The Lumineers Bring Their Automatic Tour to Life in Toronto’s Budweiser Stage

Written and Captured By | Richard Nichol

What an unforgettable night it was at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on Monday, September 8, 2025, when The Lumineers brought their Automatic World Tour to town. The venue buzzed with anticipation well before the headlining act took the stage, setting the tone for an evening of musical excellence and emotional connection that lived up to every expectation.

The evening kicked off with an opening performance by rising singer-songwriter Chance Peña, whose artistry set the perfect mood. Blending heartfelt storytelling with a modern take on traditional folk, Peña captivated the audience with his sincerity and depth. His set was both refreshing and deeply grounded, proving that he’s not just an opening act, but a star in the making.

When The Lumineers finally took the stage, the energy in the air became electric. They launched into their set with “Same Old Song,” the exuberant opening track from their latest album, Automatic. The crowd immediately roared in response, and from that moment onward, the band held their audience in a powerful musical grip. The performance that followed was a masterclass in balance—flawlessly weaving together new material with the hits that made them beloved around the world.

Songs like “Flowers in Your Hair,” “Angela,” “Cleopatra,” and the ever-iconic “Ho Hey” sent waves of nostalgia and joy through the audience, while newer tracks such as “You’re All I Got” demonstrated their evolution as artists. The song selection was thoughtful and seamless, showcasing not only their range in songwriting but also their ability to move between intimate acoustic moments and anthemic singalongs with ease.

A particularly compelling aspect of the show was the band’s instrumental fluidity. Throughout the night, members of The Lumineers frequently rotated between instruments—guitars, pianos, drums, mandolins, and more—creating a richly textured soundscape. This constant interplay added a dynamic, living quality to the performance, reinforcing the band’s collaborative spirit and musical versatility. It wasn’t just a concert; it felt like an immersive experience, with every member contributing to a larger story unfolding on stage.

Midway through the show, an especially memorable moment occurred during their performance of “Big Parade.” Each band member was introduced and invited to sing a verse, an artistic choice that emphasized the ensemble nature of the group. It was a beautiful, communal moment that not only showcased the talent of each individual but also highlighted the genuine camaraderie that defines The Lumineers.

As if the night wasn’t already brimming with highlights, fans were treated to a surprise guest appearance by none other than Zach Bryan. His unannounced entrance brought an extra surge of excitement, and together with lead singer Wesley Schultz, the duo performed an emotional rendition of their collaborative track, “Spotless.” The song resonated deeply, adding an unexpected and heartwarming layer to the already powerful evening.

The Lumineers brought their set to a close with an impassioned performance of “Stubborn Love,” leaving the crowd in awe. The energy, the artistry, the connection—it all culminated in a crescendo that seemed to suspend time. Though the main set ended, the night didn’t conclude without an encore, as the band returned to deliver a final burst of energy, giving their fans a few more treasured moments before saying goodnight.

From start to finish, the evening was more than just a concert—it was a shared journey through sound, memory, and raw emotion. Whether you came for the classics or to discover something new, The Lumineers’ Toronto stop on the Automatic World Tour was nothing short of magical.