Hollywood Undead Live @ Hard Rock Ottawa Feat. Ekoh

Hollywood Undead Bring High-Energy Celebration to Ottawa’s Hard Rock Live

Photos and review by Cole Lewis

If the opening moments of Ekoh’s set were any indication, Ottawa was in for a hell of a night.

Opening with “Pressure” and “Let Down,” Ekoh immediately established the energy for the evening and never really let it drop. His ability to connect with the crowd was one of the highlights of the opening set, as he continuously found ways to turn a concert audience into something that felt much more like a community.

About halfway through his set, Ekoh made his way down to the fence to get closer to the crowd with DJ Kode Bear, encouraging fans to throw their hands in the air during “Ted Talk.” He took a moment to reflect on what makes live music special: in a concert space, you aren’t experiencing the music alone. You’re surrounded by people who can connect through the shared energy of the moment.

Then he put that connection to the ultimate test.

Trusting the Ottawa crowd completely, Ekoh stepped into the hands of fans and performed while they held him up before launching into a crowd surf that allowed him to get even closer to the audience. It was exactly the kind of spontaneous interaction that makes a live show memorable.

And, of course, Ekoh wasn’t going to leave Ottawa without his now-famous Vans shoe signing. True to his promise, he invited fans to throw their shoes onto the stage, with the collected footwear to be signed and returned at the merch table between sets. It’s an unconventional tradition, but one that perfectly captures the playful and personal approach Ekoh brings to his performances.

By the time Hollywood Undead took the stage, the crowd was more than ready.

And fortunately, the band was just as ready for Ottawa.

Ottawa crowds may not always be the biggest, but this one was mighty; and they came prepared to celebrate. Hollywood Undead’s blend of pop, alternative rock and metal gives all five members an opportunity to shine, with a wide range of vocal styles contributing to the band’s distinctive sound.

They kicked off their set with the ever-popular “Undead” followed by “1×1,” and it was immediately clear that this was going to be a high-energy night.

The band made full use of the stage, constantly moving from one side to the other and engaging with different sections of the room. Combined with the lighting and production, that movement ensured that the experience wasn’t reserved for the people pressed against the barricade. Whether you were at the front or further back in the concert hall, there was always something happening to pull you into the show.

The audience itself was an interesting mix. There were clearly dedicated super fans who knew every word, while others appeared to be experiencing Hollywood Undead for the first time. By the end of the night, more than a few of those newcomers looked like they had just joined the fan club.

That’s part of what makes a Hollywood Undead show work so well. The band’s music has enough range to bring different kinds of listeners together, while the live performance turns that shared interest into a collective experience.

From Ekoh’s crowd surfing and shoe-signing tradition to Hollywood Undead’s relentless energy, Hard Rock Live Ottawa was treated to a night that felt less like simply watching a concert and more like being part of one.

Hollywood Undead have always known how to put on a show, and Ottawa was more than happy to give them the crowd they deserved.