Shania Twain got to check off a longtime wish on Friday night when she performed at Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern, the small Queen Street venue she had dreamed of playing for years. The country-pop star, who is usually associated with arenas and stadiums, delivered an intimate set in the 500-capacity room, leaning into a mix of familiar hits and songs from her upcoming album, Little Miss Twain.
According to the report, the sold-out underplay drew $40 tickets that disappeared within minutes and could not be transferred. A limited number of spots were reserved for contest winners, media, industry guests, and others, while fans outside could hear the show but could not see the stage, which sits deep in the back of the bar. Twain opened with “Come On Over” and “Any Man of Mine,” then told the crowd it felt like the “best night ever” and a full-circle moment after years of hoping to make it there.
The performance was built around autobiographical material tied to her upbringing in Timmins, Ontario, and to life in “the North.” Twain shared stories about her mother, father, truck, early driving experience, ripped blue jeans, and the idea of a fantasy man, all of which fed into the new material. She even repeated some verses after singing them with the band, wanting the audience to catch every line. Backed by a six-piece group that included four women and longtime music director Brent Barcus, Twain played guitar through most of the 75-minute set, which also included the rootsy “Dirty Rosie,” the soul-leaning “I’d Be Loving Me,” and the harmony-driven “Stranger Things.”
The Horseshoe itself added to the significance of the night. Now 78 years old, the venue has hosted a long list of artists over the years, from Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, and Willie Nelson to the Rolling Stones, the Ramones, Foo Fighters, and Bryan Adams. Twain also pointed to its history as a place tied to country music and to figures like Stompin’ Tom Connors, making her first appearance there feel especially meaningful.
Source: rollingstone.com
