🎤 Icons on Ice: The Greatest Concerts Ever Held at the Edmonton Coliseum
Before it was retired from active use, the Edmonton Coliseum (formerly known as Northlands Coliseum and Rexall Place) wasn’t just the home of hockey legends—it was also the beating heart of live music in Alberta. From thunderous rock concerts to iconic country performances, the Coliseum hosted a staggering roster of music’s most legendary names. It was a place where generations gathered, where legends were born, and where the rafters shook with the sound of raw energy and unforgettable melodies.
Here are just a few of the greatest performances ever to grace the stage of the Edmonton Coliseum:
🧟 Ozzy Osbourne – Prince of Darkness in Edmonton
Ozzy Osbourne delivered two renowned performances at the Coliseum:
June 8, 1982 – Diary of a Madman Tour
On this leg of his second solo tour, Ozzy debuted heavy classics like Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley at Northlands Coliseum, cementing his solo stardomJune 8, 1996 – Retirement Sucks! Tour (co-headline with Filter)
Ozzy returned with Gordon’s gritty vocals and Filter’s industrial edge opening, delivering a high-energy, unforgettable night
Ozzy’s shows were theatrical, intense, and unforgettable—true shock-rock spectacles that shook the Coliseum’s walls.
🎸 AC/DC – Pure Voltage
Few bands brought the house down quite like AC/DC. Known for their explosive energy and raw, unrelenting rock anthems, the Australian powerhouse lit up the Coliseum multiple times over the decades.
July 13, 1980 – Back in Black Tour
This show marked Brian Johnson’s debut tour with the band following Bon Scott’s passing.June 21, 1991 – The Razors Edge World Tour
Featuring Thunderstruck and Moneytalks, this show brought the Coliseum to its knees.
With Angus Young duckwalking across the stage and Johnson’s vocals echoing through the building, fans describe the experience as “pure electricity.” Songs like Back in Black and Highway to Hell turned the Coliseum into a cathedral of hard rock.
🤘 Metallica – Metal Militia in Edmonton
Metallica’s visits to Edmonton were nothing short of seismic.
May 28, 1997 – Poor Touring Me Tour
Touring behind Load and Reload, this show delivered blistering renditions of Master of Puppets and Enter Sandman.
Whether in the 90s or returning in later decades (like their 2024 M72 World Tour at Commonwealth Stadium), Metallica treated Edmonton like a second home, and the feeling was mutual. The energy at the Coliseum was so intense it felt like the ice beneath the floor might crack.
🌶️ Red Hot Chili Peppers – Funk Meets Fire
With their genre-bending mix of funk, punk, and rock, the Red Hot Chili Peppers delivered unforgettable sets that left audiences sweating and satisfied.
October 11, 2003 – By the Way Tour
The band’s chemistry and emotional punch made this Skyreach Centre (formerly Coliseum) show legendary.
Their performances, particularly during the Californication and By the Way eras, were epic and electric. With Flea’s basslines bouncing off the walls and Anthony Kiedis commanding the stage, fans were treated to a fusion of chaos and beauty that remains unforgettable.
👑 Reba McEntire – The Queen of Country Reigns
A true favorite in Edmonton, Reba McEntire turned the Coliseum into a celebration of storytelling and soulful country music.
October 13, 1995 – Read My Mind Tour
July 19, 2013 – All the Women I Am Tour at Rexall Place
Her concerts were polished, heartfelt, and powerful—resonating deeply with Alberta’s country-loving crowd. Her legacy is now envisioned as a proposed statue: Queen Reba, raising a scepter, flanked by Wynonna Judd and Clint Black, with Naomi “Momma” Judd embracing them—symbolizing the emotional bond between artist and audience.
🧟 Rob Zombie – Shock Rock Spectacle
When Rob Zombie hit the Coliseum, it was more than a concert—it was a full-blown horror rock extravaganza.
October 10, 2010 – Halloween Hootenanny Tour (with Alice Cooper & Murderdolls)
With intense visuals, pyrotechnics, and thundering sound, Zombie transformed the venue into a haunted circus of shock and spectacle. Fans still rave about the theatrical insanity of his shows and their immersive madness.
🕊️ Elton John – Rocket Man Lands in Edmonton
Sir Elton John has long had a special relationship with Canadian fans, and his Coliseum appearances were truly unforgettable.
May 7, 1980 – A Single Man Tour
September 18, 1999 – Medusa Tour
Whether performing Tiny Dancer, Your Song, or Rocket Man, Elton brought elegance, showmanship, and deep emotion to the stage—reminding everyone that legends don’t need volume to leave a lasting impact.
🔥 Guns N’ Roses – Welcome to the Jungle, Edmonton Edition
During their legendary early tours, Guns N’ Roses brought their signature chaos and charisma to the Coliseum.
June 2, 1993 – Use Your Illusion Tour
From Sweet Child O’ Mine to Paradise City, fans witnessed the band at their rawest and most unpredictable, making it one of the most iconic rock performances in venue history.
⚡ Other Iconic Acts That Lit Up the Stage
Bon Jovi – Arena rock at its finest, with singalongs that shook the roof.
KISS – Pyrotechnics, face paint, and a stage presence unmatched.
Pearl Jam – Gritty, grunge-infused energy during the ’90s peak.
Neil Young – A hometown hero bringing depth and honesty to the stage.
Bryan Adams – Canada’s own rock anthem machine.
Shania Twain – Country-pop spectacle and homegrown star power.
Crosby, Stills & Nash, Johnny Cash, Alanis Morissette, and countless more made unforgettable stops at the Coliseum.
🎶 A Venue of Legends
The Edmonton Coliseum was more than just a concert venue. It was a rite of passage for fans and performers alike—a space where legends met their audience in a shared explosion of sound and spirit. Though the amps may now be silent, the echoes of those legendary nights still ring through the halls, waiting to be remembered—and perhaps, revived.
With proposed plans to honor the venue’s musical history through statues, tribute walls, and revitalization efforts, there’s hope that the Coliseum’s legacy won’t just live in memories—it will stand in bronze, story, and song for generations to come.