Metric Proves Great Music Only Gets Better With Age, Phoenix, Arizona 6/17/26

Posted on June 20, 2026 by Rockstar Culture in Concert Reviews // 0 Comments

▣The Arizona Financial Theatre | Phoenix, Arizona  ▣Wednesday, June 17th 2026
▣Photographer/Journalist: Orion Knight

On Wednesday night, Canadian rock band Metric took over Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, delivering a performance that reminded everyone why they have remained one of alternative rock’s most respected acts for more than two decades. As someone who has been a fan since 2012 but had never experienced them live, this show felt long overdue. By the end of the night, it was clear that Metric isn’t just a great studio band. They’re a phenomenal live band as well.

For many fans, myself included, Metric first entered our lives through “Black Sheep,” the unforgettable track featured in the cult classic Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. While that song may have introduced many listeners to the band, their catalog runs much deeper, and their Phoenix setlist showcased exactly why they have built such a dedicated following.

A musician performing on stage, singing into a microphone while playing a yellow electric guitar, wearing a dark jacket and green cap, with bright stage lights and smoke in the background.

From the opening notes of “Victim of Luck” through fan favorites like “Youth Without Youth,” “Monster Hospital,” and “Poster of a Girl,” Metric commanded the stage with confidence and precision. The band’s production quality was exceptional. Every light cue, visual element, and musical transition felt carefully crafted without ever overshadowing the songs themselves.

One of the biggest highlights of the evening was watching frontwoman Emily Haines perform. Her voice sounded every bit as powerful and distinctive as it does on the records. In an era where many artists rely heavily on backing tracks or altered arrangements, Metric delivered songs that sounded remarkably faithful to their recorded versions. In fact, there were moments when the band’s performance was so accurate that I briefly found myself wondering if the records were somehow playing underneath them. Of course they weren’t. The reality was much more impressive. Metric is simply that good.

The musicianship throughout the night was equally impressive. Watching guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Shaw seamlessly move between guitar and synthesizers added another layer to the performance. His ability to shift between roles while maintaining the band’s signature sound highlighted just how skilled the members of Metric are at their craft. Every song felt polished, yet never sterile. There was still an unmistakable energy that can only come from a live performance.

A particularly memorable moment came before the band performed “Crush Forever” Emily took a moment to speak with the audience about the song, explaining that writing it brought her back to being 17 years old. She described it as “my love letter to strong girls in this world.” It was a simple but heartfelt introduction that gave the song additional emotional weight. Hearing those words before the performance made the track resonate even more deeply with the audience and offered a glimpse into the personal connection she still has with the music.

As the night continued through songs like “Risk,” “Leave You on a High,” “All Comes Crashing,” and “Now or Never Now,” the crowd remained fully engaged. Whether singing along to every lyric or simply taking in the performance, the audience clearly appreciated the opportunity to see a band operating at such a high level.

A performer with short blonde hair, wearing a black jacket and shorts, singing into a microphone on stage with smoke and blue lighting in the background.

As a concert photographer, it’s always exciting to capture artists who fully inhabit the stage. Metric made that easy. Every member brought energy and presence, creating countless moments worth documenting. As a fan, however, I found myself frequently lowering the camera just to take it all in.
After more than a decade of listening to Metric’s music, finally seeing them live exceeded every expectation I had. Their combination of incredible musicianship, thoughtful production, and genuine passion for their work resulted in one of the most impressive performances I’ve seen this year. Metric proved that great songs stand the test of time, and that some bands only get better with age.

Check out our contributor photographer, Orion Knight photos now!

