Annie DiRusso and Daffo in Montreal

Shot and reviewed by Sarah Evangelista

May 31, 2025

Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz

Fans braced the grey and wet weather to see Annie DiRusso and Daffo at Bar le Ritz last weekend and no one regretted a thing.

Photo by Sarah Evangelista

DiRusso was last in the city at L’esco two years ago. This time around, she was celebrating the release of her debut full length Super Pedestrian. The "Back In Town Tour”- titled from one of the album’s singles, has her playing a dream venue of hers (Webster Hall) and meeting new and old supporters along the way.

Opening act Daffo took the stage at 8:30pm. Daffo, AKA Gabi Gamberg was joined by their three bandmates and played songs from their 2023 EP Pest and recent singles such as “Get a Life”. The front row were jumping and singing along to their set with LPs in hand, showing their support for not only DiRusso, but Daffo too. For those who weren’t familiar, they left as new fans.

Next, DiRusso and CO stood in the light. DiRusso's stage presence was magnetic. Her dyed black hair and matching grunge makeup enhanced the evolution DiRusso has gone through since her last time in Montreal, but her energy remained the same - if not more. The setlist consisted of most of the tracks from her debut album and fan favourites like “Don’t Swerve”.

What truly set this concert apart was DiRusso's genuine connection with the audience. Between songs, she engaged in casual conversations, shared personal anecdotes, and even introduced everyone on stage as Annie DiRusso along with their favourite movie (Whiplash, and Ice Age to name a couple).

Annie DiRusso may not play a little venue like le Ritz when she’s back in town (wink wink), so be sure to get on the DiRusso train before she’s found.

Daffo

Annie DiRusso