By Mike Su, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
Iconic Canadian band Glass Tiger is heading back to Milton this weekend for the first time in decades, bringing new music and nostalgia with them.
Formed in 1981, Glass Tiger quickly made waves in the local bar scene. Their success led to a record deal with Capitol Records in 1985, impacting Canada’s rock music world.
Glass Tiger’s keyboardist Sam Reid said, “The last time we performed in Milton was back in the 1980s. It’s been a very, very long time, and we’re excited to be back.”
The performance will be held at FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton, as part of the band’s This Island Earth tour. The show will feature all the classics fans know and love, such as “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” and “Someday”. Reid said fans can expect a playlist filled with their most beloved songs, along with some surprises.
Adding to the evening’s retro vibe, former MuchMusic VJ Erica Ehm will host the event, offering fans a journey to the music culture of the 1980s.
As an Ontario-based band hailing from Newmarket, the Milton performance feels close to home for Glass Tiger. Many of their friends and family are expected to attend, adding a personal touch to the show. The venue, where the band is playing for the first time, also offers an intimate setting. Reid said smaller theatres like Milton’s provide a cozy, living-room feel that lets the band connect with the audience on a deeper level.
“Whether it’s a crowd of 100 or 10,000, we always try to make sure the audience is singing along and having a great time,” Reid said.
The show is part of a milestone celebration for the band, which formed in 1981 and released their debut album, Thin Red Line, in 1986. Over the years, they’ve maintained a loyal fan base while evolving as artists.Their current tour also revisits some of their lesser-played tracks, including “Looking at a Picture”, which hasn’t been performed live in 30 years. The band plans to pair the song with video clips showcasing highlights from their decades-long career.
“It’s nostalgic for us and the fans, and during the show, we’ll have a video backdrop featuring clips from the past 40 years. It’s a real look back at everything we’ve done,” Reid said.
Despite their long history, the band’s collaborative songwriting process hasn’t changed much. While their music now carries a more reflective tone, connecting with fans remains the driving force behind Glass Tiger’s performances.
“The audience is what keeps us going,” Reid said, “When we’re on stage and everyone’s singing along, it’s the best feeling. If you take the audience away, we’d probably just stay home.”
After wrapping up the Milton performance, the band will take a short break before continuing their tour in 2025, with stops planned across Canada, including Halifax, Victoria B.C., and Thunder Bay.
For those who haven’t seen the band before, Reid promises an unforgettable night.
“We’re playing really well, and it’s going to be a fantastic night filled with music, memories, and lots of singing. We can’t wait to see everyone in Milton,” Reid said.
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