METRIC

A female musician performing on stage, wearing a black leather jacket and styled hair, with a microphone stand in the foreground and stage lights in the background.
A musician performing on stage, wearing a black leather jacket and earrings, with a microphone and camera setup in the foreground against a blue-lit backdrop.
A performer with blonde hair, wearing a black jacket, is focused on their music equipment on stage, holding a microphone and appearing to adjust or write something, with dramatic lighting in the background.
A performer with short blonde hair wearing a black jacket, focused on their work at a stage with dramatic lighting and a microphone in the foreground.
Musician performing on stage with a yellow electric guitar, wearing a black jacket and green cap, microphone in front of him, spotlight shining in the background.
A female performer singing into a microphone while playing a keyboard, with a drummer in the background. The stage is lit with dramatic lighting and a digital backdrop.
A guitarist and a female vocalist performing on stage with microphones, surrounded by dramatic lighting and smoke effects.
A male musician playing guitar and singing into a microphone, looking at a female singer performing with a microphone in hand on stage, with dramatic lighting and musical equipment in the background.
A male musician with a guitar performing on stage alongside a female singer, both engaging with the audience. The background features blue lighting and stage equipment.
A drummer performing on stage, surrounded by drum kits and cymbals, with dramatic lighting and visual effects in the background.
A performer with blonde hair wearing a black leather jacket on stage, engaging with the audience.
A female musician performing on stage, wearing a black jacket and showcasing a side profile with microphone in view, illuminated by stage lights.
A musician singing into a microphone while playing an electric guitar on stage, surrounded by dramatic lighting and smoke.
A performer singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a black leather jacket and holding a tambourine. The background features illuminated stage lights and instruments.
Silhouette of a singer performing on stage with a microphone, surrounded by dramatic lighting and fog.
A drummer performing on stage with illuminated equipment and a bright backdrop of lights.
A female artist performing on stage with a microphone, dressed in a black leather jacket and shorts. A male bassist stands in the background, surrounded by band equipment and dramatic lighting.
A female singer performing on stage, wearing a black leather jacket and shorts, with a microphone in hand, illuminated by blue stage lights and surrounded by smoke.
A female performer singing passionately into a microphone while wearing a black leather jacket and shorts, with stage lights in the background.
A diverse group of concertgoers watching a performance, displaying expressions of excitement and engagement while standing at the front of the stage.
A female singer performing on stage, holding a microphone and wearing a black leather jacket and shorts, with dramatic lighting in the background.
A musician standing on stage with an electric guitar, performing in low-light conditions with smoke effects in the background.
A musician performing on stage with a synthesizer, surrounded by band members playing guitar, bass, and drums, with stage lights and smoke in the background.
A musician playing an electric guitar on stage, surrounded by dramatic lighting and smoke effects.
A male guitarist performs on stage with a microphone, while a female musician plays a keyboard nearby. In the background, a drummer is visible. The scene is illuminated by stage lighting and surrounded by smoke.
Silhouette of a musician performing on stage with illuminated background lights and smoke.
Silhouette of a musician performing on stage with a microphone, surrounded by fog and bright lights in the background.
A female singer passionately performing on stage with a microphone, wearing a black leather jacket and shorts, while a male musician plays in the background.
A bassist performing on stage with one hand raised and a focused expression, while a drummer is visible in the background. The scene is illuminated by stage lights with a smoky ambiance.
A musician playing the bass guitar on stage, dressed in a black shirt. The background features various stage lights and musical equipment, with a band member visible working on a synthesizer.
A female singer in a black leather jacket performs passionately on stage, holding a microphone, with stage lighting creating a dramatic atmosphere.
Musician performing on stage with an electric guitar, illuminated by bright stage lights against a dark background.
A female singer wearing a black leather jacket and shorts performs on stage, holding a microphone, with a male musician playing guitar in the background.
A female singer performing on stage, holding a microphone and wearing a black leather jacket and shorts, with a male bassist in the background.
A drummer performing on stage with a microphone stand and a vocalist partially visible in the foreground, illuminated by stage lights and surrounded by a hazy atmosphere.
A female singer on stage wearing a black leather jacket and holding a microphone, with a dramatic lighting setup highlighting her presence.
A musician performing on stage with a microphone, silhouetted against colorful stage lights, while a drummer is visible in the background.
A dark concert scene featuring a tambourine and a microphone stand in the foreground, with a drummer partially visible in the background.
Silhouette of a performer on stage with dramatic lighting and smoke, surrounded by musical instruments.
A musician with blonde hair, dressed in a black leather jacket, focused on performing at a concert, with stage lighting in the background.
A bassist performing on stage, wearing a patterned black shirt and playing a multi-colored bass guitar.

Check out their website for more info –

Metric

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