There is something profoundly special about witnessing a band celebrate the foundation of their legacy. On October 22, 2026, Toronto’s historic Lee’s Palace played host to an electrifying night of rock and alternative grit as Icon For Hire rolled into town for the 15th-anniversary tour of their breakout debut album, Scripted. Bringing along a support lineup featuring local artist Lauren Babic and Elijah.
Kicking off the evening was Toronto native Lauren Babic, who commanded the stage from the very first chord and chose violence in the absolute best way possible. Armed with heavy breakdowns and guttural deep screams, Babic set a ferocious tone that vibrated through the floorboards and carried the room’s adrenaline right up to the end of her set.
Balancing brutal heaviness with infectious crowd command, she treated the audience to a string of undeniable bangers, including Why? and Sanctuary. True to her roots, having initially built her musical identity sharing viral covers on YouTube, she also delivered a jaw-dropping, crushing rendition of Britney Spears‘ Toxic.. Watching Babic seamlessly bridge her early internet roots with the fierce, independent artistry of her original material proved that she is a force to be reckoned with in modern heavy music.
Following the opening set, Elijah took over the reins, treating the room to a journey that balanced raw aggression with striking vulnerability. His music acts as a bridge between high-energy mosh-pit anthems and deep, introspective storytelling, effortlessly pulling the audience along for the ride.
Elijah’s stage presence is as welcoming as it is intense. Between commanding the room for immersive crowd-participation moments, like having the entire venue illuminated with a sea of phone lights, to opening up the floor for a mosh pit, he ensured every single person in attendance felt included in the experience. Driven by tracks like Easy To Drown, Virus, and Harder To Lie.
When the lights finally dimmed for Icon For Hire, anticipation in the room reached a fever pitch. Celebrating a remarkable 15-year milestone since the release of their debut album Scripted, the band didn’t just play a concert, they took the audience on a retrospective journey through the trials, triumphs, and sheer endurance that shaped their career.
Hearing the seminal tracks that defined a generation of alternative fans reimagined with the wisdom and power of a decade and a half of touring was nothing short of magical. Icon For Hire laid bare the struggles and evolution that kept them moving forward through the music industry’s ups and downs, turning the anniversary celebration into an intimate, triumphant testament to longevity, survival, and unwavering fan devotion. It was a night where past and present collided, leaving Toronto fans with memories that will last another 15 years.
To keep up with the band, and see if they’re coming to your city on the tour, check out their Instagram!
