Said the Whale Blast Through Hits at Juno Fest - Spinner

In the last month, Vancouver'sSaid the Whalehad gear stolen from their van in Sacramento, Calif., toured the states and played SXSW. It's been a rocky American road. So coming back to their native land to celebrate their Juno Award nomination seemed to lift spirits all around at their Juno Fest performance.

"Wowsers we sure are pleased to be in Canada at the moment!"exclaimed vocalist and guitaristBen Worcesterat Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern on Friday night (March 25). He then rattled off a list of Canadian things, such as what tourists usually remark on: beer and colorful money.

Watch Said the Whale's 'This City's A Mess'

Said the Whale's nominated for Best New Group of the Year, and will find out if they win on Sunday's broadcast, hosted by Drake. They're up againstDie Mannequin,Misteur Valaire,My Darkest DaysandHollerado, the latter of which Worcester supported by wearing their T-shirt.

"Craziness is the most accurate word for what's happening,"vocalist and guitaristTyler Bancrofttold Spinner after the set."It's an insane, humbling experience."

The five-piece performed after rapperD-Sisive, Rap Recording nominee and beforeJustin Rutledge, Solo Roots and Traditional Album nominee. They blasted through hits from their albums 'Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia' and 'Islands Disappear.'

Songs such as 'The Light is You,' 'Camilo (The Magician)' and 'Holly, Ontario' got the crowd singing and clapping, but they were captivated by every moment, including the new songs 'Jesse,' '1980' and 'Lines.'

As the show was broadcasted by CBC Radio 3, the group used their time in-between songs as jokes for the listeners, making up what was happening from"boobies being flashed"to"there's a teddy bear wearing a diaper"or back flips on fire, and so on.

Listeners also missed Bancroft breaking a guitar string at the end of the set,Spencer Schoeningdrumming on the ceiling light rafter and an introduction to new bass playerNathan Shaw.

The band raved about SXSW, especially since new gear has been donated."It was everything it was hyped up to be,"Schoening said to Spinner. But as someone who was attacked by a woman wielding a container of mustard randomly at the festival -- on camera, no less -- he laughed,"Luckily I love mustard!"

Watch the Mustard Incident

Take note, condiment loving fans, as the band will tour withDinosaur Bonesand Tokyo Police Clubin April.

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