Photos and review by Nicole Sepulveda
@__nik__pics

Metric kicked off their two-night stint at The Masonic in San Francisco on June 21, 2026, with a stellar lineup that included Stars and Broken Social Scene as opening acts. The first night was completely packed, which wasn’t surprising given the amazing bands that were set to perform. What was really cool about this show was that the opening acts didn’t feel like just your typical warm-up bands—they were a big part of why people showed up in the first place. It was more like a triple-headliner kind of vibe, where each band brought its own unique energy to the table. The crowd was clearly stoked to see all three bands perform, and the sold-out audience was a testament to the excitement surrounding this lineup.

Stars started the night, followed by Broken Social Scene, and because there is so much overlap and history between these bands, the show quickly started to feel more collaborative than structured. Members of Stars joined Broken Social Scene for a few songs, and Emily Haines came out during their set too, which made the whole night feel a little more special before Metric had even started.

The link between Metric, Stars, and Broken Social Scene is really strong. They all emerged from the Canadian indie-rock scene in the early 2000s, and over the years, the members have worked together on music projects. Emily Haines and Jimmy Shaw have both been involved with Broken Social Scene, and Amy Millan and Evan Cranley from Stars have also been connected to the group. So, when they all shared the stage, it didn’t feel like a coincidence, it was more like a mini-reunion of the scene that defined a particular time in indie music. It was a special moment, bringing back memories of an era that was all about creating something new and exciting. The fact that they all came together like that made it feel like a celebration of the music and the friendships that have lasted all these years.

When Metric finally took the stage, they didn’t need a lot of fancy stuff. The setup was pretty simple: just four musicians, some clean lighting, and songs that were already powerful enough to fill the room. You might think that a stripped-down stage would make the show feel kind of small, but that wasn’t what happened here. Metric was able to keep the crowd dancing and singing along, and they didn’t need a huge production to make it happen. They just let their music do the work, and it was totally effective. The crowd was into it from start to finish, and Metric’s performance was all the more impressive because of how straightforward and uncomplicated it was.

What really stands out to me about their live performances is how authentic they sound—it’s genuinely like listening to Metric. They’ve managed to strike this perfect balance where their songs retain the polished quality of their recordings, yet still feel uniquely alive and spontaneous, rather than just being a carbon copy of the studio version. Emily Haines’ voice is instantly recognizable, and her stage presence is truly captivating. The band itself is incredibly tight, but in a way that feels organic and natural, rather than overly rehearsed or rigid. It’s only when you’re surrounded by a sold-out crowd, with everyone singing along to their hits, that you’re reminded of just how many iconic songs Metric has in their repertoire.

That was definitely a highlight of the show—when they played “Help I’m Alive,” it was like the whole place came alive. I was really rooting for them to play “Sick Muse” too, but unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. Still, you can’t be too disappointed when they bust out “Black Sheep” for the encore—that song always gets the crowd going, and this time was no exception. The energy in the room was electric, and everyone was feeding off it. I’m still holding out hope that they’ll play “Glass Ceiling” next time they’re in town, so I’ll just keep putting it out there into the universe and see what happens.

The highlight of the evening was when Metric invited Stars and Broken Social Scene to join them for performances of “Synthetica” and “Loyal.” At this point, the show had fully captured the essence of what made this lineup so special. It wasn’t just about nostalgia, although that was certainly a part of it. Instead, it felt like witnessing a group of artists who have maintained their connection, continued to innovate, and still genuinely relish sharing the stage together. The energy was palpable, and it was clear that these musicians have a deep appreciation for each other’s company. As they performed together, it was as if no time had passed at all, and they fell into a comfortable rhythm that was a joy to watch. The crowd was fully engaged, and the sense of camaraderie between the artists was infectious, making for a truly unforgettable experience.

Metric is currently touring behind their newest album, Romanticize the Dive, with more dates ahead after their San Francisco run. But night one at The Masonic had its own little magic because of the lineup, the history, and the way the crowd showed up for all of it. No over-the-top production, no unnecessary theatrics—just a sold-out room, a very good band, and a reminder that some songs age really, really well.