“Thornley stands out to me as one of the best guitar players alive today” – Ultimate Guitar
Toronto rock powerhouse formed at Berklee in Boston, Big Wreck is roaring into 2025 with new music and a tour. Hot on the heels of being crowned official ambassadors for Record Store Day Canada —a title reserved for iconic and influential artists with an enduring influence on Canadian culture – a JUNO nomination for Rock Album of the Year, and a legacy that continues to shake the walls, Big Wreck isn’t just riding a wave—they’re creating one!
New single

Their latest single, the thunderous “Believer,” hits like a sonic shockwave, showcasing a band at the top of their game.
With “Believer,” Big Wreck continues to push creative boundaries, seamlessly blending technical mastery with raw emotional depth.The groove captures the organic, almost instinctual birth of the track—one that radiates both spontaneity and precision. True to form, Big Wreck elevates the guitar from mere accompaniment to a central storyteller, crafting a melodic narrative that speaks as powerfully as the lyrics themselves. “Believer” exemplifies the band’s evolution while staying rooted in the authenticity that has defined their career. It’s a testament to Big Wreck’s enduring artistry—an explosive, soul-stirring anthem that reinforces why they remain a towering force in modern rock.
Ian says, “The groove always felt right in this one. It was written fast, it started with the riff and just kept going. It was important to me, too, that the guitar part had its own narrative, I wanted it to tell its own story.”
LISTEN TO BELIEVER HERE
WATCH BELIEVER VIDEO HERE
Fresh off a string of USA shows in New York, Boston, and Buffalo (some of which sold out!) and a powerhouse performance on the high seas with the Creed Cruise—Big Wreck is back on home turf and ready to bring the noise. This summer, the band hits the road across Canada including 12 shows in Ontario, lighting up festivals with their signature blend of raw power and refined musicianship.
See all of Big Wreck’s Canadian dates below:
05.31.25 Fergus, ON @ Meadows Music Festival
06.14.25 Burlington, ON @ Sound of Music Festival
06.20.25 Sarnia, ON @ Bluewater Festival
06.27.25 Halifax, NS @ Halifax Music Fest
06.28.25 Humboldt, SK @ Living Skies Music Festival
07.01.25 Winnipeg, MB @ Princess Auto Statium
07.05.25 Fort Mcmurray, AB @ SMS Equipment Stadium
07.11.25 Whitby, ON @ Ribfest, Victoria Fields
07.19.25 Thunder Bay, ON @ Bayfest
07.26.25 Kitchener, ON @ Wayback Festival
08.02.25 Mulhurst Bay, AB @ Pigeon Lake Music Festival
08.08.25 Bala, ON @ The Kee
08.09.25 Woodstock, ON @ Cowapalooza
08.16.25 Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
08.19.25 Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place
08.20.25 Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
08.22.25 Niagara on the Lake, ON @ Jackson Triggs Amphitheater
08.23.25 Picton, ON @ Rock the County Music Festival
Get tickets at THIS LOCATION
Catching up with Big Wreck
Led by the legendary Ian Thornley, a guitarist and vocalist whose name has become synonymous with virtuosic playing and emotive songwriting, Big Wreck first took the rock world by storm in 1997 with their platinum-certified debut album, In Loving Memory Of…, which spawned timeless hits like “The Oaf”, “That Song”, and “Blown Wide Open.” Over the years, Thornley’s unparalleled ability to fuse progressive rock, blues, and alternative influences has earned the band critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase that spans generations.
Big Wreck Is: Ian Thornley as lead singer/guitarist, Dave McMillan on bass, Chris Caddell also on guitar and Sekou Lumumba pounding the drum kit.
With albums like Albatross (2012) and Ghosts (2014) breaking the top 5 spots on the Billboard Canadian Albums Chart, and tracks like “Albatross” making history as the band’s first No. 1 hit on Canadian rock radio, Big Wreck has proven time and again that they are not just survivors but pioneers in the genre. Their impact extends beyond Canada, with a massive presence in the U.S. rock scene and a reputation for delivering jaw-dropping live performances that leave fans and critics alike in awe.
article supplied by Sarah Lutz
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