever. Frontman Richard Patrick’s voice still carries that unmistakable edge, and his presence was anything but distant—at one point grabbing a fan’s phone and filming part of the performance from the stage, to the delight of the crowd. It was a perfectly eerie yet energetic start to the evening.
Next up, Rival Sons brought the groove and swagger. Jay Buchanan—barefoot and dressed with his usual laid-back class—owned every inch of the stage, moving with soulful intensity. The band delivered their signature blend of blues-infused rock with precision and passion. As always, Rival Sons proved they’re one of the most consistently solid live acts around, lifting the energy and warming the crowd up for the headliners.
Bush closed out the night with exactly the kind of explosive performance fans have come to expect. Gavin Rossdale was a force—whether he was running into the crowd, singing shoulder-to-shoulder with fans in the back rows, or shredding through classic hits that defined a generation. Bush’s set was a wave of nostalgia and raw rock energy, reminding long-time fans why the band has had such lasting power. In a slightly offbeat (and endearing) moment, Rossdale mistakenly gave a shout out to Montreal while standing in Ottawa, a slip that was met with confusion but carried on. It was clear that he was caught up in the rush of performing—geography be damned.
The Loaded tour lived up to its name, packed with iconic songs, killer performances, and a reminder of the enduring power of live rock. For those who grew up with these bands, it was a night that hit all the right notes
Bush – 60 Ways To Forget People
Rival Sons – Open My Eyes
Filter
