“Hot” would be a mild way to describe the temperature inside the packed out box at Carlswerk Victoria. Despite several giant industrial fans running throughout the venue, the heat was overwhelming. Just as Cory Wong walked onto the stage, a young woman passed out only a few feet from where I was standing by the photo-pit entrance. A security guard quickly lifted her up and literally carried her out in his arms of the building. With the situation under control, it was time to turn my lens toward Cory Wong and his band. Several fans were also positioned on stage, doing their best to provide the musicians with some much-needed airflow. The stage setup brought the drums to the front left, Cory in the middle, bass on right and keyboard and the horn section in the back.
The speakers blasted Shaggy – Bombastic, the band took stage and they opened the show with tremendous energy, showing no signs of being affected by the sweltering conditions. He was joined by his regular rhythm section: drummer Petar Janjic, bassist Yohannes Tona, and keyboardist Kevin Gastonguay, along with the band’s outstanding horn section. Wong lit up the stage with his impressive guitar skills and relentless playing style, leading the group through a powerful set of modern-day funk.
Songs including Out at Midnight, The Grid Generation, Bluebird, Meditation, Assassin, and Dean Town were all performed with remarkable precision.
One of the things that makes Cory Wong such a compelling performer is the way he allows every member of the band to shine. The musicians are not simply there to accompany him; he is part of the band rather than the sole focus of it. The result is a dynamic and collaborative performance where every player has the opportunity to showcase their talent.
At age 41 Cory Wong released 15 solo albums, adding to that Vulfpeck, The Fearless Flyers and other collars the mileage adds up. That is quite visible and audible in live setting. The ease he plays the Strat it’s a joy to see and hear.
What stands out in a live setting is that the technical difficulty almost disappears from view. His right-hand rhythm technique is incredibly precise, yet it looks effortless. Rather than drawing attention to virtuosity for its own sake, he tends to channel that skill into groove, dynamics, and interaction with the band.
His relationship with the Fender Stratocaster is also a big part of his appeal. The instrument feels like an extension of him: clean, articulate, percussive, and perfectly suited to the rhythmic funk style he’s known for. Watching him lock in with a drummer often feels as much like watching a percussionist as a guitarist.
Another thing audiences notice is his stage presence. With the staggering amount of experience behind it, he projects enthusiasm rather than effort. The combination of deep musicianship, humour, and obvious enjoyment makes his performances feel welcoming rather than intimidating. Cory darts, hops, and grooves across the stage without ever missing a rhythmic beat and the signature beaming smile sets a positive tone for the entire venue, even when the venue feels like a sauna.
