On a warm Saturday night in the vibrant city of Toronto, the iconic Phoenix Concert Theatre became a haven for Canadian hard rock as Killer Dwarfs and Sven Gali were ready to shake the roof off the place. Fans from not only Toronto but from across Canada and the USA shuffled into the historic room, excitement beaming on their faces.
Killer Dwarfs – Sven Gali
Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto – 21 June 2025
Words And Photography: Taylor Cameron
Sven Gali
Kicking off the night were Hamilton, Ontario natives Sven Gali. A setlist curated with a mix of tracks from their debut album and their 2023 release, Bombs And Battlescars, Sven Gali delivered a set of nostalgia meets modern rock.
High energy and passion oozed from the stage, and the atmosphere in the venue was euphoric. Heavy guitar riffs, melodic vocals and rhythmic drum beats shake the room, the bass being felt in your soul. 
Along with their classic tracks, Sven Gali covered the iconic Motörhead song, Ace Of Spades. Although Dave Wanless’ vocals are not as gruff as Lemmy’s unique voice, Sven Gali put their own spin on the Heavy Metal anthem, delivering a fantastic version.
The crowd sang along with their horns raised high in the air.
Slowing things down, the band kicked into Love Don’t Live Here Anymore, a music video that received heavy rotation on Much Music. The crowd visibly enjoyed the ballads performed that evening. 
Under The Influence, the opening track to their debut album, closed out their set on high. Sven Gali pumped up the crowd perfectly. Setting the tone for the evening. They proved they can still rock just as hard as they did in 1992. 
Killer Dwarfs
Playing in downtown Toronto for the first time since 2019, the crowd roared in excitement as the Killer Dwarfs took the stage. Whirling in circles like a spinning top, hair whipping in every which direction, Russ Dwarf was a ball of energy.
His iconic stage presence is still as lively as ever. Forming 44 years ago, the band’s musicianship and chemistry is stronger than ever.
From Tell Me Please through Heavy Mental Breakdown to Last Laugh and Stand Tall, Killer Dwarfs had the entire crowd singing along to the fan favourite tracks.
“I know you don’t want to hear anything new, but this is a new one,” Russ announced before the band kicked into an unreleased track called It Could Be You. A hard rocker with a catchy guitar riff and Def Leppard-esq vocal melodies this fits perfectly into the setlist of their classic tracks. 
Closing out with Keep The Spirit Alive, a track from their second album, Stand Tall, it was the perfect statement to describe the night, as veteran fans and new rockers continue to keep the spirit of ’80s hard rock alive.
The sense of nostalgia has many people hooked, even those who were born after the era ended. 
The lights went down as the band left the stage, leaving the crowd wanting more. A voice from offstage is heard over the PA asking, “Do you want some more Killer Dwarfs?” The crowd cheered. “Come on, you’re gonna have to do better than that,” the voice speaks again, encouraging the audience to get even louder. 
The walls rattled with cheers as the Dwarfs stepped back out onstage to play one last song, Dirty Weapons, a song that has always translated well to the live stage and is arguably one of their best tracks.
From start to finish, the Dwarfs brought a high energy to the stage that was utterly contagious. From onstage antics to live rock ‘n’ roll, a Killer Dwarfs show is bound to have you smiling from ear to ear.
Both bands brought their A-game to The Phoenix Concert Hall, giving fans a night they are sure to remember for years to come.
